A few months ago I shared my hair journey. <—- Click here for before. The ups and downs, well- mostly downs. Eventually I decided to go back to the root of the matter; go all natural. The idea was to keep trimming once per month until the chemical is completely gone, but what I really wanted was to cut it all off… Everywhere I looked, be it, on the television, magazines or in person. All the women I saw with low natural hair all looked fantastic. Just the bit of motivation I needed. So one weekend of bravery, lead to me doing- the big chop… Guess what? I love it! I feel so free. To be honest I do believe I look better with long hair but until it gets to that point, I’m enjoying my new do.
Pay no attention to that pink thing above my head. I have no idea what it is.
crying in the bathroom
April 15, 2012 at 3:10 AM
I’ve only just started following your blog so I have no idea what your hair looked like before. But, whatever, it looks gorgeous now! Also, love the shoes!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 3:12 AM
Thank you!
I HAVE A VOICE
April 15, 2012 at 3:36 AM
you’re always beautiful ~because of your soul! ~ Sincerely Deborah
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 3:57 AM
Oh Deborah, thank you! So sweet.
Sassy Bizzness
April 15, 2012 at 4:13 AM
BEAUTIFUL! I remember when I cut my hair off 12 years ago. It has grown back the healthiest of my life. And if I want to wear it straight, I just get a brazillian blow out that last 3 weeks. Good luck with your beautiful hair!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 4:19 AM
Thank you. I’m thinking of flat ironing it from time to time, whenever it gets really long… I’ve heard about the Brazilian blow out
Sassy Bizzness
April 15, 2012 at 11:10 PM
When you do the blow out, you won’t need much heat. I flat iron mine on low.
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Oh okay. That’s cool. Thanks for the tip at the end.
Author of Faith Ministries
April 15, 2012 at 4:58 AM
I did a big chop once when I was in college. A few years later I relaxed it again, then went natural again and am natural now. If this is your first time…hang in there – it only gets better!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Wow, you went back and before may times. Yes this is my first time. I really enjoy my hair this short, it’s easier to manage but I’m looking forward to the longer hair.
Tracy Campbell
April 15, 2012 at 7:19 AM
Thank you for popping over to my blog and “liking” my post on “Do You Have an Alter Ego.”
And I like your hair. You should put up a before photo.
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Hey Tracy if you click on the highlighted words ‘hair journey’, you will see the before.
Tracy Campbell
April 15, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Now I see. I vote for short.
joinmydailylife
April 15, 2012 at 8:10 AM
hi, sometimes we need new hairdo, new look. nice hair and like your pose. god bless
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 5:08 PM
Yes, you’re right. It was so sudden. I just woke up one day and did it. Thank you for all your beautiful words
lady82faye
April 15, 2012 at 8:29 AM
Hey! Congratulations! I miss being natural. I’m just sitting here, twittling my thumbs til this wears off. Then it’s back to au naturale.com. lol. My debate is, should I keep it shoulder length or cut it? I’m actually liking the length, but I miss the convenience of short hair. Sigh. But, enjoy the joys of being natural! I recommend using olive oil serum just because. I like Africa’s Best and Organics.
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:49 AM
Thanks I’ll give it a try. I’m using Dr miracle hair serum but I’m always looking and trying new things.
GullringstorpGoatGal
April 15, 2012 at 9:52 AM
Hej from Sweden !
You look beautiful! Short hair, that’s my vote!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Thanks Hej.
dianasschwenk
April 15, 2012 at 11:19 AM
You look gorgeous!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:29 AM
Thanks D!
ihaveishoes
April 15, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Looks great! You may inspire more of us to do the same!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 2:30 PM
Thank you! Hmmm, I never though about that.
2me4art
April 15, 2012 at 1:31 PM
You look great! I think the pink thing, are flowers
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 2:32 PM
Thanks.
Haha, I’ve been trying to figure it out everytime I look at it. You may be right.
Scott Mitchell
April 15, 2012 at 1:40 PM
You are so beautiful Shian. That’s a recent photo? It’s growing back fast I think!
I used to keep my hair trimmed down with a number 2 attachment on the clippers. Not sure if you’ve seen how I am now, but it’s much longer lol. I’m sure the day will come when I go back to the care-free short hair again.
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 2:43 PM
Awww, Thanks Scott! Yes, that picture was from last night, and yes it’s growing back pretty fast… I’ve seen your hair and I think it suits you. Short or long you’ll still be very handsome.
Scott Mitchell
April 17, 2012 at 2:53 PM
(blush) Thanks Shian!
Hey, as an additional note, you know you’re one of my favorite bloggers when I type your blog address into the address bar, just to see if there’s something new, even when I know I’d get an email for anything new, therefore I have to comment on the most recent post I already commented on
I hope all continues good there and it’s a great week for you!
shianwrites
April 17, 2012 at 4:00 PM
Thanks!
I’m smiling from ear to ear. You’re mine too. I believe I will start getting emails now, I pressed a button on the right side. *finger cross*
omegetymon
April 15, 2012 at 1:52 PM
Being the “Gentleman” that I ‘has-two-be’, The sectional presentation of YOU is much-too-much mental finesse for me.The fact that Women are so bombarded by what CORPORATIONS SAY You “NEED”… to BE, to whatever they say is NECCESSARY to fulfill. Read the Article in JEZABEL, (http://jezebel.com/5900928/your-vagina-isnt-just-too-big-too-floppy-and-too-
hairyits-also-too-brown).
STAY YOU.
“D” / om
Amaia
April 15, 2012 at 7:22 PM
WOW! I can’t imagine cutting it all off!!! But, it must be a nice summer do!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 10:32 PM
Last year if anyone told me I would cut all my hair. After I stopped laughing, I would tell them, they are out of their mind. It’s really not for everyone and all my friends feel the same as you.
Zhen Huang
April 15, 2012 at 8:31 PM
Just dropping by to say, you look great!
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Thanks Zhen!
omwaombara
April 15, 2012 at 10:14 PM
Shian writes. I really like your new look. A hair journey is always a new experience. Will miss your old look too! Nice! Nice! Nice! A compliment to your hairdresser.
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Thanks
I haven’t been to the hairdresser for about a month now. I may get another trim in six months.
Israel
April 15, 2012 at 11:09 PM
I know women love long hair but seriously i love women with short hair. It looks so much more….lovely, sexy, beautiful to me, but thats just me. As far as your picture you posted, you look AMAZING! And i don’t just mean the hair, i mean your whole look is just beautiful to me.
shianwrites
April 15, 2012 at 11:16 PM
Awww, thanks! Yes I agree, some women like Halle Berry and Victoria Beckham rocks the short do with so much sophistication and class.
spilledcookies
April 15, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Love this pic! You look very glamorous!
shianwrites
April 16, 2012 at 12:34 AM
Thank you!
,
Acep Aprilyana
April 16, 2012 at 12:14 AM
yeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaaa…. sexy a lot :-*
shianwrites
April 16, 2012 at 12:37 AM
Thanks Acep.
Lady T
April 16, 2012 at 12:48 AM
Congrats! You look great. My BC happened 4 years ago and was a split-second decision. I just got the scissors and started hacking away. I haven’t regretted it once.
shianwrites
April 16, 2012 at 1:03 AM
Thank you. You look great too. Way to go… I feel the same, no regrets.
ewurabasempe
April 16, 2012 at 3:02 AM
Hi
. I did a BC in 2005 July and haven’t regretted it either. I just did a chopping of my locs last Tuesday and a part of me is regretting that. Hair is so fraught with baggage. I can’t even begin to explain that. Thanks for writing.
Thanks for liking my post. I see you have joined the natural world.
shianwrites
April 16, 2012 at 7:01 AM
Wow, I’m sure cutting your locks is a big deal but at the same time, I’m sure you had a good reason. Don’t worry it will grow back.
Sheryl Stark
April 16, 2012 at 10:57 AM
You look great! It’s funny I wanted to go back to mi roots…and my roots is, I am a black woman. Adding chemical is just not how we made ( this is my opinion lolz) therefore with pern and all I locked my hair and I love it. I feel even more connected to my beginings and get alot more respect. I cannot explain now, but it feels out of this world…plus hubby loves it. Great post Shian, I enjoyed reading.
shianwrites
April 16, 2012 at 1:53 PM
Thanks Sheryl, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I get everything you wrote. I feel alive and free! We rock!
ihmheavy
April 18, 2012 at 7:00 AM
I actually visited your blog because you liked my latest blog post (Torn) though I had no idea how you found it (how *did* you find my blog btw?? would love to know). And lo and behold I stumble across another black woman dealing with the big chop! I’m planning to do it this summer. I’ve had my hair in braids for about 8 months and I’ve got 4 more months before I go home for a wedding. I plan to do up that wedding in a wee Afro. I’m excited and scared all at the same time but I can’t wait to see what my hair is like all natural! You rock it girl!!
shianwrites
April 18, 2012 at 10:10 AM
I was scared out of my mind but I had to follow my heart. No regrets. Please keep us up to date. Good luck… Thank you. I can’t remember how I found you but I enjoy reading people’s thoughts, and I like yours.
omegetymon
April 18, 2012 at 11:57 PM
After taking a good look the “pink thing” is part of the arrangement on the table behind you.
shianwrites
April 19, 2012 at 6:47 AM
There is mirror behind me and there is no table in front of me. Haha
omegetymon
April 19, 2012 at 11:12 AM
but,there IS behind you? off your left.
tutankhamon61
April 19, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Very nice photo. Greetings!
shianwrites
April 19, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Hey
Thank you!
Too Young to Feel Old (Marilyn McCottrell)
April 21, 2012 at 6:44 AM
I did the BC in June of 2011. I was so scared, but I realized that I want to be the kind of woman who does what her heart desires, regardless of what anyone else thinks. I’m a mom and I plan on being a good example of womanhood for my girls. I did it, and I love it. My problem now: I want it long, but I love it short, so I keep cutting it. My next phase of the journey: let it grow (lol). You’ll do fine. Just remember to be true to you and be patient. It’s hard figuring out which products are really for your hair. Good luck! (and thanks for visiting my blog)
shianwrites
April 21, 2012 at 7:16 AM
Good for you! I had the same feeling, that’s why I did it, and I’m so glad I did. I smiled when you wrote, ‘I want it long, but I love it short, so I keep cutting it’ You are so right about figuring out the right products. I believe I’ve used a million and one already
Bonnie Marshall
April 21, 2012 at 5:34 PM
It’s all good, Shian, for such a lovely person…outside and in.
shianwrites
April 21, 2012 at 7:36 PM
Awww, thank you Bonnie!
stevehallsbooks
April 24, 2012 at 2:34 PM
Are you going to update your picture? You should!
shianwrites
April 24, 2012 at 3:02 PM
Yes Steve, you’re so right, I should. Thanks.
Jeyinti
April 24, 2012 at 5:59 PM
Your new do is cute!!!
shianwrites
April 24, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Thanks Jey.
dawnsdorkydisneydiary
April 25, 2012 at 11:59 PM
You’re hair looks fantastic to me!
shianwrites
April 26, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Thanks Hon!
jolynproject
April 26, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Love the hair girlie! I did the big chop years ago and my hair just felt healthier. Now it’s a curly fro… one day I’ll reach Esperanza Spalding length…one day…. lol You’ll also be amazed by all the wonderful things you can do with natural hair. Lots of great tutorials on youtube if you did not already know.
shianwrites
April 26, 2012 at 1:56 PM
Thanks!
I see your hair, and I must say, it’s pretty eye catching. In a good way of course. Maybe in a year, my Afro will be as big as yours. Thanks for all the tips.
jolynproject
April 26, 2012 at 4:53 PM
No problem. And that’s an old picture… my fro is a lil smaller lol
easyondeyes
April 27, 2012 at 9:47 AM
You’re beautiful!
Also, thank you for stopping by our blog and liking it 
shianwrites
April 27, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Thank you and you’re welcome.
WASIA J&L Simon
May 1, 2012 at 9:23 PM
Shian, you are gorgeous with natural hair! We looked at your before pictures and we must admit, you looked great always. We hope you find tremendous joy and peace during your hair journey, and all your other exciting endeavors! Since staying beautiful is easy for you, we encourage you to stay positive!
J&L Simon
shianwrites
May 1, 2012 at 9:55 PM
Awww, thank you for all your kind words. I will take them with me.
lilyoliver
May 4, 2012 at 6:02 PM
wow, lovely!
shianwrites
May 4, 2012 at 6:07 PM
Thanks Lily.
Beauty Temptress
May 7, 2012 at 8:51 AM
Congratulations on the big chop! And thanks for liking my post
I’m following, I like the way you write
shianwrites
May 7, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Thank you!
That means a lot.
Beauty Temptress
May 10, 2012 at 7:12 AM
You’re welcome
festivalking
May 8, 2012 at 11:48 AM
You look lovely
… I’ve got a natural hair under this weave of mine!!! 
but before that I actually wore a bald look 
… Check it out: http://festivalking.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/img00262-20110422-18532.jpg
shianwrites
May 8, 2012 at 1:56 PM
You look gorgeous!!! Prefect shape head and beautiful face. You rocked it!
mountainmornings
May 13, 2012 at 7:27 AM
Love the big chop, natural woman! And love your perspective on life in general.
shianwrites
May 13, 2012 at 10:53 AM
Thank you lots; means a lot!
Red Toenails
May 13, 2012 at 1:28 PM
I wear a short natural as well. Ain’t it drama before? Then afterwards you say, What was I stressing about? Love it! And thanks for the like as well.
shianwrites
May 13, 2012 at 4:04 PM
Yes! I had all kind of preconceived notions but I now, like you said, now I’m thinking, “what was I stressing about?” I love it too. Now it’s in a mini fro.