The Second Big Chop: When Long Natural Hair Makes You Miss Your TWA!



By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally published January 4, 2014 | Refreshed October 2026

Hello, my beautiful Curl Friends!

Have you ever spent months—or even years—growing your natural hair, only to look at someone with a fabulous tapered cut and suddenly feel the urge to grab a pair of scissors?

Oh, ladies, I certainly understand!

There is something incredibly beautiful about a woman confidently wearing a short, shaped natural hairstyle. The definition, the freedom, the elegance, and the way a gorgeous tapered cut frames the face can make even the most dedicated long-hair naturalista stop and reconsider her hair goals.

And sometimes, that little voice whispers, Maybe it's time for another big chop!

The Natural Hair Journey: Why Do We Miss Our Short Hair?

When many of us begin our natural hair journeys, length is often one of our biggest goals.

We celebrate every milestone: our first twist-out, our first successful wash-and-go, and the day our curls finally reach our shoulders.

But something interesting happens along the way.

Once we have achieved the length we worked so hard to obtain, some of us begin remembering the simplicity and beauty of our teeny-weeny afros (TWAs).

Perhaps it is the convenience of shorter styling time, the ease of detangling, or simply the excitement of wearing something completely different.

Whatever the reason, the desire for another big chop can be surprisingly strong!

A YouTuber's Second Big Chop Caught My Attention

Back in January 2014, I was browsing YouTube, catching up with some of my favorite natural-hair personalities, when I came across a hair update from a creator I followed, AllThatsGold.

She had traded her longer natural hair for a beautiful tapered cut!

And, ladies, I must admit—it caught my attention immediately.

At that point in my own journey, my hair had grown below shoulder length. I loved my curls, but I had also entertained the idea of returning to my TWA days.

My solution?

Try on a short wig, enjoy the look, and give myself time to decide whether I truly wanted to cut my hair!

Sometimes we simply want a change, and there is nothing wrong with exploring that feeling before making a permanent decision.

Watch the Original Hair Update

Keep the existing embedded YouTube video here: "HAIR UPDATE! Life After the Second Big Chop."

This video is part of the original 2014 discussion and offers a glimpse into the natural-hair community during that time.

Why Women Choose a Second Big Chop

A second big chop does not always mean something went wrong with a woman's hair.

Sometimes it represents a fresh beginning.

Some women choose another big chop because they want a shorter style. Others may be transitioning away from chemical treatments, removing damaged ends, or simply seeking a hairstyle that better reflects their current lifestyle.

And for some of us, the reason is wonderfully simple:

We just love the look of short natural hair!

There should be no guilt attached to that choice.

Your hair journey belongs to you.

Before You Cut, Consider These Three Things

1. Do You Want a New Hairstyle or a Completely New Hair Journey?

Sometimes a change in styling can satisfy the desire for a dramatic transformation.

Try a tucked updo, a short curly wig, or a carefully shaped style that creates the appearance of shorter hair.

You may discover that you simply wanted something different for a little while.

2. Are You Prepared for the Maintenance of a Shorter Cut?

Shorter natural hair can simplify some parts of a routine, but a tapered haircut may also require regular shaping to maintain its silhouette.

And depending on your curl pattern, styling preferences, and lifestyle, a TWA may require its own daily care routine.

Short hair can be fabulous without necessarily being maintenance-free.

3. Are You Cutting for Yourself?

This is perhaps my favorite question.

Whether your hair reaches your waist, rests on your shoulders, or beautifully frames your face in a cropped afro, your choice should reflect what makes you happy.

We do not have to prove our commitment to natural hair by keeping it long.

Natural hair is beautiful at every length.

Caring for Your Natural Hair, Long or Short

Regardless of your hairstyle, healthy hair habits are worth maintaining.

Gentle cleansing, conditioning, careful detangling, and selecting products that complement your hair's needs are all important.

For ideas on creating a manageable care routine, revisit my article The Challenge of Developing a Hair Routine.

If you love the ease of beautifully defined curls, you'll also enjoy The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go Guide.

And for a little encouragement on appreciating your hair at every stage, read Keep Calm and Love Your Natural Hair.

My Final Thoughts: It's Your Crown, Wear It Your Way!

Looking back at this post from 2014 reminds me how much our hairstyles—and sometimes our perspectives—can change over the years.

One season, we're excited about achieving longer hair. Another season, we're admiring the beauty of a perfectly shaped TWA.

And you know what?

Both are wonderful!

You can love your length and still admire someone else's short hairstyle. You can start again, change your mind, or enjoy the very same curls you've worn for years.

Our natural-hair journeys are not competitions.

They are personal expressions of beauty, creativity, and confidence.

And ladies, whether you're considering your first, second, or even third big chop, always remember:

Your hair is your crown, and you get to decide how to wear it.

Let's Talk, Ladies!

Have you ever considered doing a second big chop after growing your natural hair long?

Did you actually cut it, or did you find another way to enjoy a shorter look?

I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments!

Until next time,

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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