Rocking the big chop
The big chop and bold accessories go well together. STOCK PHOTO
What you need to know:
New look. More and more women are getting rid of their long hair for a shorter look. Agreed, cutting off your familiar long hair in which you have invested millions of shillings can be daunting, but you will never know the freedom and fun of having short hair if you never try it out writes Esther Oluka.
One Saturday afternoon, I visited a renowned barber in my neighbourhood and told him to trim off my hair. You should have seen the look on his face. “Women love hair, why do you want to cut off yours? He asked.
“I am tired of it. I am tired of the hair relaxers, combing, salon visits. I want it all off.” I answered firmly. He probably heard a note of frustration in my voice because he did not ask any follow up question as they are wont to do. He just got his clippers and got to work. And just like that I made the transition to the world of short hair which I enjoy so much.
It takes a shorter time getting ready in the mornings since all I do is brush for about five minutes. I am also happy that I do not have to apply any chemicals. But also most importantly, I do not have to worry about spending a lot of time and money at the salon. Like me, there are many women doing the big chop for various reasons. Jessica Nalumansi said she did it because short hair was trending but in the end it helped her get rid of dandruff.
“I was forced to cut off my hair because of dead skin. I tried using different hair oils to get rid of the problem, in vain. I was left with no choice but to chop it off,” she said.
Grace Abalo said the only reason she cut off her hair was to look younger. “Wigs were making me look older than my age. But after cutting it off, my friends say I look youthful,” says the 40-year-old mother of four.
Different ways to rock short hair
Put some designs
One of the most interesting ways of styling short hair is by putting some creative dwesigns. For instance, one may decide to put a few lines and patterns.
Put accessories
There are different accessories available on the market ideal for short hair. These include bandanas, headbands, scarves, flowers, among others. These accessories help add more beauty to one’s hair.
Colour it
Coloring short hair can be done in different ways. Some women may opt to dye it with any color of their choice. It could also include applying tint (of any color) or bleaching it blonde.
Texturise it
Well, let us face it, some hair just cannot be managed in its natural form. So a little relaxer can save the day.
The unkempt version
Sometimes, styling involves leaving the hair unkempt especially if it is really short. When you wake up in the morning, just wash it and leave it like that for the rest of the day. But of course, this will depend on the profession one does.
Make knots
Styling short hair may can also include making mini twisted buns commonly referred to as Bantu knots.
