I Did the Final Chop: My 100% Natural Hair Journey

I did it. The final chop. No relaxer, no texlax, no “just a little straight on the ends.” I’m officially 100% natural now, and honestly? This moment feels bigger than hair. If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror debating whether you’re ready to let go of chemically treated hair, you already know—this isn’t just a style decision. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And yes, it’s a little terrifying. But it’s also freeing.

I did my big chop back in April, but I still had some relaxed ends. So, around my birthday, I decided to cut off the relaxed ends.

Related article: Is it Safe to Skip Shampoo if You Have Thick, Dry, Curly Hair?

What the Final Chop Really Means

For anyone new to the natural hair world, the final chop is when you cut off the remaining relaxed or heat-damaged ends so only your natural texture remains. No safety net. No blending. Just your hair as it grows out of your scalp. And let me tell you—once you do it, there’s no un-doing it. (Which is kind of the point.)

Why I Finally Let Go of Relaxed Hair

I didn’t wake up one day and randomly grab scissors. This was a decision years in the making.

Here’s what pushed me over the edge:

• Constant breakage and thinning ends
• Hair that never truly felt healthy
• A burnt scalp
• Styling around damage instead of embracing growth
• Wanting authenticity—inside and out

At some point, I realized I was holding on to hair that no longer represented who I was becoming. And hair has a funny way of telling the truth before we’re ready to admit it.

The Emotional Side of Going 100% Natural

Nobody really talks about this part enough.

Cutting my hair felt like:

• Letting go of old versions of myself
• Releasing beauty standards I didn’t create
• Choosing patience over instant length

I won’t sugarcoat it—there were moments of doubt. Moments I missed my straight styles. Moments I questioned if I was “brave enough” to wear my hair exactly as it is.

But confidence grows faster than hair ever will.

What I’ve Learned Since the Final Chop

Going fully natural taught me lessons that had nothing to do with products or curl patterns.

1. Healthy Hair > Long Hair

Length means nothing if your hair is stressed, damaged, or breaking off.

2. Shrinkage Is a Sign of Life

Shrinkage used to annoy me. Now I see it as proof my hair is thriving.

3. Simplicity Wins

Once the damaged hair was gone, my routine got easier—not harder.

4. Confidence Is the Real Glow-Up

The more I embraced my natural hair, the more comfortable I became in my own skin.

My Current Natural Hair Routine (Simple & Realistic)

I keep things very basic because healthy hair doesn’t need drama.

• Cleanse: Sulfate-free shampoo
• Condition: Deep condition weekly
• Moisturize: Water + cream or butter
• Protect: Low-manipulation styles
• Rest: Yes, your hair needs breaks too

Consistency beats perfection every time.

Thinking About Doing the Final Chop?

If you’re on the fence, here’s my honest advice:

• Do it when you’re ready, not when the world says so
• Your curl pattern doesn’t need permission
• Hair grows—peace of mind is harder to get back

Going natural isn’t about trends. It’s about alignment.

I Am 100% Natural Now—and Proud of It

This final chop wasn’t the end of my hair journey. It was the beginning of a healthier one.

I’m learning my hair. I’m respecting it. And most importantly, I’m no longer hiding it.

If you’re walking this path too, just know—you’re not behind, you’re right on time.