Relaxed Hair 2014 Update: SimplyYounique's Second Big Chop and a Fresh Natural Hair Start
When your hair journey takes an unexpected turn, sometimes the next chapter begins with a pair of scissors!
By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
Originally published August 24, 2014 | Refreshed October 2026
Hello, my beautiful Curl Friends!
Ladies, if there's one thing I've learned about our natural hair journeys, it's that they don't always follow a straight path. Sometimes we transition, sometimes we big chop, sometimes we experiment with products, and sometimes we decide to start all over again!
And you know what? That's perfectly okay!
Today, we're taking another look at an interesting moment from the natural hair community back in 2014 involving YouTuber SimplyYounique.
Wait a Minute! Another Big Chop?
Just days after sharing her decision to return to relaxed hair, SimplyYounique surprised her viewers with another announcement.
She had decided to do a SECOND BIG CHOP!
Yes, ladies! After growing her natural hair to impressive lengths, experimenting with relaxed hair, and documenting her experiences along the way, she was beginning another chapter.
At the time, I remember how surprising this news was. Many of us had watched her natural hair journey, admired her beautiful styles, and followed her product recommendations.
But her experience also raised an interesting question:
Who says our hair decisions have to be permanent?
Let's Revisit the Original Video
Below is the original video that accompanied this article in August 2014.
Keep the existing embedded SimplyYounique video here: “Natural Hair: My Second Big Chop.”
This video is part of our natural hair history and captures a moment when many women were sharing their transitions, big chops, and hair journeys publicly.
What Is a Second Big Chop?
A big chop typically involves cutting away chemically processed hair to begin wearing natural hair.
A second big chop may happen when someone decides to return to natural hair after relaxing it again, or simply wants a fresh start.
For some women, that means cutting their hair very short. For others, it means gradually growing out chemically processed strands before removing the remaining ends.
Neither approach is the right choice for everyone.
The beauty of the journey is discovering what works for you.
Why Women Choose to Start Over
Sometimes our preferences change. A woman who once loved wearing her natural curls may later prefer the ease or styling options she associates with relaxed hair. Another woman may decide she misses her natural texture and wants to embrace it again.
And some of us simply want a different look!
Our hair journeys can change because of lifestyle, maintenance preferences, styling goals, or a desire for something new.
Changing your hairstyle does not erase everything you've learned about caring for your hair.
That experience goes with you.
Starting Over Doesn't Mean Starting Without Knowledge
Here's something I especially want my Curl Friends to remember.
Whether you're experiencing your first big chop or your second, you can use everything you've learned along the way.
You probably know more about moisturizing, conditioning, gentle detangling, protective styling, and caring for your scalp than you did when you first began.
If you're returning to natural hair, begin with a simple routine. Cleanse your scalp regularly, condition your strands, handle them gently, and choose products according to how your hair responds.
For more moisture-care ideas, visit my article 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized.
And if you're learning how moisture interacts with your strands, take a look at What Is Hair Porosity? A Simple Guide to Moisture and Natural Hair Care.
Embracing Your New Texture and Length
One of the exciting things about starting over is getting reacquainted with your natural texture.
Shorter hair may behave differently than longer hair. Your curls might appear more defined, shrinkage may be more noticeable, or your styling routine may become simpler.
And don't forget that different curl patterns can exist on the same head!
If you're exploring your curls again, my Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go Guide offers ideas for moisturizing, defining, and styling beautiful natural curls.
Remember, Curl Friends: healthy hair is not measured by length alone.
The Bigger Lesson: It's Your Crown!
Looking back at SimplyYounique's 2014 journey reminds me how much pressure women sometimes experience over their appearance.
We celebrate someone who decides to go natural. Then, if she relaxes her hair, people may question her decision. If she changes her mind again, the conversation starts all over.
But ladies, our hair is personal.
Natural hair is beautiful. Relaxed hair can be beautiful. Short hair is beautiful. Long hair is beautiful.
What matters is learning to make choices that are right for you while caring for your hair and scalp.
We can admire another woman's journey without expecting her to make the same choices we would.
And if you decide to start over? Embrace that new beginning with confidence!
More From Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks
1. 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized
Develop a simple moisturizing routine that supports soft, manageable natural hair as it grows.
2. What Is Hair Porosity? A Simple Guide to Moisture and Natural Hair Care
Learn why your hair responds differently to products and how to make more informed moisturizing choices.
3. The Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go: Beautiful Curl Definition Without All the Frizz!
Explore practical techniques for creating soft, beautiful, defined curls as you embrace your natural texture.
Let's Talk, Ladies!
Have you ever done the big chop more than once?
Did you ever return to relaxed hair and later decide to embrace your natural curls again?
Or have you considered changing your hairstyle but worried about what other people might think?
Come on, ladies! Share your experiences in the comments. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time, love your curls, embrace your coils, and celebrate every beautiful kink!
Happy Curls to You!
© 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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