My Natural Hair is DAMAGED (Relaxer or Big Chop?)

So my natural hair is damaged and I've got to make the decision whether to big chop, relax my hair or keep pushing through with my natural hair journey.
My hair always seemed to be dry during the time that I thought I was caring for it the most, protective styling. However, I learned the hard way when I wasn't moisturizing my hair during the protective styles and was left with the option of doing protein treatments trying to repair the damaged hair.
Is having relaxed hair even an option for me? Well, you're going to have to watch to find out.
#bigchop #damagednaturalhair #relaxingnaturalhair
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𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 🛍
𝐌𝐘 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐄-𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐒:
𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥.
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● FAQ
Hair Type- 3c,4a
Big Chop Date: 22ND NOV 2016
Camera: iPhone 11
Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
See you in the next one

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐌𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒, 𝐈 𝐀𝐌 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐒. 𝐄𝐍𝐉𝐎𝐘! 😉😉🙏🏽🙏🏽🙈

[@DarkMoonDivaCherikanGoddess]

do you still feel like grease and water helped your hair or contributed to further damage?

[@joanofarc33]

I hear you girl! I am right behind you😂

[@sholeygomez3346]

Relaxer

[@MsRouge2000]

I can say that I will never relax my hair again no shade to whoever wants to relax their hair. Love the video!!

[@E_MZ_]

Yeah, honestly never again.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Hey lovely. Thank you. I think really thinking about it, I don't think I won't be able to do it, if it came down to the crunch.

[@Gem-n-life]

I’ll just become a straight natural, if I sustain heat damage 🥴

[@winninginlife]

@@Gem-n-life lol, yep I love my 4c natural hair but if it happened I'd rather rock straight heat damaged hair than put in another relaxer. The thought of dealing with 4c new growth and relaxed hair at the same time until it's time to relax again brings on my anxiety..no ma'am lol. I only enjoyed my relaxed hair the 1st few weeks of being relaxed. After that new growth came in I was like...Lord help me 🌹🤗

[@wojoud06]

Same omg I want my hair back soo badly 😭

[@chiquitafederico296]

I also wound up with damage from long term "protective" styling.. I recently had to big chop my waist legnth hair in Oct 2021 and have since adopted the no oils/no butters regimen of iamblackgirlcurls.. The decision to big chop after finally seeing the legnth I'd always wanted was 1 of my hardest.. But I didn't want to combat the damage while trying to take proper care of my new growth.. My hair has grown a few inches since my chop and my wash days and hair maintenance have now become the most simple they've ever been.. Washing a couple times a week taking about 1.5hrs to wash, style, and sit under my hooded dryer.. I say do whatever it takes for you to be able to really enjoy your hair.. For me, that meant a big chop.. For someone else that could mean relaxer or heat training.. I so greatly enjoy watching others embark on their desired hair journeys.. 🤗💖

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you so much for sharing your process. I can imagine it must have been hard to let the length go, as waist length is also my goal. However, I couldn't do it with the damage like yourself and ended up cutting off a few inches. Not quite a big chop, but enough that I notice the difference. But the real main difference I notice is the health, so much fuller and bouncy. Thanks again x

[@lareyduff9407]

Your hair is very soft. You could always get a silk press to get that relaxed look and change up a bit. You don't need a relaxer for that. I've heard it's always good to get your ends trimmed at the beauty salon after it's straightened out....

[@oshabishop]

I am actually texlaxed and LOVE IT! I was getting tired of my hair but didn't want to go all the way relaxed. This had helped me sooo much! It's still curly and much more manageable and I can still straighten when I want. So I still have that curly or straight option.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

I do love the look of texlaxed hair. I think this would have been my option, if I decided to chemically treat my hair.

[@Gladiator_in_a_Suit]

Girl! I have a solution for you! Don’t cut your hair and please don’t creamy crack your hair until you hear this, keep protective styling and try a protein treatment on wash day once a month and every 6 months trim off the damaged pieces and keep hair tucked away in braids that you did in your other video. Basically grow out your damaged hair and when you have plenty of healthy strong length cut off the damaged pieces, and you’ll have a healthy head of hair. 😌 I hope this works for you!

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you for taking the time to write this comment. It’s a simple yet effective regimen. 🙌🏾

[@HillbillyYEEHAA]

If I washed my scalp once in a month, my scalp would be in bits. Anyone who can do it, you are lucky.

[@shaelenemusicandmore]

I agree with you to not do a big chop but more so trim it consistently and by chance have you ever tried hibiscus 🌺 powder with other ingredients: oils and aloe vera for example (ayurvedic masks can sometimes need extra moisturizers). I am not a natural but heard many mention the benefits of it helping you regain your curl pattern! I hope this helps somehow🤗. So sorry, I know how you feel about the big chop.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Oh wow, thank you for the recommendations and tips Shaelene. I haven't tried hibiscus powder on my hair. Thank you for watching xx

[@raqueljoseph3030]

I agree just trim

[@tanyas1644]

Love your honesty… the transparency is needed not just for your viewers but for yourself as you tweak your regime. I wouldn’t recommend relaxing damaged hair because you’ll just have damaged relaxed hair. Give your hair a nice trim (not a big chop) and nurse it back to health. Looking forward to seeing what you do next and guide us on our own hair journeys. Thanks so much!

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you Tanya. I definitely think nursing my hair back to health is the way to go. It’s old damage, so fortunately it’s grown down to a length that I don’t have to take a large amount off.

[@Lidiroyal]

What about heat training instead of going back to the relaxers? Or just getting a roller set every two weeks? The thing is you’d have to find a good stylist who cares about the health of your hair

[@auntiez4917]

Your hair is gorgeous. It just looks like it needs a couple inches cut from the ends...

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you. I agree lol

[@TheMspoodle2]

Just because your hair is damaged doesn't mean you should get it relaxed unless that's something you desire.

[@veliciawilliams5865]

Agreed.

[@deborahrigby5428]

Hey fam across the ocean 🌊 always love your vidz, and big chop pics❣️You’re sooo candidly honest and I get it cuz❣️🥰I think our hair goes through stages and adjustments sooo we need to adjust with it as you have done-Congrats fam❣️

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you Deb. Always really appreciate your support. 😘😘

[@heybaeitsblanca1492]

Its still nice. I would blow dry it and get a professional trim then go from there. Good luck on your journey 💕

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you girly x

[@bbebop30]

I always have a set back when I dont get regular trims. I refused to believe it but it is true. No more mystery.

[@cutenobi]

I had a setback too with having protein overload and my hair fell out. I just transitioned by wearing head wraps and twists. I’m looking forward to seeing your new journey.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

I'm sorry to hear that, hopefully it's working out for you now. Thank you hun, looking forward to continuing my journey with you all.

[@marlak4203]

So many Tubers are talking like this. They've messed up their hair. Its so many. Stuff in the air? The covid shot? LOL. But what I do believe it has to do is too much manipulation with products and styling to keep their channels fresh and keep up with any trends.

[@denyshadials5702]

Head wraps are unfortunately slept on. I wear them at least once a week.

[@cutenobi]

@@denyshadials5702 I need to wear mine more regularly. I wear one every so often, but not regularly.

[@cutenobi]

@@marlak4203 You’re right. Because I manipulated my hair too much is why my hair fell out. But I’m hoping I learned from it and now I’m learning how to appreciate my hair the way it is.

[@marleyhill34]

I think most people with curly, coily or kinky hair cope well when the hair at or above shoulder length. Once it start to get longer than that, the process of detangling seems to take too long. My stylist and trichologists can wash detangle and style my hair in one hour but it is above shoulder length, they are pros, they don't have to bend their arms upwards and backwards and they have salon tools and products. When my hair is damaged or I'm struggling to cope with it, I go to the salon or the trichologist clinic and let them nurse it back to health. The longer your hair gets, I think the more you gave to simplify you routine. I think you should see a hairstylist who will trim/cut and steam treat your hair every 6 weeks until your hair us healthy again. My Aveda stylist is great. He lets me know how my hair is doing and he never cuts too much off all at once. If I need several inches off he does it every 6 weeks until all of the damage is gone. I wear weekly protective styles: twists, flat twists and 2 or 3 French braids. I shampoo weekly and deep condition with heat weekly. I detangle weekly. I do not wear my hair down and out often because that dries it out faster and it blows in the wind and rubs on everything causing more damage to my fine and fragile strands. I do not do hot oil, ayurveda, rice water, chebe, clay etc. Treatments. 1. They make wash day too long. 2. I've had allergic reaction to those treatments 3. Any trichologists, stylist and/or cosenetologist will tell you that they are unnecessary. My trichologists have waist length hair and they do not do any of these treatments. It is part genetics and part looking after the hair daily and weekly. If you live in London, try, Fulham Scalp & Hair Clinic(West London) , Andree Marie at Maison Style( South London-SW6) , Morris Roots (Tooting/Fulham-SW6/Highgate N6), the Curl Bar (Hornsey-N8), 3thirty salon (Old Street/Shoreditch EC1V) or Morrells of Brockley(South East London) . The Aveda institute in Covent Garden does not use steam but they use high quality products and have skilled Salon Directors who trim extremely well. If you don't live in London, I still suggest making a day/city break trip to get your hair where it needs to be. Good luck.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you for your comment Marley. I actually personally know Andree Marie, so I’ll contact her. X

[@marleyhill34]

@@MissLaurenLeigh11 Cool! She works with curly and straight so if you decide to relax it, she will help it be relaxed and healthy! Good luck!

[@denyshadials5702]

Thank you for being honest about protective styling.

[@earlenecarson395]

I’m happy I followed your hair recommendations early on and maintained. My hair has grown and thickened enormously. 😃👍🏽💙💚💚

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

That is awesome! Earlene I am soooo happy to hear that I have helped in some way. You're dedication is applaudable, keep up the good work. Thank you for choosing to travel with me on my journey.

[@tamrabrown3261]

Hi Lauren!!!! Iove your videos and I think your hair is so beautiful. I've been on my natural hair care journey for 2 years, 8 months and I would never go back to relaxers. But never say never right? Post relaxer, my natural hair has grown so much thicker and longer, by doing these things! Using the right hair care products and regular trims. I just dust the ends, every 6-8 weeks. Having 3 different curly hair textures; plus low porosity hair around the scalp and edges then high porosity hair between the mid-section and ends, presents a challenge. Natural vs. Relaxed hair, is very time consuming, but worth it! I definitely suggest a thorough co-washing in between wash days. Use a hair moisturizer every 2 days, oil that scalp, then use a sealant to lock in moisture. I have to use a good clarifying shampoo for my hair texture(s) each wash day because of build up! The less I manipulate my hair, the healthier it is plus hair grows....I eat clean, sleep well, exercise, and drink at least 64-80 ounces of water every day! I feel so much better but I owe everything to God!!!! God bless you all!!! ☺

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you! x

[@tamrabrown3261]

☺

[@tamrabrown3261]

You're welcome!

[@shaelenemusicandmore]

Thanks for this sis ✊🏾🇯🇲

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

You’re welcome girly 💕🙌🏾

[@sandraD3971]

Love your natural hair,really lovely 💁🏽‍♀️

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you Sandra x

[@freda4882]

Love the content. I hear ya with the love hate relationship with ur hair. I have that too with mine. As far as relaxing my hair, never ever again. I sweat from my scalp. So it'd be way to much work. Plus same amount of work to get it str8. Still gotta wash, blow dry then flatiron. So what's the point of a relaxer? I love the fullness of your hair, like you mentioned trimming often would be the route I'd take as well. No big chop for me. I did that in 2020.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you Freda! Yes, I don't know if I'm going to be able to big chop so boldly now lol. I thought I could do it, but after making the video, I realise I can still work with what I have and get her back on track. Thank you for watching. x

[@sandrabaldwin7362]

Hi there, thanks for the content. Natural hair is very up and down especially if you have a few different textures. My hair is courser and tighter in the front and loser and softer at the back as well as a medium texture in the middle. If the front was medium or softer I could manage it better. For the past 8 months I have been using a product called Texture Release from Kera Care. Instead of relaxing your hair you could try that instead. It loosens the texture so my hair is much better in the front if I want to wear it curly or I can blow dry and straighten and does not revert as quick. Have a look at the videos about it and there are salons in London that apply it or you could buy the box kit. I enjoy my hair now and have a choice of wearing nice even curls or straight. The product gradually wears out and your courser texture comes back after 2 to 3 months. I have applied it 3 times now.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Hey Sandra, thank you for the recommendation, I'll have a look into. Also, thank you for your comment. x

[@Toi84Toi]

I'd say try the olaplex system OR try black tea or coffee rinses (they block dht), and fenugreek and nettle. I just did a big chop myself but I'm going to have to be careful with the heat.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

I’m going to see what this Olaplex is about because a few people have mentioned it to me.

[@dlilwon]

I was about to mention Olaplex in my post. But for me its too expensive so the alternative for me is the Curlsmith Bonding Salve, unlike Olaplex it has protein, which your hair may benefit from.

[@hardtimeslifelessons5677]

You got this Sis! ❤️

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you!!

[@luciaescobarz]

same problem here! I just cut it all of from bra strap length. Best decision ever

[@shannonarmstrong6364]

Still a gorgeous head of hair

[@denicemitchelle2354]

Gday luv From across the pond Finally someone with my hair texture Fancy this look flat out gorgeous I would not big chop but slowly trim the damage I do plan on going back to relaxed but a vegetable one Phyto I prefer the straight look and going to the salon for pampering Natural is tie consuming

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Hiya Denice. Yes I think that gradually trimming is the best option. The majority of my hair is healthy, but it’s just the ends. To be honest it was worse when they were growing out and the damage parts were in that middle of the stands. Not fun! 🥴

[@denicemitchelle2354]

@@MissLaurenLeigh11 it's my texture it's beautiful Just trim it will be fine

[@dlilwon]

I just watched your video from 3 months ago where you said you don’t deep condition often, you know this UK water is hard and it will jack up your hair, increase the frequency of deep conditioning luv. I do once a month, i ain’t got time for 2x a week 😅 Ok now let me watch the video

[@milkcookies2008]

You're waves are mesmerizing 😍

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you!!

[@darceyderosa2426]

I love my hair lightly relaxed. This is why I am transitioning from bone straight.

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

I can imagine it gives you a bit more texture and more natural looking. 👌🏾

[@XmeimeisworldX]

If you don’t want to relax, maybe a formaldehyde free keratin treatment such as keratin research?

[@blackgothgoddess3164]

I noticed that now that my hair is getting longer it's stuck around my shoulders. Gonna keep it braided

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

I was consistently doing buns at that point

[@enoabasiharris9586]

Natural hair is time consuming I agree

[@savedonlybygrace4705]

How did you stop the fairy knots?

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

I started greasing my ends more.

[@jamarie2455]

Hello, just wondering if you have tried ayurvedic remedies, like amla or fenugreek masks. Try Curly Proverbz or Henna Sooq.

[@ShamekaCheek78]

No, please don't relax or big chop your hair. Maybe you can nurse your hair back to health and slowly trim the damage until it's back fully healthy (transition)?

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Thank you girly! x

[@kayshuna]

What are cane rolls 🤔

[@hardtimeslifelessons5677]

Cornrows

[@sanitationEng]

😂😂😂

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Exactly lol. We say cane rows.

[@TightenUp9iii]

Depending on where your people were dispersed to.. America or the Caribbean explains why we call it Corn or Cane. Afro Americans are familiar with corn fields & Afro Caribbean’s are familiar with sugarcane fields. It is believed to have originated in Colombia, South America where Benkos Bioho, in the late 1500’s came up with the idea to have women create maps & deliver messages though their cornrows. They were also called “Canerows” to represent the sugarcane fields that slaves worked in. Slaves used cornrows to transfer information and create maps to the north. Since slaves were not allowed to read or write they had to pass information through cornrows. One style had curved braids, tightly braided on their heads. The curved braids would represent the roads they would use to escape. Also in their braids they kept gold and hid seeds which helped them survive after they escaped. They would use the seeds to plant crops once they were liberated. Corn/Canerows was the best way to not give back any suspicion to the owner. He would never figure out such a hairstyle would mean they would escape or the route they would take.

[@moonhoneymami]

Hey pretty 😍

[@MissLaurenLeigh11]

Hey hey lovely x

[@janicebelford4815]

Sis say CORNROWS not canerows!!!!

[@blu_rey8656]

Hair is lovely. I can’t wear my hair loose cause it breaks and gets ferrie knots and what not. I decided to loc mine. Good 👍