The Best Hair Care Routine After the Big Chop

This blog post is a step by step guide on how to create the best hair care routine after the big chop!

The “big chop” is more than just a haircut, it’s a bold step toward embracing your natural hair. It’s when you cut off all your relaxed or damaged ends, leaving behind only your natural texture. For many, this is a moment of liberation, a way to start fresh and fully commit to their natural hair journey. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for months or it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, the big chop marks the beginning of a new chapter in your hair care routine.

Emotionally, the big chop can bring up a mix of feelings. You might feel excited about your new look, but also a little anxious about how to care for your shorter hair. Physically, your hair will feel different, and it might take some time to adjust to styling and maintaining your natural curls or coils. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this journey!

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about caring for your hair after the big chop. From choosing the right products to establishing a routine that works for your new texture, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started on this exciting new hair adventure!

Understanding Your New Hair

After the big chop, one of the first things you’ll notice is how different your hair feels. Understanding your new hair texture, curl pattern, and porosity is key to creating a hair care routine after the big chop that works for you. Your hair’s texture, whether it’s fine, medium, or coarse will determine how much moisture it needs and how it responds to different products. Curl pattern, on the other hand, affects how your hair behaves when wet or dry, and knowing this helps you choose the right styling techniques.

Porosity is another important factor. It’s all about how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. High porosity hair tends to soak up moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, so it might need heavier products. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, can be more resistant to moisture, requiring lighter products and techniques like using heat during deep conditioning.

Need help determining your hair type? Read this blog post on how to identify your hair type 

Emotionally, the big chop can stir up a lot of feelings. You might miss the length or feel unsure about your new look. That’s completely normal. This is a time to practice self-love and patience. Embrace your natural beauty and give yourself time to adjust. Remember, this journey is all about discovering and loving your true self, one curl at a time.

The Best Cleansing hair care Routine after the big chop 

Choosing the Right Shampoo:

When it comes to finding the right shampoo after the big chop, keeping your hair moisturized is crucial. Sulfate-free shampoos or co-washes are your best friends here. They gently cleanse your hair without stripping away its natural oils, helping to maintain that much-needed moisture. Look for shampoos that are free of harsh chemicals and packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil. These will help keep your curls soft, hydrated, and ready to shine.

How often should you wash your hair?

As for how often to wash, it really depends on your hair type and lifestyle. If you have a more active lifestyle or your scalp gets oily quickly, you might need to wash your hair more often, say 2-3 times a week. But if your hair is on the drier side, once a week or even every other week might be enough to keep it clean without drying it out.

Clarifying shampoo 

Don’t forget about clarifying! Even with the best products, buildup can happen over time. Every now and then, using a clarifying shampoo will help remove any product residue or impurities from your hair and scalp, leaving your curls feeling fresh and bouncy. Just be sure to follow up with a deep conditioner to replenish moisture after clarifying.

The best Moisturizing and Sealing hair care routine after the big chop

By incorporating these steps into your hair care routine, you’ll keep your curls soft, shiny, and well-nourished after the big chop.

1. Leave-In Conditioners:

Leave-in conditioners help maintain moisture and make your curls more manageable. They’re essential for keeping your hair hydrated after washing.

Recommended Products:

• Mega growth leave in conditioner: Great for repairing and moisturizing dry, damaged hair.
• Cantù leave in conditioning cream: Ideal for detangling and providing lightweight moisture.
• Mediana leave in conditioner: Perfect for strengthening and nourishing your curls.

2. Oils and Butters:

After moisturizing, it’s crucial to seal in the moisture to prevent your hair from drying out. Natural oils and butters create a protective barrier that locks in hydration.

Recommended Oils and Butters:

• Coconut Oil: Penetrates the hair shaft to keep your hair hydrated from within.
• Jojoba Oil: Mimics your scalp’s natural oils, making it great for daily use.
• Shea Butter: Excellent for thicker hair types that need extra moisture retention.

The best  Deep Conditioning hair care routine after the big chop

Deep conditioning is essential for keeping your hair hydrated, strong, and healthy, especially after the big chop. It provides intense moisture and nutrients that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, repairing damage and preventing breakage. Regular deep conditioning helps to restore elasticity, softness, and shine to your curls, making them more manageable and resilient.

How Often to Deep Condition:

It’s generally recommended to deep condition your hair once a week. This frequency ensures your hair stays well-hydrated without becoming overly saturated. However, if your hair feels particularly dry or damaged, you can adjust the frequency to suit your needs, perhaps increasing to twice a week for a period of time.

Product Recommendations for deep conditioning 

Here are some deep conditioning treatments that work particularly well for newly chopped hair:

• Cantù deep treatment masque: Great for providing deep moisture and nourishment.
• Mega growth deep conditioner: A quick and effective option that leaves hair soft and hydrated.
• Mielle Organics Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner: Ideal for strengthening and moisturizing while leaving a refreshing tingle on the scalp.

The best Detangling hair care routine after the big chop

Following these detangling tips will help you maintain healthy, strong hair after the big chop, allowing your curls to thrive with less stress and damage.

Tools and Techniques:

When it comes to detangling your hair after the big chop, the right tools can make all the difference. Consider using a wide-tooth comb, detangling brush, or simply your fingers to gently work through your curls. These options help to minimize breakage and make the detangling process smoother. A wide-tooth comb is great for getting through larger sections, while a detangling brush can help with more stubborn tangles. Finger detangling is the gentlest method and allows you to feel and manage knots with care.

Best Practices:

To avoid unnecessary breakage, always detangle your hair when it’s wet and coated with conditioner. This provides slip, reducing friction and making it easier to glide through knots. Start detangling from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots, using gentle, downward strokes. Be patient and take your time, especially if your hair is tightly coiled or prone to tangling. Additionally, detangle your hair in sections to maintain control and prevent re-tangling previously detangled areas.

The best Protective Styling routine after the big chop

Incorporating protective styles into your hair care routine after the big chop will help you maintain your hair’s health, promote growth, and keep your curls looking their best with minimal effort.

Benefits of Protective Styles:

Protective styles are a great way to reduce daily manipulation of your hair, which is crucial after the big chop. By minimizing handling, these styles help prevent breakage and allow your hair to grow healthier and stronger. Protective styles also shield your ends, the oldest and most fragile part of your hair, from environmental damage and moisture loss, helping to retain length over time.

Simple Protective Styles:

When your hair is short, simple styles like twists, braids, or bantu knots are perfect options. These styles are gentle on your hair, easy to manage, and don’t require a lot of maintenance. Twists and braids can be done with or without extensions, depending on your preference, and bantu knots can be a fun way to create defined curls while keeping your hair protected.

Nighttime Care:

Taking care of your hair at night is just as important as how you style it during the day. Use a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase to protect your hair while you sleep. These materials reduce friction and help maintain moisture, preventing breakage and frizz. If your protective style is longer-lasting, make sure to keep your scalp moisturized and avoid styles that are too tight, which can cause tension and lead to hair loss.

The best Scalp Care routine after the big chop

A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong and vibrant hair. After the big chop, paying attention to your scalp’s health becomes even more crucial, as it directly impacts how well your hair grows and its overall condition. A well-nourished scalp ensures that your hair follicles are healthy, reducing the risk of issues like dryness, itchiness, or dandruff, which can hinder hair growth and lead to breakage.

Scalp Massages:

Regular scalp massages are an excellent way to promote hair growth after the big chop. Massaging your scalp stimulates blood circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. This can encourage faster and healthier hair growth. You can incorporate scalp massages into your routine by using your fingertips to gently massage your scalp for a few minutes daily, either with a bit of oil or while shampooing.

Scalp Treatments:

Keeping your scalp balanced and soothed is key to maintaining its health. Consider using treatments like tea tree oil, known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, to keep your scalp clean and free from irritations. Aloe vera is another great option; it’s soothing and hydrating, helping to calm any inflammation and keeping your scalp moisturized. You can apply these treatments directly to your scalp, either as a leave-in or as a part of your deep conditioning routine.

Avoiding Heat and Harsh Chemicals

Limiting Heat Use:

After the big chop, it’s best to avoid frequent use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers. Heat can cause significant damage to your newly chopped hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Instead, embrace air-drying and heat-free styling methods to protect your hair’s natural texture and strength. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and keep the temperature as low as possible.

Avoiding Chemicals:

Harsh chemicals can be particularly damaging to your hair, especially right after the big chop when your hair is more vulnerable. Steer clear of products that contain sulfates, parabens, and other harsh additives that can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. Opt for gentle, natural products that are free from these damaging chemicals to help maintain your hair’s health and integrity as it grows.

Setting Hair Goals

Short-Term Hair Goals:

Setting achievable short-term goals can help keep you motivated and focused on your hair care journey. These might include learning to master a new hairstyle, sticking to a consistent hair care routine, or trying out different products to see what works best for your new hair. Short-term goals help build confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment as you see progress.

Long-Term Hair Goals:

Long-term goals are essential for maintaining overall hair health and achieving your desired length. Consider goals like reaching a specific hair length, improving the overall strength and texture of your hair, or achieving a particular style. Setting long-term goals provides direction and purpose, helping you stay committed to your hair care routine over time.

Tracking Progress:

To effectively track your progress, consider keeping a hair journal where you record your routines, product usage, and any changes you notice. Taking regular photos of your hair can also be a great way to visually document growth and improvement. Tracking your progress allows you to see how far you’ve come, make adjustments as needed, and stay motivated throughout your hair care journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ve covered all the key aspects of a hair care routine after the big chop, from understanding your new hair texture to choosing the right products and techniques. We discussed the importance of proper moisturizing, deep conditioning, and avoiding heat and harsh chemicals. 

Additionally, we looked at the benefits of protective styling, effective scalp care, and setting achievable hair goals to guide your journey. Embracing this new phase with patience and care is crucial, as it’s an opportunity to learn more about and appreciate your natural hair. With time and consistent effort, you’ll see positive changes and grow to love your hair’s natural beauty. 

I’d love to hear about your own big chop experiences or any questions you might have, feel free to share your thoughts or ask for advice in the comments below. Thank you for reading, and best of luck on your hair care journey!