Why You Should Big Chop Your Hair After 40

[@judithharper6731]

Chopped to celebrate my divorce, at the age of thirty-one, after 15 years in an abusive marriage. Decided to let it grow during COVID pandemic. Now, at seventy- six years of age, silver, and long enough to reach my shoulders. I’m HAPPY! I ❤️it. I’m doing ME👍🏽👏🏽

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for being so candid and sharing your big chop story. I'm so sorry you endured an abusive marriage. No one deserves that mistreatment. I bet your hair is beautiful. The fact that you're happy is what's most important. ❤

[@EmpressWanderlust]

I big chopped to raise my children-I loved it then. I started growing my hair 4 years ago-I love it now. Self acceptance is key.

[@knowlesitall]

I'm so glad I did it. I was scared.

[@tiahnarodriguez3809]

I felt this. I’ve big choked my hair 14 times over the worst 11 years due to illness, and I loved it. I’ve let it grow for 6 months and I love it. For me it’s about accepting your hair at every stage regardless if it’s not at the length, thickness, or even at the hydration level you want it to be.

[@carolhylton6790]

Sis, don’t send a text. Breaking up with someone should always be done face-to-face even if it’s yours hairstylist.🥰❤️

[@wrightintime]

Thanks To the beautician for saying out loud the tradition of burning the hair. I thought I was the only one who knew it. No one else ever mentions it. 😊❤

[@knowlesitall]

I'd never heard of that tradition before. I'm glad she told me too.

[@carameldva11]

I remember as a child my mother and grandmother used to do this, both from south.

[@ladyt3182]

@@carameldva11from the south as well, never done this . Sounds superstitious. To each his or her own though.

[@quirkyt_T]

We african americans burn the hair too. My grandmother always removed hair from brushes, combs or cuts and burned it so no one could get a hold of it and do things to your spirit.

[@h.peters]

Hair grows back. I shaved my hair bald twice, didn't miss it. Loved the journey of regrowing my hair.

[@judithharper6731]

Me too. Friends thought I was crazy. I loved it!

[@1LUV7]

You look amazing! So happy for you! Blessings to you as you embrace your natural hair journey🖤🙏🏽

[@sandradejesus9188]

I SHAVED MY HEAD 3 YEARS AGO AND I FELT SO FREE! I LOVE YOUR HAIR ❤

[@knowlesitall]

I can only imagine how liberating shaving your head must have felt. Thank you for the love and kindness.

[@jlynn9575]

free from what?

[@sandradejesus9188]

@@jlynn9575Free from protective styles and wigs!

[@taylorroyal146]

I know how you feel. I came home one day and told my son, get the clippers. He thought I said that because my blood sugar was low.😂 It was the best thing I ever did. It was as if a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders. I received so many compliments from men and women. I had several men to tell me, they love a natural woman.

[@Maria-lp3ry]

Gorgeous! Just gorgeous! My mom put a kiddie perm in my hair at 10 years old. I was told that my hair was bad, too thick, too nappy, too kinky! Now I am totally 100% natural! Enjoy the process.

[@knowlesitall]

So I know you feel me 100%. I wish I hadn't waited so long to meet myself.

[@deidreshepherd3776]

Sis, do not send the text. This is your stylist, friend, and confidant. She will understand. Love you for sharing 💜💜💜

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for the advice and support.

[@joycelyntaylor3136]

Send the text and tell her what you did and why. She'll understand. Also, happy to be happy is ok!

[@melissabrown-rose9183]

Tell your stylist in person.

[@melissabrown-rose9183]

Your new hair is beautiful.

[@deefine1465]

I know how she feels...it was a west/eastcoast thing for me always having to keep it together and a perm/ weave/wig was it...the makeup too. Finding yourself and loving yourself is the most freeing adventure for a black woman❤ i did this 15yrs ago and helped my older sis find herself last year❤ so beautiful to live to see this day where we arent hiding who we truly are...the comment about the kitchen i helped my bff past that its traumatic💔she now has a thick beautiful coffed head of hair. Feed your hair treat it like a plant water it with rose water aloe water oil it with coconut oil/fatty oils stimulate it with herbs and flowers and your hair will thank u❤😊

[@knowlesitall]

Your comment makes me feel so seen and understood. Thank you for watching and taking the time to share your story. I appreciate you.

[@the_coach_c]

The chop was FIRE!!! I love to see women who can rock those low cuts. Fierce sis Fierce!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much. I never knew I could wear my hair so short and love it this much.

[@MsAjoa]

Power massage, very spiritual and beautiful crown.❤

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for your kindness. I feel like I'm just beginning to step into and embrace my power. 🤭

[@1GoldenBreeze]

Your big chop style looks so cute. Congrats on taking the leap of faith. While I have not had that experience personally, I have watched many KZbinrs do it and so many of them have a similar reaction. I had no idea what burning hair meant or why we did it. As far as I know, the tradition was passed down from my great-grandmother and we just did it. Being American the reason for the tradition was lost but the importance of it was stressed in our family.

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you. I’m so glad I decided to take the leap. I wish I had done it sooner. I enjoy learning as much as I can about our history. I'm so glad my stylist told me about the hair burning.

[@kenyahamilton1957]

Your hair is beautiful and it looks great on you!!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@felicial7628]

My hair was continually relaxed by a professional stylist up until 2020. I stopped when my hair texture changed. It became easy to over-process and I could not get stylists to listen. I grew out shoulder length hair without a big chop. It was a journey because it changes constantly. But anyway, I can relate to the journey of discovering one’s natural hair later in life.

[@knowlesitall]

@@felicial7628 Glad I finally felt ready to make this big change and get acquainted with my natural texture.

[@keeshab1173]

It looks Beautiful! 😍😍😍 Happy for you that you finally did it. You can be naturally you and embrace your full beauty. Its much better than the wig you had on before too and you can save sooo much money just being you 🥰🥰

[@ladyt3182]

I need this stylist!! Agreed, no such thing as bad hair, only if you don’t take care of your hair.😊

[@knowlesitall]

Right?! I feel so much more confident now. I'm so glad my stylist said that too.

[@taylorroyal146]

I’m glad the stylist explained what bad hair is. For so long, people of color have been shamed for the texture of their hair.

[@keveenajohnson169]

Stunning!!! You look absolutely beautiful!!!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much.

[@kdubbs5216]

WHOA 😮The gorgeousness can’t even be described. Love, love, love ❤

[@cheriekreusel9453]

Cute hairstyle! It makes your eyes shine.

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you

[@mztqmike]

Yes! Heal that part of your inner child. I love it.

[@knowlesitall]

Didn't realize I needed healing like until I did it.

[@berylcopelin495]

Absolutely Gorgeous!!! I’ve Big CHOPPED SEVERAL TIMES!!!! Freeing is an understatement!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@knowlesitall]

That’s EXACTLY how I feel.

[@monmac7387]

Thank you for sharing this life shift with such grace. I am so glad that you brought a support person. All the best as you enjoy life❤ 🎉

[@knowlesitall]

I don't know if I would have gotten through my big chop without Kailei. Thank God for friends who show up to support you.

[@simplykristin03]

Beautiful! thank you for being vulnerable and sharing ❤️❤️

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for watching commenting. It was a life-altering experience. I'm so grateful for it.

[@moonpatienceongara5607]

Gal that short hair will get you into trouble coz you fireeeeeee. ❤

[@knowlesitall]

😜😜😜 Sis! I already feel it.

[@ladyt3182]

Beautiful Results!!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@sunsetcyan]

This is touching, emotional and really beautiful. You look absolutely fabulous. They call it the kitchen area because in the old days the architecture of the time always put the kitchen at the BACK of the house.

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for the compliment and for taking the time to watch. I never knew that's why they called it the kitchen. Thank you for schooling me.

[@ayasaafi8248]

It's giving 90's baddie vibes! Love it!

[@knowlesitall]

Ooh, I'm all the way here for it. I'm an 80s baby who loved the 90s too. 💁🏽‍♀️

[@ayasaafi8248]

@@knowlesitall Samsies!!!! 80's baby; 90's kid!!!

[@td605]

I'm 50 and about to do this. I'm sooooo scared, but I know I need to do it. but...

[@knowlesitall]

I was in the same boat. I finally just decided to go for it. I'm so glad I did. I'm thinking you will be too.

[@linnet9272]

Conformation for me because I am Becoming myself as well and it feels good to me just to actually know me better. Thank you for your brave self clamations. Beautiful

[@knowlesitall]

I’m glad it gave you confirmation. Thank you for your words of kindness.

[@WealthySocialWorker82]

Thank you for sharing. I’m actually transitioning to go back to loose natural and doing the big chop at 42 to grow loose natural hair as long as my locks are. Looking forward to following the journey

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for taking the time to engage with me. I'm open to trying locs, really, whatever I want now.

[@lechellenorwood75]

I grew up the same way, nappy hair, course hair, and yes felt bad for years about the texture, my hair is down my back but thick as hell only do relaxer twice a year now younger yrs once a month. Always wondered about going short and natural just never had the guts. People are a trip when I try to wear wigs just to protect my hair people why you got that wig on with all that hair. At almost 60 I am almost at that point.i want to feel free. You look so pretty with the short cut. I probably cry to whenever I do it. 😊

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I find it odd too when people have such big opinions about how we wear our hair or when we choose to switch it up and wear wigs, braids, etc. I find it so liberating to freely express my creative energy through my hairstyles.

[@Noirmariposa]

I grew my hair out and never big chopped . But I did it for the same reasons, I wanted to know myself as I naturally am .

[@knowlesitall]

We can have such complicated relationships with our hair.

[@angelamntg_2150]

You look beautiful. Thank you for sharing this part of your hair journey. I am inspired by the Big Chop!

[@knowlesitall]

So glad you felt inspired. This was such a big moment for me. I want to help other women feel confident and find their joy. I had to go first.

[@gloriaweston]

Hello sis. It's looking good on you. I've went through this about 4 hrs ago. Just make sure it always look good. You will be ok.

[@mariannedressler6784]

This was a deep therapy session! ❤Congratulations! Your beautiful.

[@knowlesitall]

It really was. Thank you

[@errol.barnett]

This is such a huge life moment - well done!

[@knowlesitall]

It was THE biggest life moment for me next to becoming a mom and marrying my husband.

[@tonya7865]

I’m 53 and had a relaxer since I graduated kindergarten. In 2019 during the pandemic I let my daughter who knows nothing about hair cut all mines off. I cried like a baby after looking in the mirror when she was done. Right now today 2024 I can actually say I love my natural hair. I wish I had did a big chop a long time ago. My hair is so thick and healthy now. It’s the longest it’s ever been. It’s almost in the middle of my back. It would probably be longer if I didn’t go get a trim as often as I do. I only put heat when I’m going for a trim. Other than that I wear my hsir twisted or twist outs.

[@knowlesitall]

Wow! Isn’t it incredible how versatile and beautiful our natural hair is?! I’m still in awe of what our hair can do. My big chop is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

[@goudagirl6095]

Beautiful woman, and beautiful cut! She looks STUNNING! And OH to be so slim! 💚

[@mztqmike]

Do not end a relationship, any relationship by text. I agree. Take her to lunch.

[@Nokabro]

You look SO vibrant!!!💕

[@knowlesitall]

Cutting my hair has increased my zest for life.

[@kame.3634]

Fabulous, just fabulous!!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much for the kindness and support.

[@ebonysweetnesssweetness5153]

Wow you are so expressive ... May I say .. Sis soon those will be tears of joy as your fingers appreciate the feeling of your hair. I big chopped years ago and it took a while to adjust but I loved going swimming two or three times a week swimming under water like a mermaid. Hun you'll rock your twa with style ... go head girl fulljoy. 🥰

[@knowlesitall]

I still can not believe I allowed my hair to dictate how I lived my life and whether or not I worked out as hard or went swimming for so long. I'm so liberated now.

[@pattimcclelland6635]

Fabulous! It brings out your beautiful features even more now. Rock it Girl! I am ready to do another Big Chop. Yes, like you said, at first it was because of a divorce and I needed to do it for a different me. Then, again, for different reasons. Now, due to illnesses, I am doing a big chop, to renew my spirits and to make my life and hair routine manageable and yet still more freeing for me. I am PROUD OF YOU!

[@srjackson1132]

In reflecting upon my childhood, I recall a distinct memory of my mother engaging in a hair-burning ritual. It was her firm belief that this practice would prevent birds from acquiring her hair, which she feared would lead to negative consequences. While I do not fully comprehend the rationale behind this belief, I intend to seek clarification from her. 🪶 Furthermore, I am contemplating a significant change in my own hairstyle. In the past, I have experimented with short hair, initially experiencing apprehension but ultimately embracing and cherishing the look. During my twenties and thirties, short hair imparted a sense of maturity, professionalism, and attractiveness. However, I am hesitant to adopt an excessively short hairstyle, as I am concerned about appearing older than my actual age. My desire is to maintain a youthful appearance. 💇‍♀️ 😂😊

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much for taking the time to engage with my story. I appreciate your support and kindness. God bless you as you battle your illness.

[@knowlesitall]

@@srjackson1132 Our hair is so personal and such a big part of who we are. You get to decide how you want to wear it and how you feel it looks best and makes you feel about yourself. I am loving my short hair. I think it helps me maintain my youthful glow.

[@pattimcclelland6635]

@knowlesitall Thank you, hun.

[@loricarter999]

Its really true, hair holds energy. Pay attention to 21:00 when the flames increased 2X. Praying for healing

[@knowlesitall]

Whoa! 🤯 Thank you for pointing this out.

[@oliviastar3812]

those are the relaxer chemicals friend.

[@UyleesBoutique]

I love this video! You look gorgeous!! I just got the same style three months ago. I did the big chop and I love it!!!! I regret not doing it sooner. You’re beautiful my love!! 💜💜🫶🏾🫶🏾

[@knowlesitall]

I bet your big chop is beautiful too. Not doing it sooner is my only regret.

[@AMIRA-ve8qk]

Loved this so much!!! Love your storytelling!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for taking the time to watch and for engaging with me. I'm a different version of me now, and I love it.

[@allthingsdelightful8565]

This made me emotional. I just started to transition from my relaxer. I have not seen my natural texture since I was 15. I am 49. Its time. I plan to cut all the relaxed hair off In june of 2025. Scared but ready to embrace my curls.

[@knowlesitall]

It will feel like a weight has been lifted. I wish I'd done my sooner.

[@micheleowens6574]

So happy you’re happy. But hair is just hair, we always have so many options with our hair. You are beautiful hair or no hair. I have cut and grown back my hair for years according to my mood. This insecure feeling will pass. Have fun on this journey.

[@knowlesitall]

So true! I'm just at that stage where I wanted to try something new. Now that I've done it, I feel what you're saying so much more keenly, 'it's just hair.' It's already growing back so fast. I love it short. I love all of the options and versatility of my hair.

[@tonya7865]

Beautiful !!❤❤

[@knowlesitall]

☺️ Thank you

[@keshafarrar3187]

Omgg you look amazing

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you

[@parisrochon9621]

Love it!! So beautiful!

[@knowlesitall]

You’re so kind. Thank you

[@suzanneedgaro3868]

Love it!

[@karendavis8374]

I did the big chop to short short, its a new start.😊

[@knowlesitall]

Doesn’t it feel so good?

[@paulinedaugherty9747]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful embrace your natural ❤❤❤❤

[@knowlesitall]

I can finally say that I absolutely love my natural hair as it grows out of my scalp.

[@gabbiemac]

Beautiful video. I appreciate your vulnerability. I wanted a better stylist for you to have shared this experience with. This stylist was so cold. She didn't engage, acknowledge, or connect. Commenting/complaining about your cornrows was unnecessary and a bit unprofessional. Being a good practitioner takes more than just having technical skill.

[@TridenaThomas]

Welcome sister! You look beautiful 😍 congratulations 🎉

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for your kindness and support.

[@ossier2796]

You look gorgeous. I’m like your grandma, when I retired I stopped straightening and let it go,gray.

[@davenayoung3835]

You look so good!!!! Do it again after you turn 50❤❤❤❤❤

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for the kind words. I just might.😃

[@kck2303]

I’ve shaved my hair often it grows back quickly and healthier. I always kept my hair in the drawer its something about burning it means never come back!

[@knowlesitall]

I love it. Thank you for sharing. It's weird, now I feel more brave about it all. I definitely can see myself completely shaving my hair one day too. It grows back. You're so right. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate you. 🫶🏽

[@paulinabernard21]

Wow, this really hit home… I got my first relaxer at 11 and stopped at 18. Every month! At 18 I got the big chop but not as big as your chop was. But I cried, and this brought back a lot of memories. I’m 29 now, btw, and I never broke up my stylist and would go back to him in a heartbeat. You look beautiful ❤

[@knowlesitall]

I wish I had had the courage to embrace my natural texture so much younger. I'm so glad I did, finally. BTW, I never broke up with my stylist. We're still friends and I will go and see her when my hair grows out a bit more.

[@writermichaeljlando]

Another phenomenal video! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🥹

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you. This was such a life-changing moment for me. I was so scared to do it.

[@anndesir]

You look sooo gorgeous with the new look. Supermodel 💞

[@knowlesitall]

🤗 Thank you for the support and compliments. I appreciate you.

[@ladyt3182]

Welcome to the Natural Family!!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you. I like it here.

[@chandracolbert7814]

I think I finally. made m mine up to do it! I have been wanting to do it for almost 2 years now. I think this is it.

[@knowlesitall]

There's a reason you stumbled upon my video. I just decided to go for it, scheduled an appointment and put it on my calendar. One of the best decisions I've ever made for me.

[@louisefisher641]

You look Amazing!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you. Kind of you to say.

[@LEOCLASS76]

Beautiful ❤

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you, kindly 😄

[@carolhylton6790]

You were beautiful before,but now… OMG you look like a model!!! Very stunning!!! Short hair is sooo you!!! ❤❤❤😊

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much for the sweet compliments. Initially, I was so scared I wouldn't like it. I love it short and I'm not sure I'll ever want to grow it out again.

[@ossier2796]

Wow I’m 74 and I didn’t get a relaxer until I was about 24yrs, I wore an Afro in college and several times I’ve gone back and forth between natural and straight styles, some relaxed and some pressed and flat ironed. The most freeing was when I grew my gray hair out and stayed natural. I love it.

[@knowlesitall]

I love the versatility of our hair. I bet your wisdom highlights are gorgeous.

[@saphire2214]

You have gorgeous hair!😍

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you ☺ Now, I finally think so too.

[@EthelJackson-e7j]

You and your hair are beautiful, own it.

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for the compliments. I'm finally in a space where I can own it.

[@sandiscorner3416]

Melissa you look great with short hair you have the face for short cut

[@knowlesitall]

Sis, thank you for saying that. I was legit scared my head would be shaped like a peanut. I had a middle school bully who called me 'Peanut Head'. I had nightmares about my head being shaped like a peanut. So glad I didn't allow that to stop me from getting my big chop. 😁

[@crystalwarrington4352]

Hair looks AWESOME…did you post stylist?

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you, Yes, her name is Tahirah at The Faded Beauty in Atlanta.

[@TheMarsha66lbs]

Your hair looks great! I know the story about burning hair that you have cut off from my mother. .

[@knowlesitall]

I'm so late to the burning of the hair party. Glad I know now. Better late than never. 😁

[@Only1Sosa.]

The kitchen or where we use to have to cook was round the back of the house outside, hence #kitchen was termed Yiu hair looks Gorgeous 😘👌🏾

[@knowlesitall]

Oh, ok. Thank you for explaining this.

[@anewlifeministry7116]

Your red hair is fire 🔥. ❤❤❤ love it.

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you. I love the copper red hair too.

[@wildwaning9427]

Beautiful!! ♥ Just one thing...I was waiting for the reason/answer of *why* after 40.

[@knowlesitall]

For me, 40 was when I first began figuring out who I am. My friends and I have talked about 40 being so significant in how we evolved and how we saw the world differently.

[@wildwaning9427]

@@knowlesitall Got it! Totally makes sense.

[@vwilliams8196]

I just turned 40. I cut my hair low and got coils. Best idea!

[@knowlesitall]

Doesn't it feel so good?

[@maggiepacheco3620]

Girl, you have beautiful hair😍

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you so much. I finally get to see it.

[@TheLifeLounge]

Beautiful!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you

[@ericaolw1933]

Perfection!!!❤💃🏾

[@ladyt3182]

Nice wig! Wow, that’s a really young age to relax someone’s hair. Better late than never!!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you! My wig maker is the BEST. I love my natural hair so much and I'm so glad I decided to do it. It's been a great journey so far. 😊 Just wanted to make sure I had a backup plan in the event I didn't like my Big chop. Luckily, that has not been the case at all.

[@ladyt3182]

I have to say my mom never encouraged us getting a relaxer! I definitely would have done it sooner, but had no idea how to take care of my natural hair! It’s been since 2019!

[@knowlesitall]

I think it was the time period, growing up in the 80s and living in the deep south that influenced my mom's decision to relax my hair. I know she didn't mean me any harm. I'm so happy I finally had the courage to start over and fall in love with my natural hair.

[@anitabrown3286]

But you are already beautiful, tall, and thin, with great teeth and a great smile!

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you for all of the compliments.

[@tonyapage3868]

It’s pretty and she looks beautiful ❤

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you

[@bettyeames6812]

Once you tackle your natural hair, open your mind to locs. The maintenance is so much easier. But enjoy your natural hair!

[@knowlesitall]

I may explore locs in the future. Thank you for watching.

[@coletteanderson9711]

She looks fly ❤

[@knowlesitall]

Sweet of you to say. Thank you.

[@tracyll2979]

Literally my same story, never seen my natural texture, relaxers since 6 and 45 years old…. Been growing out my hair for the last 6 months

[@knowlesitall]

How has your experience been so far?

[@annettew.franklin9816]

Luv,🎉🎉🎉all three styles.The shorter the better.

[@knowlesitall]

I'm leaning into that part. I never expected to love it so much this short.

[@corinnemcpherson2432]

Beautiful

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you! 😊

[@zoew3935]

I big chopped 2 months before turning 40 it had to be done new chapter , new era

[@knowlesitall]

I love that for you. Embrace it all. I’m becoming the best version of myself in my 40s.

[@kimberlyncooper1259]

So freakin beautiful ❤

[@knowlesitall]

I appreciate you

[@mwynn67]

No, in person

[@lyricst.germaine1153]

Really nice. I like the look on you, pretty lady.

[@knowlesitall]

Thank you

[@enolamsamoht]

I do the water version of that hair burning process., I live in Northern California so I drop my cut, trimmed, and shed hair over the Golden Gate Bridge. Whenever I go on a run or jog over the bridge.

[@knowlesitall]

That's original. I've never heard of that.

[@christinam81]

They call it the kitchen because the kitchen is in the back of the house 😂 I first heard that in a hair forum when I went natural in 2007.

[@knowlesitall]

@@christinam81 I’ve heard since I was a little girl. Never knew its origin.

[@keshafarrar3187]

Been going to the barber for about 8 years now and haven’t looked back life long baldie

[@knowlesitall]

I love it 💁🏽‍♀

[@janiceg6575]

Liberating Beautiful chop!!!

[@Only1Sosa.]

Dont send the text, it's doing too much. Just be sure to still pop in occasionally too maintain a friendship if you feel that close to her 😊

[@knowlesitall]

Love this advice. Thanks

[@lorrainelancaster3868]

No don’t send the text just show up and let her see the new you, when you reach a certain age short hair is freedom I assure you, you won’t look back.❤😊