{"id":1784,"date":"2020-10-13T13:00:37","date_gmt":"2020-10-13T13:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/?p=1784"},"modified":"2020-11-22T21:30:36","modified_gmt":"2020-11-22T21:30:36","slug":"my-big-chop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/my-big-chop\/","title":{"rendered":"My Big Chop"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote><p><strong>Yes sis!<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong style=\"font-size: 24px\">Healthy hair journey is the way to go!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><iframe title=\"Hairniversary\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6qWheYDBq3c?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Many of us have faced a rollercoaster ride with our hair. <\/strong><strong>What if your experience has been dictated by outside forces outside your own person?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px\"><span style=\"color: #000000\">Black women\u2019s hair has been politicalized, scrutinized, ridiculed, deemed unkempt, brittle, dreadful and the list goes on and on.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000\">Have you been coerced into adhering to a social construct standard of beauty that doesn\u2019t reflect the essences of who you are?<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #800000\">It\u2019s time to reclaim the mantle and be proactive of your own journey, your image, your lifestyle.<\/span><br \/>\n<strong><span style=\"color: #800000\">For many, this could mean jumpstarting a healthy hair journey!<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000080\"><strong>BIG CHOP<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The phrase \u201cBig chop\u201d is a coined term in the natural hair community that refers to the action of transitioning, a literal cutting off the chemically relaxed ends of one\u2019s hair to unearth and embrace their natural, unprocessed hair.<\/p>\n<p>Onced the hair is chemically relaxed, there\u2019s little to no other method for reverting the hair back into its natural state unless the relaxed portions are cut off. The individual must grow their hair back to retain their natural hair pattern.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Propaganda of chemical relaxers<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For some, chemical relaxing your hair was seen as a writ of passage into womanhood. \u201cMama, I want to look like her, she looks grown!\u201d<br \/>\nOnce relaxed, you may get compliments like, \u201cse kounya ou demwazel\u201d &#8211; translated, \u201cYou\u2019re a lady now.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #bd0404\"><strong><em>Representation matters!<\/em> &#8211; Let\u2019s make our images more diverse!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1785\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1785\" style=\"width: 327px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/our-work\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1785\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Oil-painting-by-Haenley-Pierre-.jpeg\" alt=\"Oil painting by Haenley Pierre\" width=\"327\" height=\"439\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1785\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Oil painting by Haenley Pierre<\/strong><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Growing up, I had limited exposure or knowledge in how to take care of my natural hair. There were limited role-models but a wreath of propaganda for chemically processed hair. It was either: you had relaxed hair already or were planning to relax; It\u2019s what most of us knew!<\/p>\n<p>We left \u201cnatural hair\u201d for those who had &#8211; what my culture would name and classify as \u201ccheve siro\u201d or silky hair, those who had the looser hair texture range of the 3A-3C.<\/p>\n<p>Many of us didn&#8217;t have much of a say of whether or not we wanted our hair chemically relaxed.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000080\"><em><strong>My first relaxer was at a hair salon, without my consent!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>From our teenage years or younger, we got into the routine of having to \u201ctouch up\u201d our ends every 4-6 weeks; avoided wetting our hair (unless it was \u201cwashday\u201d) and having to remember not to scratch your scalp at least 2 days before your next relaxer \u201ctouch up.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>If not, get ready to feel the burn baby, feel the burn!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Beauty Standards<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Let\u2019s not forget the history of colonialism and the imposed white-washed standard of beauty on our melanated folks. The closer one was to Eurocentric features, the more beautiful they were perceived in society. The effects of slavery still trickles down to our modern-day. Let\u2019s remember, there was a systemic diabolical agenda to strip away our worth and value as equal human beings. Thus, the physical features that add to the range of diversity of human kind were seen as undesirable.<\/p>\n<p>For our black and brown folks, there was societal brainwashing that encouraged people to think that their physical features, i.e. the size and shape of their nose down to how kinky their hair strands were, determined their perceived level of beauty.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>But I digress, this can be its own separate discussion, let\u2019s continue!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14809\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Big-Chop-Small.jpg\" alt=\"Big Chop Haenley Studio\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Big-Chop-Small.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Big-Chop-Small-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Big-Chop-Small-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Big-Chop-Small-600x300.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>I must admit, I didn\u2019t learn how to properly take care of my natural hair until my early twenties. Thus, for me, it was a journey of self discovery, learning the pattern relationship of my hair strands and the overall texture.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>If you\u2019re on this journey, cheers to your liberation ! May the growth odds be in your favor.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><strong><span style=\"color: #000000\">I Big Chopped, What do I do now?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>First, Congrats! You\u2019ve taken a major leap forward. Now, some words of wisdom unto your Healthy Natural Hair Journey:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Embrace your short-hair beauty and rock your <a style=\"color: #000000\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/search\/my_pins\/?q%3DTWA%26rs%3Dtyped%26term_meta%5B%5D%3DTWA%257Ctyped&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1602595498503000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHVDZ0Qc0JIe-5eFrBF6vuOgzD2gA\">TWA<\/a>!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">You are more than your hair!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Your hair doesn\u2019t define you, You define and moisturize it!<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000\">Document your journey &amp; take pictures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><strong><span style=\"color: #0000ff\">My Experience<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Why did I big chop?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lakay_haen.arts\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1791 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/haenley-pierre-natural-big-chop-hair.jpeg\" alt=\"haenley pierre natural big chop hair\" width=\"344\" height=\"344\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not new to the natural hair world. I began my journey towards the end of 2012. I was tired of my limp, short relaxed hair and my mother began sharing a desire to stop the relaxers, so I hesitantly joined her.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><em><strong>Terrified<\/strong><\/em> <em>was not an overstatement! What would I do with my hair?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Luckily, the natural hair movement was steadily gaining clout and momentum and we had brave souls that tread the waters before us. Youtube was literally a Godsent. Channels like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/Naptural85&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1602595498494000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH2xrkLnLt6Ujbhg8p-C3EYW6iacg\">Naptural85<\/a> were my virtual classroom. I downloaded &amp; researched the lessons from professor guru <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/melaninhaircare.com&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1602595498495000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHMZ-hvo1vyHnx0TAxgYfKMrDYcmQ\">Whitney of Naptural85<\/a>. I tried her homemade shea butter recipes and learned hair texture type and so much more! Her classroom was an open door where I entered the study of my natural hair.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left\"><strong>Back to my big chop <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">After over 5yrs of \u201cbeing natural,\u201dand living life with my natural hair.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #000080\"><strong>I had to big chop &amp; start a new healthy hair journey due to a horrific experience at a Dominican Hair salon.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000\"><em><strong>Yes sis, add me to the list of stories you\u2019ve heard about non-black<\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 1em\"> operated hair salons and natural hair.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>I am of Haitian descent and my neighbors are Dominican. We share an island, divided by rivers, mountains and valleys, in addition to language, colonial rule and a history of the transatlantic slave trade. Yet, without a doubt, there\u2019s tensions in embracing Afrocentric beauty amongst our shared island. &#8220;I&#8217;m not black,&#8221; is the cried of self-hate voice by many Dominican descendants. In this context, let&#8217;s us \u00a0continue with the frame of Dominican stylist who are deny their afro-centric roots of their genetic melting pot heritage.<\/p>\n<p>There are very few black operated salons in my area, the Dominican hair salons are predominant and were open with more flexible hours, so I took the risk and went in. I had requested to get just a silk press to flat iron my hair. I was anxious for something different, little did I know, what I was in for!<\/p>\n<p>Knowing the tendency for Dominican hair salons to treat texture hair with disdain &#8211; <em>I <span style=\"color: #000000\">Brought My Own Products<\/span><\/em><span style=\"color: #000000\">!<\/span> In my anxiety, looking back &#8211; it seems that I brought 2 conditioners instead of one conditioner and one shampoo. I\u2019m not sure if that was what triggered such a malicious attack; either way it was uncalled for! It&#8217;s sad to say, the hairdresser added some sort of relaxer or texturizer to the shampoo and altered my hair.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #000080\"><strong>I didn\u2019t consent to a chemical relaxer!<br \/>\nI was not asked anything!<br \/>\nUnfortunately for me, I had no idea until weeks later! <\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Going to the hairdresser is a matter of trust<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>For having worked so hard to get to a level of understanding of my hair, not previously afforded, it was a huge blow to have to start all over!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">Some of my readers may not have a reference point for this experience. Hair relaxers are a delicate process. One mistake can easily leave you bald or with severe hair and\/or scalp damage. Typically when you relax your hair, you must get it treated periodically, through re-application procedures. Without these steps, Trust me on this &#8211; Your hair will break &amp; fallout!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\">That\u2019s exactly what happened. I first noticed &#8211; there was a chemical smell that still persisted on my hair. I thought initially it was the smell from the flat iron. However, from my first wash, that\u2019s when it hit &#8211; my hair didn\u2019t revert back to its natural state!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><em><strong>I was devastated!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Lakay_HaenArts?s=20\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1792 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/hair-fell-out-by-the-chunks.jpg\" alt=\"hair fell out by the chunks\" width=\"415\" height=\"236\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It was just downhill from there. My hair fell out by the chunks! My hair was matted! &#8211; you simply can\u2019t use the same products for natural unprocessed hair, on chemically relaxed hair.<\/p>\n<p>To my non-black readers. I hope by sharing my experience we can develop more accountability and raise awareness. We often fear what we are not familiar with. We must acknowledge our biases and have willingness to learn!<\/p>\n<p>I will become more comfortable with non-black hairdressers, when there\u2019s proactive initiatives taken to change the narrative. When we, (my 4 range sisters) as the clients, are not subjected to harassment; where we are not at the brunt end of anti-blackness tactics, when our hair strands don&#8217;t pose too much of a challenge to learn.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Out of the ashes, we shall still rise again!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>My big chop was a new start. New mentality, a fresh beginning. My goal was no longer a direct focus on length retention but healthy hair.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Here&#8217;s are some tips I\u2019ve learned throughout my Health Hair journey:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<h1><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff\"><strong>The Cut<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Don\u2019t just cut your hair &#8211; Get a shape-up !<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Your hair will grow into the outline you give it. It can literally define your cut for the good or bad.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/search\/pins\/?q=big%20chop&amp;rs=typed&amp;term_meta[]=big%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=chop%7Ctyped\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1793\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/black-female-short-hair-shape-up.png\" alt=\"black female short hair shape up\" width=\"788\" height=\"285\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Find an image reference for the cut you want<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000080\">Pinterest it !<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000080\"><a style=\"color: #000080\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\">Pinterest<\/a><\/span> is the site for ideas |\u00a0Here\u2019s some searches you can look up:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/search\/my_pins\/?q=Natural%20hair%20cut&amp;rs=typed&amp;term_meta[]=Natural%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=hair%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=cut%7Ctyped\">Natural hair cut<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/search\/pins\/?rs=ac&amp;len=2&amp;q=tapered%20natural%20hair&amp;eq=Taupered%20Natural&amp;etslf=6251&amp;term_meta[]=tapered%7Cautocomplete%7C0&amp;term_meta[]=natural%7Cautocomplete%7C0&amp;term_meta[]=hair%7Cautocomplete%7C0\">Tapered Natural Hair<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/search\/pins\/?q=natural%20hair%20big%20chop&amp;rs=typed&amp;term_meta[]=natural%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=hair%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=big%7Ctyped&amp;term_meta[]=chop%7Ctyped\">Natural Hair Big Chop<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/search\/pins\/?q%3DBig%2520Chop%2520Styles%26rs%3Dtyped%26term_meta%5B%5D%3DBig%257Ctyped%26term_meta%5B%5D%3DChop%257Ctyped%26term_meta%5B%5D%3DStyles%257Ctyped&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1602595498491000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGzgECYGTiQfwd30wETo0WVZRc_Cw\">Big Chop Styles<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Go to an experienced hairdresser or barber<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>I went to a black male barber who had experience cutting women\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n<p>I chose to grow out my hair in a more top heavy fashion. So, I chose a tapered cut, my cut was faded at the back and sides.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong><em>Remember a good shape is instrumental for your hair cut goals<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000080\"><strong>How do I style my hair?<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n<h5><strong><br \/>\nI big-chopped, what do I do with my hair now?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>First &#8211; Embrace your length! Be comfortable with it!<\/p>\n<p>Maintenance can be summed up in one word, moisturized.<\/p>\n<p>Low length hair equals low maintenance. Keeping your hair moisturized can simply mean spritzing your hair with water and sealing the moisture with an oil. My go to oil is Haitain black castor oil.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in tuned with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/the-loc-method-4771726\">LOC method<\/a>. Stay away from heavy creams and products.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Now that your hair is moisturized, how do you style a low cut?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Get yourself a sponge brush<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1794 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Get-yourself-a-sponge-brush.jpeg\" alt=\"Get yourself a sponge brush\" width=\"394\" height=\"287\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>After you\u2019ve added your light moisturizers, apply the brush to your hair<\/li>\n<li>Keep the same rotating motion through your head, after 2-3 rounds, you\u2019ll be all set!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #000080\"><strong>Wash and Gos <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019ve failed your wash &amp; go attempts, this is now your time to experiment!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Avoid too much product (i.e. conditioner and gel) It might leave a white residue on your hair<\/li>\n<li>Give your hair enough time to dry before heading out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Lakay_HaenArts\/status\/1330614155431260162?s=20\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1795 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/wash-short-hair.jpeg\" alt=\"wash short hair\" width=\"425\" height=\"425\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This is how my wash and gos would turn out.<\/p>\n<p>The first few weeks post cut, I styled my hair with a sponge brush, water, oils and a small amount of shea butter.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Edges <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>People have a tendency to always want to slick down their edges with a low cut. Find a gel you\u2019re comfortable with and use it in moderation.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s okay to leave the edges be at times<br \/>\nLet your hair breathe!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1796 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/hair-chop-accessories.jpeg\" alt=\"hair chop accessories\" width=\"329\" height=\"329\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Add an accessory <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>headbands<\/li>\n<li>Flowers<\/li>\n<li>Decorative Hair pins<\/li>\n<li>Decorative barrettes and hair clips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #000080\"><strong>Growth Retention <\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Protective styling <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Headwraps<\/strong> are a great substitute to consider.<br \/>\nCheck out <a href=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/my-favorite-headwraps\">my favorite head wraps<\/a>. Even wondered if it\u2019s appropriate to wear it at work? Check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/is-wearing-headwraps-in-the-workplace-acceptable\">headwrap experience in the workplace<\/a>!<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Crochet braids <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>I found that crochet braids are one of the best methods for regrowing your hair thru braided styles. Specifically, crochet braids where the hair is braided in cornrows underneath.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>My tips to keeping your hair moisturized in these braids: <\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Keep a spray bottle mixed with apple cider vinegar and water to spray your scalp.<\/li>\n<li>Spray the mix in between the cornrows and use a toothbrush to clean and massage the area.<\/li>\n<li>Seal the moisture with an oil, preferably castor oil.<\/li>\n<li>Repeat the process once a week until you\u2019ve removed your crochet braids.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Crochet braids are great &#8211; but keep watch for your edges hunny!<br \/>\nIf you start noticing tugging at your roots, take them out!<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Multivitamins? <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Incorporating a multivitamin to your diet can increase your overall health and thereby the health of your hair. Be reminded, the outside product is a reflection of your inward health.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong><em>Please consult with your primary physician before taking a new multivitamin or if you&#8217;re experiencing any adverse effects.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Biotin supplements are known to promote hair growth.<\/p>\n<p>Now hunny, let me tell you &#8211; biotin is also known to cause breakouts! If you\u2019re trying this supplement try measuring how much your body can handle. Try taking this supplement once every 2 weeks or so. Take biotin alongside your multivitamin and other B range supplements to reduce breakouts.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, it\u2019s always good practice to consult with your primary physician or dermatologist if you have any questions on supplement intakes.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong><em>Healthy life equals healthy hair<\/em><\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nDrink your recommended intake of water, eat well, get a daily dose of exercise and sleep.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Wash &amp; Deep condition your hair regularly. <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Set your routine. Having a regular routine promotes hair retention.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/shop\/merch\/bags\/tote-bags\/sketch-tote-bag\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1797 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/regular-routine-promotes-hair-retention.jpg\" alt=\"regular routine promotes hair retention\" width=\"354\" height=\"271\" \/><\/a><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Pre-poo.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Detangling is cut in half with a low cut. But it\u2019s always good practice to prepare your hair before adding a cleanser. Try adding black castor oil and spritzing your hair with a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong>Deep condition.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Try this tip for an enhanced session:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Add molasses and black castor to your deep conditioner<\/li>\n<li>Apply heat to your session &#8211; see one option below<\/li>\n<li>Wrap your hair with plastic bag and sit under a dryer for 30 mins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Applying heat to your deep conditioning sessions lifts the hair cuticles and allows the products to be more readily absorbed into the hair strands.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000\"><strong><em>Get a massage tool, massage your hair throughout your wash session<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Massage your scalp <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Massaging your scalp frequently is good practice, try incorporating a session for at least 5 mins a day. This will help enhance blood circulation and strengthen your follicles.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You can use your hands or a massage tool<\/li>\n<li>Be attentive, don\u2019t rub vigorously as this can cause your hair to break<\/li>\n<li>Massage your scalp prior to washing your hair and then massage again afterwards<\/li>\n<li>Gently massage your scalp after you take down your twists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Use the fingertips of your hands to lightly apply pressure to your scalp. Rotate your fingertips throughout your scalp, move in small circles to cover all areas.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Get frequent trims <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes sis, frequent trims does indeed make your hair grow faster. But don\u2019t over-do it. Set a schedule!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Try to get a professional trim once every 6 months, adjust as needed<\/li>\n<li>Get rid of your split ends, they\u2019re only weighing you down!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #800000\"><strong>Products <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Keep it simple with the products. A low cut should entails fewer hair manipulation.<\/p>\n<p>I mostly used my homemade shea butter and water as my staple products. See how I make my <a href=\"https:\/\/haenleystudio.com\/make-your-own-shea-butter\">shea butter<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Pay attention to your edges. Product build-up can negatively affect your edges and weigh down your hair strains.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #bd0404\"><strong>REMEMBER: It\u2019s your Healthy Hair journey! <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000\">YOU<\/span> define the direction you want to take.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Post cut, some may decide that they\u2019re uncomfortable with short hair and make it a mission to re-grow their hair.<\/p>\n<p>Some of you may fall in love with your short hair &amp; never go back. Some may decide to get a bomb color and make that your signature look.<\/p>\n<p>Do you boo!<\/p>\n<pre><em><strong>Hey! \r\nYou never know rocking a TWA\r\nmight be just your style!<\/strong><\/em><\/pre>\n<p><em><strong>Go for it sis!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Growing through self care\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_cLZb2vrMUc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em><strong>If you\u2019re on a growth journey, take care of your hair &amp; watch it grow! You got this, It shall all come to pass.<\/strong><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yes sis! Healthy hair journey is the way to go! &nbsp; Many of us have faced a rollercoaster ride with our hair. What if your experience has been dictated by outside forces outside your own person? Black women\u2019s hair has been politicalized, scrutinized, ridiculed, deemed unkempt, brittle, dreadful and the list goes on and on. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14809,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>My Big Chop - Haenley Studio<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re on a growth journey, take care of your hair &amp; watch it grow! 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