Products And Tools: 13 Must-Haves For Thriving After A Big Chop

So you just got a big chop, now what?! The answer is: Now everything!! 

For a start, I’d like to say congratulations on taking the plunge. Change is not always easy and you’re one hell of a queen for being brave. If you’ve been natural for a couple of years, hold strong, cuz you’re about to miss your long hair. And if you were a relaxed hair girlie, welcome to the club!  Cutting your hair is a liberating and empowering experience. But with a fresh start comes a new haircare routine, and with that too, comes new requirements in terms of products and tools. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

This list features 13 products and tools that will empower you on your natural hair journey, and become best friends with you along the way.  So what are you waiting for? Let’s get into the list! 

Products and tools you need after a big chop 

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1. Shampoo

Shampooing is a very important step for everyone who has hair. However, for someone with a TWA or big chop, shampooing is an even more important practice. TWAs are more prone to buildup as the hair is closer to the scalp, giving hair care products and a higher chance of settling on the scalp.

For this practice, make sure to find a sulfate-free shampoo that cleanses your scalp without stripping your hair of its natural oils. A good choice of shampoo for a TWA would be the  Shea Moisture Curl and Shine Coconut Shampoo. This sulphate-free shampoo gently cleanses your curls without stripping essential moisture from it. It contains Neem oil, Coconut oil, and Hibiscus extract, which provides hydration, enhances the elasticity of your hair, and leaves your curls feeling healthy with a radiant glow.

2. Deep conditioner

Deep conditioning is essential for maintaining a big chop or TWA as natural hair thrives on moisture. Look for a conditioner with a rich, creamy, hydrating formula to replenish moisture and prevent dryness on the hair strands. 

For an afro TWA, a recommended product would be the Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner. This deep conditioner contains an intensive blend of proteins, nutrient-rich oils, and complex amino acids which hydrate the hair, condition the strands, add definition and give an infinite shine to your beautiful curls.

3. Leave-in Conditioner 

In addition to your deep conditioner, your leave-in conditioner will be your daily go-to for added moisture and hydration. Leave-in conditioners help to moisturize, detangle, and smooth frizz on your natural curls. Using a leave-in conditioner daily will keep your hair feeling softer and more manageable.

Because TWAs are prone to dryness, a great leave-in conditioner for them would be the Shea Moisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream. Specially formulated for thick, curly hair, this product is enriched with Silk Protein, Neem, and Coconut Oils, which helps to define curls, restore moisture, reduce frizz and create shine. It conditions and defines curly hair without weighing it down. This hair product will leave your hair feeling soft, silky and bouncy all day long.

4. Spray Bottle

When it comes to natural hair, spray bottles are a must-have for any and every length.  A spray bottle is a handy tool for refreshing your hair, applying product, and adding moisture.  It makes the styling and moisturizing process easier by making moisture more accessible and less hectic to be added to the strands. 

The Hula Home Continuous Spray Bottle is a fine choice for naturals of all lengths and textures. The product is designed to enhance comfort as its continuous mist feature lets you apply as much moisture as you need without stressing your fingers. Another of its amazing features, is that it allows you to quickly twist the head 180° to remove it and refill it. That way, you do not have to spend man seconds of your time twisting and re-twisting the cover for a refill.

The continuous mist bottle also comes in different colors such as black, white, blue, gray, green, pink, purple, and red.

5. Wide-toothed Comb

With a big chop or TWA, detangling is arguably harder as your hair is smaller and more likely to tangle together, and you do not have the luxury of parting your hair into workable sections. Detangling with a wide-tooth comb helps to minimize breakage on your delicate strands as it glides seamlessly through your strands without snapping any possible knots along the way. 

A good and affordable option for a wide-toothed comb is the HYOUJIN Wide Tooth Comb For Women. It is a durable plastic comb with slim, round-end teeth. It was designed inclusively for people of all hair types, and is meant to provide smooth, drag-free detangling to keep your hair free of breakage.

6. Hair pick 

For a big chop, a pick has endless uses. A pick is a great aid for defining curls or coils, detangling hair, and lifting the roots of your hair for added volume. A great choice for my TWA naturals is the Diane Fromm Mebco Medium 6 Inch Lift Comb. The product is plastic and durable with thin, round-end teeth which provides smooth lifting and detangling, depending on your needs.

7. Steam cap or hooded dryer

By now, it is probably already common knowledge that deep conditioning is 10 times more effective with heat. A steam cap or hooded dryer helps open the hair cuticle for maximum product absorption, and deeper penetration into the hair shaft. 

Deep conditioning with a steam cap or hooded dryer leaves your TWA hair super soft, extra manageable, and very healthy. For this practice, we have the Ingeware Thermal Cap, and the Conair Bonnet Hair Dryer, which will be linked in order after this paragraph.

The Ingeware heat cap for deep conditioning is made of high-density fiber fabric and radiation-proof inner tank. It is elastic, flame retardant, waterproof and insulating. It uses high-quality alloy heating wire with high corrosion resistance and long service life, heating evenly, quickly and continuously, and giving you a quality experience.

On the other hand, the Conair bonnet hair dryer is a plastic, table-top hair dryer that makes styling and conditioning accessible at the comfort of your home. It allows for easy drying of hair by applying heat gently and uniformly around your head. This hair dryer packs up easily for easy storage and features a convenient carrying handle for easy portability.

8. Plastic caps

Plastic caps are perfect for trapping in moisture, and producing heat during deep conditioning sessions. They can also be used for twist-outs, braid-outs, wash and gos, as well as other protective styles, to help keep frizz at bay and maintain definition.

9. Hair oils

When it comes to afro/curly hair, hair oils are a staple for all lengths and textures (especially for people with a big chop). Natural oils like rosemary, jojoba, argan oil, or grapeseed oil are excellent for sealing in moisture, promoting scalp health, and adding shine to the strands. 

Similar to the few mentioned above, each oil has its own uses and added benefits, so be sure to do your research and pick your hair oils accordingly.  If you choose to go with the rosemary oil, a recommended option for you is the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil.

This nutrient-rich, biotin-infused treatment has long been a cherished staple in the curly hair community. Inclusively formulated for all hair types, this oil helps to nourish and strengthen the strands, smooth split ends, soothe dry scalps, and promote hair growth, leading to an overall improved hair health.

10. Applicator bottles

With a TWA/big chop, your hair is shorter and cannot be sectioned easily, so it may not be as easy to gain access to your scalp.  An applicator bottle helps make your hair care game easier by giving you access to your scalp and allowing for targeted application. 

The BRIGHTFROM Twist Top Applicator Bottles come in a pack of three clear, re-fillable squeeze bottles. You can fill these bottles with your favorite leave-in conditioner, oil, or preferred treatment for a mess-free and easier application.

11. Styling gel

After undergoing a big chop, a strong hold gel will definitely become your best friend.  On days where you want to define your curls for a playful, edgy look, or slick back your hair for a polished look, a good styling gel will definitely come in handy. 

The Shea Moisture Defining Styling Gel is a great choice for my TWA naturals with thick, curly hair. The product contains Coconut, Hibiscus, and Flaxseed extracts, as well as silk protein and Neem oil. The Paraben-Free Frizz Control gel provides an easy way to style and manage your desired curly and coily styles while nourishing your hair with natural ingredients.

12. Wig cap 

Yes, let’s not forget wigs exist! 

Wigs are one of the most common go-to styles for people with a big chop or TWA. A wig cap is a tool, used in creating a smooth foundation for your wigs. It helps to keep your hair down, resulting in a sleek, and seamless finish after your wig is up. 

13. Scalp massager 

For people with a TWA or big chop, the goal is likely always to enjoy the rest period of having short hair, while also trying to grow your hair back as fast as possible. That’s where your scalp massagers come to play.  Scalp massages not only feel relaxing but can also help to relieve tension on the scalp. By doing this, they end up enhancing a healthy flow of blood and nutrients, and promoting hair growth overtime. For this practice, you can either choose a manual scalp massager, or an electric one.

-Manual scalp massager

For the manual option, we have the FREATECH Scalp Massager/Shampoo Brush. This toolcomes with Soft Silicone Bristles that provide a soothing massage for stress relief, blood circulation, hair growth and scalp care. It is perfect for people of all hair types, textures, and lengths.

-Electric scalp massager

“Lastly, our electric choice is the COMFIER Electric Cordless Hair Scalp Massager. It comes with 84 kneading massage nodes that work their way around your head in a circular motion, effectively helping to relieve stress, promote blood circulation, and enhancing hair growth in the long run. It is handheld, portable, and suitable for all hair types.”

So, there you have it! With these 13 products and tools at your disposal, you’re sure to be well on your way to healthy, happy hair. Remember, this is just a starting point. Embrace the versatility of your natural texture, and don’t be afraid to have fun! Experiment with different hairstyles and explore different products and techniques to find what works best for your unique hair. Rock your beautiful curls, kinks, and waves with pride and remember; Confidence is the most important tool!  

Thank you for reading till the end. If you loved this article or gained value from it, be sure to share with a friend who may need it. Have a question? Let us know in the comment section below. 

Goodbye TWA naturals! See you in the next article!!