The Big Chop: How I Transitioned from Relaxed to Natural 4C Hair

The Big Chop: How I Transitioned from Relaxed to Natural 4C Hair

Last Saturday (April 7, 2012), I finally cut off all my damaged ends and officially said goodbye to relaxers—never again! If you’ve struggled with heat, chemicals, or weak ends, you know the feeling of starting fresh. I even have a video showing my hair before the chop to highlight the damage I had to overcome.

Over the past year, I learned a lot about relaxers, heat damage, and hair care routines. One key takeaway? You can only safely choose one: relaxers or heat. I chose to ditch relaxers and embrace my natural curls, focusing on protective styles and hydration.

Related article: 6 Powerful All Natural Hair Remedies In Your Kitchen

My Winter Protective Style Routine

This winter, I tried what I consider the best sew-in of my life. Protective styles like sew-ins, braids, and wigs are lifesavers during colder months, but I love showing off my natural hair during the summer.In the past, I didn’t know how to take care of my hair. Winter meant weaves or braids, and summer meant trimming dry, split ends. Thanks to YouTube tutorials and natural hair communities, I now follow a routine that keeps my hair healthy:

• Moisturizing conditioner to hydrate my curls
• Sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse without stripping natural oils
• Heat protectant sprays for occasional styling
• Regular trims to remove damaged ends

I plan to continue using protective styles during winter while keeping my hair healthy with washing, conditioning, and moisturizing. Check out my post on protective styles for natural hair for more inspiration.

Before and After My Big Chop

Before: My hair was thin at the ends, weak, and damaged from my last relaxer in October 2011.

After: My hair is now coarse, kinky, 4C, and full of life. My curls are a bit challenging to define, even with gel or moisturizing conditioner, but cutting off the damaged ends was the ultimate fresh start.

I originally planned to do the big chop on my birthday (June 25th), but after seeing my hair after washing it on Saturday, I couldn’t wait any longer. My roots and ends didn’t match—the ends were too thin and broken. Cutting off the relaxed part was the ultimate fresh start.

Shop My Natural Hair Care Favorites

Here are the products that helped me transition to natural hair and keep it healthy:

• Sulfate-Free Moisturizing Shampoo – gentle cleansing for 4C hair
• Hydrating Conditioner – keeps coarse curls soft and manageable
• Curl-Defining Gel – defines natural curls without the crunch
• Heat Protectant Spray – protects hair during occasional styling
• Protective Style Accessories – clips, bands, and caps for sew-ins and braids

Key Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair

1. Pick one damage-free method: relaxers or heat, not both.
2. Use protective styles to avoid breakage, especially in winter.
3. Moisturize daily to keep curls hydrated and defined.
4. Trim or cut damaged ends regularly to promote healthy growth.
5. Learn from experts—check YouTube tutorials for natural hair and follow reliable blogs.

Transitioning to natural hair was one of the best decisions I’ve made. With patience, care, and the right products, your hair can thrive!