Girl, you finally did it, you took the first step and big chopped! Whether it was a spontaneous decision or something you’ve been planning for months, I’m so proud of you. Welcome to the world of 4C natural hair. Now, I know you might be feeling a mix of excitement and “What have I just done?” but don’t worry, I’ve got you. Taking care of your 4C hair after the big chop is all about patience, moisture, and a whole lot of self-love. Let’s talk about how to keep your hair healthy, growing and thriving from day one.

Feel like your hair has been the same length forever, I’ve an Ebook that will help you grow your hair healthier, longer and thicker. Grab your copy here… Also, check out all the Ebooks,guides and journals that will go a long way in your hair care journey here.

Tips on Growing your 4C Natural Hair after Big Chop.

1. Get to Know Your New Hair

First things first bestie, you need to get familiar with your hair. If you’ve been relaxing or straightening for years, this might be the first time you’re seeing your natural curl pattern. 4C hair is tightly coiled, shrinkage is real (and beautiful), and it thrives on moisture. Instead of stressing about how short it looks, embrace this fresh start. Your hair is unique, and it’s about to flourish like never before. Read all about my natural hair journey on this post.

2. Keep Your Hair Moisturized

After the big chop, you might notice that your hair feels dry. That’s because 4C hair naturally struggles to retain moisture. The best way to keep your hair hydrated is to incorporate a healthy moisturizing routine.

• Water is your best friend – Spritz your hair with water before applying a water-based leave-in conditioner, you can also choose to use a hydrating spray to remoisturize as needed. Your hair needs moisture before anything else.
• Seal in that moisture – Use the LOC or LCO moisturizing method to keep your hair from drying out too quickly. A little hair butter or castor oil can go a long way. Also, the moisturizing products you use depends on what porosity your hair has, read more about porosity on this post.
• Deep condition regularly – Once a week or every two weeks depending on how often you cleanse your hair, treat your hair to a deep conditioning session. This keeps it soft and manageable, making styling a breeze. Use a moisturizing deep conditioner on every wash day and a protein treatment monthly or every 4-6 weeks.

3. Be Gentle When Detangling

Even though your hair is short, you still need to be gentle with it. 4C hair is delicate, and rough handling can lead to unnecessary breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb or, even better, your fingers to detangle. Always detangle on damp hair with a good conditioner or detangler to help reduce friction.

4. Keep Your Scalp Clean and Healthy

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Since your hair is short, product buildup can easily accumulate. Wash your hair every one to two weeks with a sulfate-free shampoo to keep your scalp fresh and hydrated. If you struggle with an itchy or flaky scalp, a few drops of tea tree or peppermint oil in your shampoo can help.

5. Protect Your Hair at Night

Sis, your cotton pillowcase is not your friend. Cotton absorbs moisture, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage. Switch to a satin or silk bonnet, scarf, or pillowcase to keep your hair moisturized overnight. If your hair feels dry in the morning, refresh it with a little water and leave-in conditioner.

6. Experiment With Styles That Work for You

Just because your hair is short doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it. Here are some cute, easy styles to try:

• Finger coils – Perfect for defining your curls and giving your hair a stylish, uniform look.
• TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) styles – Rock your fro as it is or add some hair accessories like headbands, clips, or scarves to switch it up.
• Flat twists or mini twists – Even with short hair, you can twist your hair for a textured look. Plus, twists help with moisture and length retention.

7. Avoid Over-Manipulation

Right now, your hair is in its most fragile state, so less is more. Try to keep your hands out of your hair as much as possible to prevent unnecessary breakage. Protective styles like mini twists or wigs (if you’re into them) can help you retain length without excessive styling.

8. Be Patient and Enjoy the Journey

The early days of natural hair can be frustrating, especially if you’re not used to short hair and not used to caring for 4c natural hair without texturizing or straightening it. But trust me, your hair is growing, even if you don’t see it right away. Take progress pictures, celebrate the small wins, and remember that your hair is beautiful at every stage.

9. Find a Simple Routine That Works for You

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the natural hair advice out there, but you don’t need a complicated routine. Here is how my natural hair routine looks like. My advice is just keep it simple:

• Wash every 2-4 weeks
• Moisturize daily, every other day or a couple of days a week depending on your hair needs.
• Deep condition with a moisturizing deep conditioner on every washday and use a protein treatment every 4-6 weeks.
• Protect your hair at night
• Trim when needed, this can be every 4-6 months.

Once you find a routine that works, stick to it. Consistency is key when it comes to healthy hair.

10. Love Your Hair, Love Yourself

This is more than just a hair journey, it’s a self-love journey. The big chop is bold, empowering, and a statement that you’re embracing your natural beauty. Don’t compare your hair to anyone else’s. Your 4C hair is unique, and it will flourish in its own time.

So, bestie, welcome to the natural hair club. I’m here for you every step of the way, check the blogs on hair care tips page for more tips on how to care for and grow 4c natural hair. What’s your biggest struggle so far? Let’s talk about it.