One Year After My Big Chop: Natural Hair Journey + Curl Growth Tips
It’s been a year since I made a promise to God and followed through, cutting off all my hair was a symbolic reset in my life. This wasn’t just about hair. It was about release, surrender, and reclaiming parts of myself I had long buried under perfectionism, pressure, and postpartum overwhelm.
The Faith Behind My Natural Hair Big Chop Journey
Back in 2020, I had finally achieved the hair I’d always wanted—long, defined, and healthy curls. But when the world turned upside down with COVID, so did everything I had worked for. At the time, I was working in the legal field as a paralegal, carrying the emotional weight of my clients’ uncertainty on my own. The collective stress, fear, and nonstop pressure triggered telogen effluvium—stress-induced hair loss.
Suddenly, I was shedding hair in handfuls. My hormones shifted, my skin broke out, and I started gaining weight. It felt like my body was screaming at me to slow down. I eventually sought help from a dermatologist to manage the shedding, acne, and hormones. Through that process, I gained a deeper understanding of how much stress affected me.
That season taught me more than any product or routine could. It forced me to become more self-aware—not just about my hair but also my health, boundaries, and emotional well-being.
When my husband and I started trying to conceive and faced unexpected challenges, I turned inward and upward. I made a faith-driven promise: if God gave me a healthy baby and a smooth pregnancy, I would let go of something I had obsessed over for years—my hair. When my son turned one, I kept my word. There were no tears, just relief. It felt like shedding old skin.
Emotional Healing After the Big Chop
I didn’t cry after my big chop. Not like last time. Instead, I felt like I had finally let go of something heavy, physically and emotionally. With every snip, I was releasing the need to look a certain way to feel beautiful.
That said, it was an adjustment. I had to get used to seeing myself with less hair and a heavier postpartum body. There was no long hair to hide behind. I had to meet myself fully, which required a raw self-love I hadn’t practiced in years.
My hair took a backseat this year, and that’s okay. What grew instead was a deeper connection to myself, my son, and the woman I’m becoming.
Post-Big Chop Hair Care Routine: What Worked for Me
After my big chop, I realized that cutting my hair wasn’t the end but the beginning of healing it. I still had damage from my last color job, working out, postpartum shedding, and, of course, Texas’s unforgiving hard water.
For the past year, I’ve followed a consistent two-day wash routine: Wednesdays and Sundays, with deep conditioning sessions. I rotated my conditioners to prevent protein overload and focused on hydration.
I discuss this further in my Deep Conditioning Guide and Obliphica Routine Post if you’re curious.
Despite the low-maintenance mindset, my hair grew back fast. I credit it to breastfeeding, staying hydrated, collagen peptides, prenatal vitamins, and my minimalist, low-maintenance routine. I kept things simple with salon-quality products, washed twice a week, and embraced whatever my curls did that day.
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What Helped My Hair Bounce Back
Seaberry Medium to Coarse Regimen
Revives dry, postpartum curls with salon-level hydration and shine. Perfect for transitioning or natural hair textures.”
Collagen Peptides (Sports Research)
Helps support healthy hair growth, strong nails, and postpartum recovery—easy to mix into your daily routine.
Vegan Prenatal Vitamins (Deva Brand)
Plant-based support for postpartum recovery and hair regrowth. Gentle on the stomach, packed with essentials for moms.
RED Detangling Brush
Glides through curls without breakage. Perfect for short, uneven lengths and postpartum hair textures.
Ever Ego Italy Garlic Hair Mask
Strengthens weak, shedding strands with natural garlic extract. Great for restoring fullness after postpartum hair loss.
What I Learned from My Natural Hair Big Chop
If I could talk to my past self, I’d say this: You are your worst critic. Nobody sees the things you obsess over. Beauty is more profound than your reflection.
What would my curls say? “Thank you.” No more tugging, over-styling, or chasing trends. Just care and rest. This past year has been the gentlest on my hair since I transitioned to natural hair over a decade ago.
“This was the most minimalist I’ve ever been—and it’s what my hair needed.”
What’s Next for My Natural Hair Journey
I plan to get a haircut in October 2025—one that fits my face and this new season of life. I’m embracing the curls, not just for me, but for my family. When people see us coming, they know—“that’s the curly crew.”
I no longer wear protective styles (they made my hair fall out) and follow no strict regimens—just softness, hydration, and consistency.
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FAQs About Natural Hair Big Chop
How do I know it’s time for a trim after a big chop?
If your ends are uneven, styling feels difficult, or your curls aren’t bouncing back like they used to, it might be time for a shape-up. I waited a whole year, but could see signs earlier, especially with postpartum texture changes.
Did your hair texture change after pregnancy?
Yes! My curls loosened significantly up front and felt more 2b/3a. It’s only now, two years postpartum, that I’m seeing my pre-pregnancy texture come back. The journey’s real, and every curl has its timeline.
What products helped you the most during this year?
I kept it simple: I used the Obliphica Seaberry line, rotated deep conditioners (you can read more in my Deep Conditioner Guide), and stuck to tools like my favorite detangling brush that worked well with short, uneven lengths.
How do you stay consistent with your routine as a mom?
Less is more! I wash twice a week, deep condition when I can, and style with minimal product. I don’t stress about protective styles—wearing them naturally with love and grace has been enough.
What helped your hair grow back thicker after postpartum shedding?
It was a mix of hydration, prenatals, collagen peptides, and not touching it too much. Letting it rest did wonders.
Final Thoughts: Still Growing, Still Healing
This big chop was never just about hair—it was about surrender, starting over, and rediscovering myself one curl at a time. If you’re in that in-between stage too, know it’s okay not to have it all figured out.
Check out my latest post: The Benefits of Probiotics for Women — because wellness is inside and out.
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If you’re on your reconnecting journey, I’d love to hear your story in the comments or on Instagram @CurlyMamaChronicles.
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