So You Did the Big Chop, Now What? Tips on How to Survive Your New Natural Hair

[mzsxysmrts]

you made me feel so much better! i'm BC'ing next weekend!!

[mrsfmahone11]

These are some awesome tips. I do the BC this Friday! I'm so excited and nervous too. I have my shopping list of products to get. I want to be prepared.

[MrDragnodd]

:05 yum!

[LovelyNaturalBeauty]

Thank you, THANK YOU!! I just big chopped Oct 21, 2011 after 16months of transitioning! I am also a new subbie as I was searching your videos I found this one and out loud I was like "THANK YOU" I'm going to pick up that book ASAP I really appreciate all the information that u give in your videos!

[lashekris]

I have the same book!!! Thanks for the tips..

I love that you named your hair..I think Im gonna do the same..

[RockinNappyRoots]

You are Beautiful Love the Channel

[MsCouve]

Thank you for the info...just purchased some books!!!!

[ariannaandjosiah]

Thanks for the video ..just mini chopped a week ago (transitioned for a year) and was like what now...funny I just deep conditioned my hair before watching your video ...been subscribed for a while but never watched your old vids...gonna do that this week...Thanks Love~

[Armyranda]

Hi, i like your hair but i do have some questions for people who have the nappy nappy kinky hair... I put in the leave in conditioner and my hair still feels a bit dry.. what do you think of that?

[icygal08]

elle, I big chopped today. so glad u had this video in your arsenal :-)

[beautyizme230]

I need some help. I love the pattern u have.281.896.2666

[MiAnnLeigh]

whats a big chop? & whats the point? does it help ur hair become healthier? :) please answer

[Serrenity20]

@MiAnnLeigh you can go on google and research it and making your hair healthier actually depends on what your trying to do on your hair in general

[Rubysouter]

1st I heart your hair! You are definitely my hair idol. Thank you for all the great info I really appreciate it.

[denimpixie]

@Rubysouter You are very welcome! :) And thank you!

[intreegme]

Thanks for a video dedication to the BCer's Elle! Okay so I long term transitioned for 18 months and just BC'ed a month ago. But I am still figuring out what products work best for my "new baby" aka my natural hair (I feel like finding a hot name for her is almost just as hard, lol). Us newly natural girls are so lucky to have youtubers like you putting out great vids. Keep it up:-)

[denimpixie]

@intreegme You are very welcome!! And you have just as much new growth as me I bet, I've only been natural almost 20 months! Getting there slowly but surely. ;)

[keelathebee]

Hi!! I just got my big chop like 2 hours ago. I was left with about 1 1/2 inches but only 1 inch is my natural hair. My hair doesn't have the nappy texture yet and I'm lost on what to do. What can I do to get the natural, nappy, fro look? Thank you.

[denimpixie]

@keelathebee What is a nappy fro look?

[keelathebee]

@denimpixie It doesnt look kinky at all.It's still straight like I just got a fresh perm.

[denimpixie]

@keelathebee Well if 1/2 an inch is still relaxed hair that is going to look different from your natural hair and will also weigh it down. Because it's on the ends, your hair is going to look different. The best thing to do is to cut off the relaxed ends.

[cinderellacircle]

whats in ur hair today? ur hair looks nice

[MissLady816]

Happy BDay Izzy...lol

[MissEddiecation]

Really great job! I wish I would have known what I know now, back when I BC'd. I definitely like your comment on wigs over weaves. I wore wigs (and still do) when I was trying to get my natural hair to grow. Great! Great! Great video!

[RitzaCakes]

you ever used John Frieda Dream Curls system? its a shampoo conditioner and spray, idk if theres a cream or serum but anyway, omg this product reads your individual curls and defines the crap out of them. there isnt much shrinkage. You should try it and tell or show the results. I would love to see how this product makes your hair look.

[denimpixie]

@RitzaCakes I've never used it. Sprays don't work for me unless I'm using a moisturizing refresher spray because my hair is thick and I need to ensure I'm thoroughly moisturizing my hair. I don't think I'd try this stuff. It also has cones and I keep my use of those to a minimum.

[ideolojay]

Lisa Akbari recommends people do not use foods for treatments because they do not absorb well enough into our hair (she's big on clean hair). just mentioning this to anyone who cares to look her up..

[denimpixie]

@ideolojay This is really funny to me, because a lot of ingredients in our conditioners do not penetrate the hair shaft either, like fatty alcohols and oils, which make up the bulk of conditioners.

[KurlyBird10]

LOL no u don't :). Thanks

[KurlyBird10]

Okay thanks. BTW your tops are always so cute where do you shop :)

[denimpixie]

@KurlyBird10 That top is old, lol...I think it's from Forever 21. I usually just shop there or Urban Outfitters...I'm a bum most of the time.

[KurlyBird10]

You use so many products and reviews, my hair is very similiar to yours what are your staple products? I have tried so many and spent so much money I don't want to use 3 or 4 products to wash and go. Currenly I use CJ smoothing lotion and CJ Curls in a Bottle but I find my hair is very dry. I DC and I have a Huetiful.

[denimpixie]

@KurlyBird10 Please check the holy grail list on my blog. My HGs are listed there with their corresponding reviews. I used 3 products to wash n go usually, but a finisher is not required. I am also working on a video that will list one product from each category that is my favorite.

[netquan1617]

I do appreciate the books you recommended.

[TransitioningBeauty]

Forum lurking!!! I lurk a certain forum *ahem* almost daily. I'm watching y'all... I'll eventually start posting one day. Once I get a job and can afford that $6.50 lol.

But seriously, lurking will answer ALL of your hair questions. I have only had maybe 1 or 2 questions I couldn't find on a certain forum but, I guarantee if you search another forum they will have the answer somewhere.

[AmeeraHill]

I love your hair but u know my hair is really thin when pressed out and I have a lot of shrinkage because of my hair texture so what would be a good thing to do with my hair to make it appear longer

[TheCatsLastWord]

@AmeeraHill Kinky Curly Curling Custard

[TheCatsLastWord]

@AmeeraHill However, KCCC has a carcinogen so I'd use it sparingly.

[Chrissy4281]

@denimpixie will do!!!

[atribitt]

Izzy looks amazing today!

[shawnamamaof2]

Thank you so much. I am on my 1st week. I have washed twice and deep condition once but my hair is so so dry it is falling out. It is a 4c. Any help I can get is great. Thanks again and Izzy is awesome.

[Sigmalove84]

July Hair Birthday Babies Rock!!! lmao

[jcokes7]

Great tips!

[blackmelon1]

you sound just like a psych major, lol! "if you know why something happens, and you don't like it, you can prevent it from happening again"

[denimpixie]

@blackmelon1 LOL! I mean, common sense! You live, you learn, you prevent!

[TheCoilWhisperer]

No seriously... your hair is gorgeous!!!!

[Chrissy4281]

@denimpixie..Ok..gotcha. The blogging def is up my alley..I love to write.

[denimpixie]

@Chrissy4281 Let me know when you start it!

[Chrissy4281]

@denimpixie On vlogging and blogging. Just basic tips on how to get started, how much time and dedication it takes..that sort of thing...for those who may be interested, but are apprehensive for w/e reason.

[denimpixie]

@Chrissy4281 Hah! I wouldn't know...I just started writing. There are a lot of videos on YT with that info though. I will tell you though...it takes TOO much time, which is why I have had to scale my videos back and streamline questions. Otherwise, I'd be blogging all day.

[Chrissy4281]

@denimpixie..THANX!!! :-). My hair has really gotten to be my bff and I have learned so much. I actually want to start blogging, I feel I have a dif experience (not to mention a love for writing) that I'd love to share, but I don't know where to get started. Ohhh, can we get a video about that?!?!? LOL. I'm no expert, by any means, I'll be a year natural on Friday, but I have very fine thin hair and feel that I can offer some advice on this hair type in particular based on my experiences.

[denimpixie]

@Chrissy4281 A video on what?

[nikkinecole76]

Oh and I just "liked" you on FB!! :-)

[denimpixie]

@nikkinecole76 Welcome! It's another great way to share info.

[Chrissy4281]

Great informative video. My tip would be to be patient; everyone's journey is different, so do not compare your hair to others. Hair growth isn't limited to what you put in your hair, it's also about what you put into and do for your body. A natural, using products alone to help with the health and growth of their hair, will have different results than the natural who in addition to using healthy products, also ensures she's eating well, exercising, taking vitmains and drinks plenty of water.

[denimpixie]

@Chrissy4281 GREAT advice Chrissy! **High five**

[nikkinecole76]

Yay, thanks!! :-) ☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆

[icygal08]

happy 19th month Izzy. looking good as usual. this video is right on time as I was contemplating my big chop soon.

[nikkinecole76]

Hi! Can you give more info on the olive oil/honey treatment? Did you just mix the 2 and leave it in overnight and rinse? Thanks!!

[denimpixie]

@nikkinecole76 There is a post on it on my blog - just added the link to the details.

[hauteone]

I am so in love with you chanel! I BC July 8th and i have been doing a wash and go for the past 2 weeks. I got sick with a cold so no wash and go for the week so im wigging it! But I am getting a little tired all ready of the wash and grow. My hair has grown ALOT since my chop (im pregnant so i have a little help :)) But i love this video. Keep the newbie tips coming because i am loving it!

[queenofsheba66]

Such a good vid. Thank you, I BC'd back in Nov 2010. I am at that stage where I am rocking wigs so that I can still treat my coils while wearing a time-saving wig.I did a vid recently about this subject. Love your channel and your hair is GORGEOUS!!!

[gigimichelle311]

My tip: buy the smaller size if its your first time using a product. Kimmytube raved about Giovanni's smooth as silk condish, so I had my husband order me a pack that came with 3 bottles. Why did it make my hair feel like straw!? So now if I'm trying out a product for the 1st time I get a trial or the smallest size and if I like I get the bigger size.

[denimpixie]

@gigimichelle311 Most of the Giovanni stuff I've tried I ended up using to shave my legs. I think the only one I liked was the 50/50 as a leave-in. I never buy trial sizes though because if I end up loving something, I have to order more after a couple of uses and when I do my reviews I use something a bunch of times before telling y'all about it, and a sample size most likely wouldn't even cover it. But yea, I feel you. I would have been so annoyed!

[jjac401]

I big chopped late April 2011 and when I ran into Elle's Youtube Channel it was so inspirational, informative and encouraging to me. Elle please keep doing your thing and THANKS!!!

[LittlLdy86]

Ur words of wisdom and sincerity really inspire me. I did my BC a few months ago

and sometimes it is hard to style my hair now being it's super short. Seeing your past videos and ur results is really encouraging :)

[twinkier2]

This vid was right on time. I big chopped on Sunday and you gave some great tips.

[UtubeHairCare]

YOUR HAIR LOOKS SO GOOD!!

[Bsexy706]

Thx U so much. That was quite helpful.

[ELJones00]

This was an excellent video, thank you!!! I'm assuming you haven't experienced in hair growth results from the hair growth vitamin regimen yet, but have you experienced any adverse effects?

[denimpixie]

@ELJones00 Nope everything is all good! No complaints so far.

[ladybuke]

Thanks 4 tips. I bc'd one year ago and love all your tips 4 hair.

[chilid856]

Thanks for the tips. I just BC'd this month on the 23rd. I transitioned for 9 months. I am loving it. My oldest and youngest love it. My middle child didn't like it. He says I'm just use to you having long hair. He asked why and we talked. Then he understood and said, "Do you mom." I got so much love from family and friends.

[BeauGorgeousNatural]

Aww Thanx for this! I have some loved ones that just BC'd! Awesome

[SohoChic4]

Great video I finally big chopped two weeks ago! thanks for the advice =)

[MizzJaw]

You have such lovely hair, new subscriber but i love your channel!

[denimpixie]

@MizzJaw Thank you and welcome!

[curlybuff101]

Cute! You give your hair a name!

[feemarie83]

great info! thanx!

[0kitten00]

you look really beautiful here!!

[Raejanne1994]

Perfect timing. Ive been transitioning for 7 plus months

[SHAUNETTE2007]

I love your vids! You are RIGHT on time! LOL! I just BC'd a month ago!!