For the past few years I’ve been on a serious mission to grow my hair to long lengths. Way before that I had shaved my hair with a 1/4″ hair clipper guard at least four times, and also wore my hair super short for awhile. At that time I wanted to feel beautiful with short low maintenance hair and I did. I’d also had locs for awhile, colored hair for hair industrial gigs, and wore tons of other styles. Just like others learning more about natural curly/coily hair care, having extremely long tresses seemed to be a common goal of mine as well.
different haircuts & styles I’ve had over the years
A few weeks ago I began questioning if the long hair goal was really me, and if I was truly enjoying this hair growth journey.
My hair was longer than it had ever been, yet I was extremely bored with it, and in desperate need for a change. I wanted a carefree hair style that was nothing but fun. I am not a big fan of long term protective hair styles although they work, I don’t like wearing my hair in a bun exclusively even though I did try it for a month, and I would rather not think too much about everything I do to my hair. I simply want to enjoy it, LOVE it, and let it blow wildly in the wind.
So I freed myself, cut some MAJOR layers, and I am finally LOVING my hair again.
wash & go with a bit of shea butter
two strand twist & curl set with a bit of shea butter
Once I decided to cut my hair, my next step was to figure out the shape I was going for with my curls. I cut my own hair, and have been doing so since junior high. I’ve had to fix haircuts when I’ve had them done professionally. I guess I’ve had way too many bad experiences in hair salons as well as on dance/commercial jobs with hair stylists. So trusting anyone else with hair shears is currently a no-go.
wash & go with a bit of shea butter
This hair cut was done on dry hair. It took me two hours initially to get the shape I wanted, and then another hour a week later to clean it up. It usually doesn’t take me this long to cut my hair, but since this was a major reshaping I made sure not to rush.
Cutting curly hair is literally like shaping a bonsai tree. It takes time to shape it to perfection.
Lately I’ve just been experimenting with a few styling options. So far I’ve done wash and gos and twist outs. In terms of my current hair regimen, I’m still doing modified water only hair washes. I have come to the conclusion that it is crucial for me to do a monthly herbal clay cleansing/clarifying treatment to start fresh again. I still don’t use conditioners, or other store bought products though. I keep things extremely simple, yet I have started using shea butter again. I just don’t use nearly as much as I used to. I’ll get more into hair regimen details in a later article.
wash & go using only homemade flaxseed hair gel
One thing that I love most about this cut is that the shape allows even a not so amazing hair day to still work out great. Plus 2nd and 3rd day hair is bigger than ever. That’s the beauty of a great hair shape for curly hair. I can fro it out with a hair pick or wear it curly. It really doesn’t matter. Will I grow my hair out again? Hmmm maybe, maybe not. I have a feeling I’ll be playing around with different hair cuts, but we’ll see what happens.
wash & go with a bit of shea butter
It does take a minute to get used to drastic changes, yet this one has been way too much fun! Read tips on cutting curly hair here!
(Images by Dawn Michelle)
Laura says
Gorgeous! I love that you cut your own hair– you have an eye for it!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much! <3
Julie says
How brave, it looks great and love your website, it has help me along with others tremendously to realize that natural was and is the way to go. Thank for sharing!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Julie,
Once I make up my mind there is no turning back! Thanks for the compliment on the site too!
Kayla says
Oh, wow! I’ve always wanted to learn how to cut my own hair (just to save money), but my hand-eye coordination is lacking. haha Love your new cut!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kayla,
The saving money thing is no joke especially for certified curly haircuts which range between $125-$225. They are more expensive with master stylists. Thanks so much for the compliment!
Sandy says
You’re my cut girl friend in my head. I do the same thing. I cut it and then shape it myself. I thought I was the only one who snipped here and there until the shape is just right. Once it took me two weeks to get it perfect.
And then in another 3 weeks some strands weren’t acting right. And then the ritual starts again. But I really have fun with it.
I like your style, Dawn. I can see that the way you cut it, you can pull it up in the back and sides and just leave the top fluffy which would be so cute with scarves and wraps.
I haven’t tried the clay clarifying routine, although I’ve heard a lot about it and notice the coil definition as a result of the clarifying. I’m wondering if the clay turns gray hairs a little darker. But, I like how your coils are separating.
Good job.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Everyday that I washed my hair after the initial cut a new curl would popped out that I missed. Instead of cutting my hair curl by curl which I intially did, I ended up doing a clean up cut just I used to when I actually wore a picked out fro. So I picked my hair out and got all the uneven pieces. Also amla and bhringraj help with darkening the hair I think. Amla for sure. Google them both. Thanks for the compliment too! I am looking forward to doing more styles I just haven’t gotten to it just yet. Have a great day!
Sandra says
Dawn,
You and your hair look fabulous! You go girl!
Dawn Michelle says
Thank you so much Sandra! <3
Kisha says
Love the new cut!! I’ve still be using the WOW method as well but have to use a natural gel for control because I like weight to my hair. It’s awesome you stared using Shea butter again I am going to try it again. I think I have to do the clay washes again as well. I did one a few months ago and my hair was refreshed. How has it been washing the Shea butter out with ACV? Thanks!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kisha,
I know what you mean about having weight to your curls. I mainly use shea butter after a clay wash not daily or after every rinse. I’ll be sharing my updated regimen soon. So glad water only is working so well for you too!
Tamara says
I really enjoyed reading your post. I’ve been the same way about my hair. I’m relaxed but have been on a hair growth journey for a year. This really opened my eyes to the fact that I need to be happy with my hair and not its length. I’m new to Bloglovin’ but I’m learning so much. Great post and you’re gorgeous!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Tamara,
Thanks so much for the sweet compliment! It really is about enjoying the process. I definitely was putting too much emphasis and pressure on myself for a goal that I wasn’t 100% sure that I wanted. It’s just about being true to yourself. Best wishes!
Kimberly says
Hi Dawn Michelle,
Love your new haircut. It suits you well and I’m happy to read that you did it yourself. It’s so empowering to be able to take care of your own hair. I love your blog and admire how you share your growth and your journey. Haircare, skincare, beauty items, and clothes are things that many women spend big bucks on -imagine changing the focus and attention and banking that cash instead! Your blog is infinitely valuable because you share just how to do this in a way that’s informative, caring and not preachy. Also the new design of your site is beautiful.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks so much for this compliment on my haircut and the blog! I truly appreciate it. I hope that you are having a beautiful day!
Pamela says
Hi Dawn,
You inspired me to cut my hair. My hair was at APL and I just was not happy with it. It lack shape. I was thinking about a tapered cut but I was not ready to be locked into a certain look. I decided to cut the tail of my hair off which I discovered was the problem. The rest of my was in layers with the back being the longest which was throwing my hair styles off. Using your cutting hair information I was able to get it almost to one length in the shape of a bob.
Like you I decided to focus on enjoying my hair and not the length. I also want to keep it moisturize and healthy. My hair was at my waist when I had locs. I did not enjoyed it at that length because of the weight of it was giving me headaches. After that experience you would think I would have not had that same goal for my natural hair.
My curls look better and is responding to my natural products better. I may still go for that taper look one day. I like that my hair still can be styled in different ways. Thanks for always being an inspiration. You are such a giving and beautiful person. I look forward to your blog postings.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Pamela,
I love the length of a bob haircut. It has alway been one of my favorite styles. I’ve always been into having the right shape for my curls. When I was focusing solely on length it was no longer any fun for me. I hope you are truly loving your new haircut! It sounds so chic! Thanks so much for the compliment too. <3