Big Chop the Second Time Around: Why Some Women Choose to Start Fresh Again


Short Hair, Fresh Confidence, and the Freedom to Begin Again

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally published September 22, 2013 | Refreshed October 2026

Hello, my beautiful Curl Friends! 💕

Have you ever spent years growing your natural hair, watching it become longer and fuller, only to wake up one morning and think, Maybe it's time to cut it all off again?

I know that feeling!

When I first began my natural hair journey in March 2010, I had never worn my hair so short. The Big Chop was a significant change for me, but it also introduced me to a new appreciation for the beauty, versatility, and freedom of my natural hair.

As my curls grew, so did my collection of products, my styling techniques, and, quite frankly, the amount of time I spent caring for my hair!

And ladies, sometimes I missed those simpler days.

Why Would Anyone Big Chop a Second Time?

For many women, the first Big Chop represents freedom from chemically processed hair and the excitement of discovering their natural texture.

But a second Big Chop can mean something entirely different.

Maybe you've achieved your length goals but discovered that maintaining longer hair requires more time than you want to spend.

Perhaps you're ready for a new look, want to remove damaged ends, or simply miss the way your face looked surrounded by a beautiful, closely cropped crown.

And sometimes, there's no complicated explanation at all.

You just want a change!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

From the Crowning Glory Archives: The Big Chop Movement

When this article was originally published in September 2013, natural hair enthusiasts were sharing their Big Chop experiences across YouTube.

Women were celebrating their fresh cuts, discussing the freedom of short natural hair, and encouraging others to embrace their God-given textures.

Let's revisit two of the original videos that helped inspire this conversation.

Original Video One: My Big Chop??? EHRMAH! — BIsdNMovin4ward




This video captures the excitement, emotion, and personal decision involved in embracing a fresh natural hairstyle.

Original Video Two: Big Chop #3: Confidence — My Natural Sistas



Confidence is such an important part of any hair journey. Whether we wear our hair closely cropped or cascading over our shoulders, the beauty begins with appreciating the woman beneath the crown.

Archive note: These videos reflect natural hair conversations from the original 2013 publication period. The experiences and hairstyles shown belong to their respective creators.

When Longer Hair Becomes More Work

One thing I discovered along my journey was that maintaining longer natural hair required adjustments.

Detangling became more time-consuming. Wash days needed additional planning, and I found myself experimenting with different products and techniques as my hair changed.

There were mornings when I remembered how easily I could run my fingers through my short, freshly styled curls and head out the door.

Oh, those days! LOL!

Now, don't misunderstand me. I loved watching my hair grow.

But length is not the only measure of a successful natural hair journey.

Healthy hair, manageable routines, and feeling comfortable with your chosen style are just as important.




Four Reasons Women May Choose Another Big Chop

1. A Simpler Hair Care Routine

Shorter hair often requires less detangling and may reduce the time needed for washing and styling.

It still needs cleansing, conditioning, and gentle care, but some women find a shorter cut easier to manage.

2. A Fresh Hairstyle

A tapered cut, shaped afro, or beautifully defined TWA (teeny-weeny afro) can create an entirely new look.

Sometimes changing your hairstyle gives you the opportunity to experiment with accessories, earrings, makeup, and clothing in a completely different way.

3. A New Beginning

For some, cutting their hair symbolizes a new chapter in life.

For others, it's simply a practical or creative choice.

Both reasons are perfectly valid.

4. Renewed Appreciation for Natural Texture

A shorter hairstyle can make it easier to observe your curl pattern and experiment with styling techniques.

It's another opportunity to discover what works best for your own beautiful crown.

Before You Reach for the Scissors

If you're considering a second Big Chop, think about how much hair you actually want to remove.

Would a trim or reshaping give you the fresh look you're craving? Would a tapered style provide a little versatility while retaining some length?

Or are you ready for a completely new beginning?

There is no universal right answer.

Take time to explore styles, consider your maintenance preferences, and choose a cut that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

And remember, you don't have to cut your hair simply because someone else's short hairstyle looks fabulous.

Your journey belongs to you.

Short Hair, Long Hair — It's Still Your Crown!

One of the most important lessons I've learned is that natural hair beauty cannot be measured in inches.

Our curls and coils are beautiful at every length.

There is beauty in a TWA, beauty in shoulder-length curls, and beauty in a full, flourishing afro.

Whether you choose to grow your hair, trim it, color it, straighten it occasionally, or Big Chop again, your hair should be something you enjoy—not something that controls your life.

Your natural hair journey is yours to embrace, enjoy, and redefine whenever you choose.

More Natural Hair Inspiration

Continue exploring these articles from the Crowning Glory archives:

1. The Challenge of Developing a Natural Hair Routine: Finding What Works for Your Curls and Coils!

Discover how to establish a manageable routine as your natural hair grows and your needs change.

2. The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go: Beautiful Curl Definition Without All the Frizz!

Learn practical styling techniques for achieving soft, beautifully defined natural curls.

3. 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized

Explore everyday moisture-care techniques for keeping natural curls and coils soft and manageable.

Let's Talk, Ladies!

Have you ever done the Big Chop more than once?

Did you miss your longer hair, or did you find yourself falling in love with your short natural curls all over again?

And if you've never done a second Big Chop, have you ever been tempted?

Share your experiences in the comments. I would love to hear about your journey!

Until next time, my beautiful Curl Friends...

Happy Curls to You! 💕

Lady Carolyn M. Summerset

© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.

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