After the big chop, growing your natural hair out requires a lot of patience, consistency, and TLC. Embracing your journey as a naturalista may feel daunting at first, however, “this is where you’re supposed to have a lot of fun with your freedom and build the foundation for the rest of your hair journey” explains celebrity stylist and OurX master educator, Johnny Wright. Keep reading for Wright’s tips on how to grow your hair after the big chop.

How To Grow Your Hair After The Big Chop

1. Use natural hair products

When it comes to selecting products for your freshly cut curls, only use hydrating products that will retain moisture, like hair oil or leave-in conditioner. Look for water-based products containing oils, butters, and herbs that restore natural hair. Keep track of the products that enhance your natural hair textures and leave your strands extra soft.

2. Wash, deep condition, and moisturize your hair regularly

Don’t be afraid to regularly wash natural hair. In fact, a clean scalp is essential for growth. “I love a clarifying shampo like the OurX Detox Cleanse Complex to to remove product buildup, dirt, and oil,” says Wright. “Follow that up with a moisturizing shampoo and a regular conditioner. After, apply a deep conditioning mask like the OurX Intensive Conditioning Compound, that deeply penetrates the hair shaft to add even more hydration.”

3. Get trims regularly

Becoming comfortable with short hair after the big chop can be difficult, but regular trims are necessary to remove split ends and retain length. A visit to the salon for a haircut every 6-8 weeks will retain length and prevent future breakage.

4. Keep heat styling to a minimum

Avoid using all heat tools, including blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and more, or you’ll risk damaging the hair cuticle. As a result, your hair becomes even more vulnerable to damage, dehydration, split ends, and dullness.

5. Protect your hair from heat and damage

If you want to use heat tools, use them occasionally, or you’ll risk a return to unhealthy hair. Wright advises to “always prep hair with a heat protectant since heat styling can easily damage kinky hair.” Also, ensure that you only use “high heat settings, always under 300°F, in your initial styling.” If you touch up the style throughout the week, tool temperatures should always be set to a much lower temperature.

6. Wear low-manipulation hairstyles

Be gentle when detangling your hair and opt for a low-manipulation hairstyle. Start by applying the OurX Treatment Leave-In conditioner, a lightweight cream leave-in conditioner, formulated to provide long-lasting moisture retention without leaving any residue. This will make the hair more manageable so you can slowly work through knots using a wide-tooth comb before styling. Take your time and be careful not to overwork the hair and strain the scalp and edges. Over time, this process will become effortless.

7. Eat a healthy diet

A diet filled with high-nutritional foods containing plenty of fiber, antioxidants, protein, and certain fats is essential for hair growth. It can also play a major role in preventing hair loss, boosting shine and density.

8. Take vitamins for hair growth

Slow growth and thinning hair could be caused by a vitamin and mineral deficiency, specifically a lack of vitamin D, iron, and zinc. Replenishing these nutrients, and including a biotin supplement, could be the remedy for thick, fuller hair. Before adding any new supplement to your diet, always consult your doctor.

9. Get enough sleep

Clocking in 7-9 hours of sleep nightly can positively impact hair growth. As you snooze, your hair follicles go through a process of repair and regeneration, which is associated with achieving longer tresses. Prioritizing quality sleep also supports your overall well-being and maintaining a healthy growth cycle.

10. Drink plenty of water

Lacking adequate levels of h2O can result in excess shedding, a dry scalp, and brittle, dull hair. To revive your tresses, up your water intake to at least 64 oz. daily. Include water-rich foods, like fresh fruits, and veggies in your diet and reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption.

11. Exercise regularly

Working out enhances blood circulation, especially to the scalp, and boosts overall health. The extra blood flow delivers an increase of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. “Stimulating the scalp boosts circulation, which is a guaranteed method for optimizing hair growth” details Wright. Sweating it out also reduces stress levels, regulates hormones, and improves the quality of sleep, which all play significant roles in the growth of strong, healthy hair.

12. Be patient and consistent

Embracing short hair and achieving growth takes time, so it’s easy to feel frustrated as you embark on your natural hair journey. Remember your growth stage “doesn’t have to be perfect. Just stick to a daily regimen and if you make a mistake every now and then, don’t feel guilty. If you need a break and want to do some protective styling and slap on a wig, there’s nothing wrong with that! Just make sure you prioritize your hair health always,” notes Wright.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Over-washing your hair

Washing your hair is mandatory for keeping your scalp healthy fresh. However, cleansing it too often can strip your strands and scalp of natural, essential oils and lead to brittle, frizzy hair. Choose a nourishing shampoo and conditioner and minimize wash days to one day per week.

Using harsh chemicals on your hair

Harsh chemicals, like relaxers, treatments that process your curls, and certain hair dyes often cause scalp irritation, dried-out hair, and potential exposure to toxic ingredients.

Over-styling your hair

It can be tempting to overload your hair routine with extra steps and a long list of products, but in this case, less is more. Additionally, cut back on daily manipulation and tight styles that can damage the scalp and follicles.

Not protecting your hair from the elements

It’s possible to prevent environmental damage caused by elements like rain, snow, dryness, rough winds, and air pollution. When the weather is rough, cover your hair with a satin-lined cap or silk scarf, and add extra moisture to combat a lack of humidity and indoor heaters.

Not getting regular trims

If growing long hair after the big chop is your goal, don’t be afraid of getting regular trims. Visiting your hairdresser every 6-8 weeks to cut stringy or relaxed ends will actually prevent short hair from split ends that lead to future breakage.

FAQs

Does hair grow faster after a big chop?

Not necessarily, the speed at which hair grows is affected by genetics, well-being, and an established routine. However, it can set the stage for healthier hair by removing damaged ends and better haircare habits.

How do you grow healthy hair after a big chop?

To grow healthy hair after a big chop, prioritize keeping hair moisturized and protected from harsh chemicals and elements, by using hydrating products and keeping up your overall well-being. As a result, hair grows longer after starting fresh.

Does hair texture change after a big chop?

No, hair texture typically does not change after a big chop. However, as your hair grows, you’ll notice a return to your natural curl pattern, especially if you are transitioning from relaxed hair. Therefore, it seems to have a slightly different texture from your previously damaged hair.

How often should I wash my hair after a big chop? 

Wash your hair once a week at most to remove product buildup, oil, and excess dirt using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Massaging your scalp during your wash routine can also boost circulation and boost growth.