The 8 Most Common Big Chop Mistakes (According to Stylists) and How to Avoid Them

1. Having unrealistic expectations

Regardless of what you *think* your hair is going to look like when your natural texture grows out, it’s important not to make assumptions. If you do, you might be setting yourself up for failure by falling back into your old ways of styling. “This was something I personally went through when transitioning,” says Regina Janvier, texture hair expert and stylist at Maggie Rose Salon. Instead of embracing her tight curls as her hair grew out, she quickly tried to relax them with chemical treatments, which only resulted in more damage. “Having these expectations of what you think your hair will, or should, look like can lead to you being disappointed with the outcome of your hair and setting back your transitioning journey,” says Janvier. Keep an open mind and embrace your natural hair growth, regardless of whether or not your natural hair looks the way you thought it would.

2. Not moisturizing enough

When you’re learning to style your natural texture, don’t fall into the trap of reaching for curl-defining products instead of prioritizing moisture. “If you want defined curls, you have to moisturize your hair from the inside,” says Janvier, who recommends incorporating weekly deep-conditioning treatments and monthly protein treatments to keep your hair hydrated. “This will help keep your curls nourished, hydrated, bouncy, and strong,” says Janvier. Incorporating hydrating products and leave-in conditioners that assist with detangling are essential for your curly hair to flourish. Kinky hair has higher porosity, which means you need to hydrate from within to deep condition. This will allow you to seal the cuticle and combat frizz as you experiment with natural hairstyles, which is especially important for Afro-textured hair.

3. Heat styling too much

“One easy way to set back your natural hair journey is by using straighteners and overdoing it with blow outs,” says Janvier. Relying on heat styling can be a slippery slope—and it isn’t worth the damage. “Too much manipulation and tension will definitely lead to breakage,” says Janvier. In order to avoid the setback from heat styling and continue to love your look, opt for a protective style that doesn’t involve heat, like braiding or twist outs, if you want to switch it up. Embracing natural hairstyles is key.

4. Relying on old hair products

The products you reached for when your hair was relaxed won’t have the same impact on your hair in its natural state. Instead, you need to tailor your routine so that it enhances your natural hair. “One of the most common mistakes people make after the big chop is not changing up their styling routine,” says Janvier. “When dealing with a big chop, you’re dealing with completely different hair textures and patterns most of the time, so using an old routine for new hair won’t work. This is the time to try different products to see what works best for your hair.” If you're trying to style your natural hair for the first time, get some inspo by talking to your stylist or watching hair tutorials from influencers with hairstyles you like.

5. Trying to rush the transition phase

While it would be great to have a timeline for the transition to your natural hair, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. For some, a longer transition time is necessary before moving forward with the big chop. If you find yourself getting restless and you’re considering DIYing the big chop, it's best to re-evaluate your hair before picking up the scissors. Janvier says a longer transition time is usually necessary if a client falls in one of two groups: “If the client’s hair is severely damaged all the way or close to the root. The second is if they are not willing to truly commit to the “big” chop, and rather opt for a slow-but-steady transition,” she says. If you go the slow and steady route, cutting your long hair won't feel quite as jarring.

If you’re hesitant about going from long relaxed hair to short hair, in most cases, cutting your hair to shoulder length is still an option. Shoulder-length hair makes it so you’re still able to create an array of hairstyles while getting rid of the dead ends that can weigh down your ’do. You can manipulate, finger coil, and scrunch to create curls. “As new, virgin hair grows you will be able to see the difference of what your hair looks like when it’s healthy compared to damaged so in the future you are able to potentially spot the early stage of damage,” says Janvier.

6. Thinking you have it all figured out

While you can certainly DIY the big chop at home, if it’s the first time you’re transitioning to natural hair, it might be best to discuss your hair goals with a stylist who can offer guidance and suggestions tailored to your hair. “Sometimes as a stylist, we have to politely tell the client that we cannot come through on certain expectations because either the hair is not in a healthy state to do so, or the client’s inspiration is completely unrealistic given their hair type, pattern, length, and hair color, says Janvier. Although this news might not be what you were hoping to hear, your stylist can talk you through your options and offer up alternative solutions to ensure you leave the chair feeling happy and confident with your new look. “You may not be able to do exactly what they want, but there are creative ways you can start working towards their end goals or something similar,” she says.

7. Ignoring your hair’s natural texture when trying to decide on a length

Let your natural hair guide you. Your hairstyle after the big chop should be determined by your hair texture, curl pattern, and porosity. “Texture and density will not only help you decide which hairstyles fit best, but they will also help determine an ideal hair length and how the hair should be cut,” says Janvier.

8. Comparing your natural hair journey to someone else’s

Deciding to take a rest from relaxers and embrace your natural curls doesn’t always happen overnight, so be patient with yourself as you make your way through the many phases of the process. “Comparing your hair to others or to what your expectations are can definitely take a toll mentally, making you feel inadequate about how your hair naturally grows from your head,” says Janvier. Instead, try to focus on the outcome and why you set out on this journey in the first place. “It should be about self-acceptance and getting your hair back to a healthy state,” says Janvier.

Navigating your new look and embracing natural hair care is all about finding the right products and experimenting with your shorter hair. Even if it's the first time you're working with natural curls, there's so much you can do if you want to get creative with your hairstyle. Depending on your hair type, there are plenty of alternatives to sporting straight hair—and in the end, it's all about embracing the look that makes you feel like your most confident, best self as you rock your natural hair.

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