Q & A: Should I big chop at a salon or a barber?

Question 
Hi. I am about 8 mths post relaxer and have been wearing braids for the most part. I am planning to do the BC (cut off the relaxed part of my hair) and want to know whether one goes to a barbershop or hairdresser. Is the hair washed and blown out then cut, if not how? I don't know if every natural hair stylist knows what to do so I want to know what to expect. Please help in this regard.


Answer

Go to a hairdresser. Barbers tend to give blunt cuts. So, in the near future when you want to twist your hair, you will have problems with the ends unravelling because of the bluntness. So, find a hairdresser who will use scissors and cut into the hair so that you will slightly uneven ends which will help your twists to be secure at the tip. Be sure to verbalise this concern so that they know what you expect.

If you don't care about twists or plaits unravelling and just want a blunt cut that is lined up at the edges or so, go for the barber. They will give a neat trim. I've been to both the salon and barber multiple times for different types of looks.

Source

It is harder to see the difference between your curly and straight hair when it is blown-out. It is highly recommended that you wet or dampen hair to bring out the natural curl pattern so that you know exactly where needs to be cut.

Have a chat before making an appointment. No matter where you go, you must explain your needs. Talk to them about your concerns. You're a paying customer and should not leave without getting what you want. It's always safest to go to a reputable natural hair salon.

Enjoy your BC experience and be sure to let us know how it goes.