The Big Chop is referred to as the process of cutting off all of your chemically processed hair, leaving only your natural hair. To chop or not to chop, that is the question.

It often comes with much contemplation, second guessing, hesitating and reluctance.In some cases, however, the decision is a no brainer and the process quite effortless.

Regardless of your state of mind prior to the big chop, it is typically inevitable for challenges to present themselves at some point or another after the Big Chop.

Immediately following your Big Chop you may feel a rush of emotions. It is quite normal to experience mixed emotions, which can range from a strong sense of liberation to that of regret. There is no doubt that subsequent to taking this big step of getting rid of all of your chemically processed hair, you will find yourself faced with the question "I just big chopped, now what?"

Taking the right approach during this very delicate stage in your natural hair journey is critical and can in fact set the pattern for the kind of experience you will have throughout your natural hair journey. Approaches may vary from person to person or from hair type to hair type. There are, however, some fundamental principles that - if adopted - will help you to adjust to post big chop changes and uncertainties.

1. WEAR IT WITH PRIDE

Despite the length of your hair after you Big Chop, it is of paramount importance that you get comfortable with it to the point where you wear it with pride. Be confident with your new look and wear it with boldness for the world to see. People can spot a lack of confidence from a mile away and will be more likely to critique your look if you yourself don't seem happy with it.

Be proud of who you are and the decision you have made. Your hair doesn't make you who you are. Beauty lies within and gets emitted from the inside out. Let that beauty shine through, even if you only have an inch of hair. It may take some getting used to, and at first you may question the decision, but in time you will get used to your new look.

Tap into your inner fierceness and embrace the whole new world that awaits you. Just hold your head high, put on a smile and wear your "new do" with pride.

2. DON'T GET OVERWHELMED

It is quite normal for a natural newbie to be anxious to know all that there is to know and to seek to experiment with all the natural hair products that are out there to be tried. The journey ahead following your big chop is a very long one and it should be taken in strides. An attempt to take in too much at the initial stage can lead to frustration. You don't want information overload as that can cause confusion. Take your time to gradually discover your new found "crown of glory." Much of what you hear or read about natural hair may not generally be applicable to you. Our hair has different personalities and they react differently to different products and processes. Try to find YouTubers with hair textures similar to yours or Google information relevant to your hair type. Then, experiment with the most popular recommendations made.

There is always the temptation among naturals, especially newbie naturals, to try every product on the market made for natural hair. This is absolutely unnecessary and is, in fact, not recommended. Becoming a product junkie is not advisable as it makes it difficult to determine what works for your hair and what doesn't if you are constantly switching between products.

Keep your regimen simple and basic and you will be sure to avoid getting overwhelmed by a life-changing journey that was initially intended to afford you a sense of freedom.

3. LEARN NATURAL HAIR VS. PROCESSED HAIR 101

One common mistake that new naturals make is that they expect their natural hair to do the same things as their processed hair. Natural hair is quite different from chemically-processed hair. It is vital that you come to grips with these differences as you may find yourself applying techniques to your natural hair that are no longer relevant or suitable for this new hair texture. Basically, your whole hair care regimen will be drastically different from that of your processed hair regimen.

Your new hair texture will require different products, maintenance regimens and styling techniques.

Natural hair is curly, wavy or kinky in texture while relaxed hair is typically straight. While moisture is required in both cases, the methods used to introduce moisture may be very different. Natural hair, for example, loves water and applying water to it can be very beneficial. Relaxed hair, on the other hand, may face a styling dilemma if it is exposed to water. It is therefore important to know these differences and how they will affect the way you approach your hair.

4. STAY COMMITTED

The stage at which you are most vulnerable is immediately following your Big Chop. Some persons may even experience a little post-chop depression. People's reasons for going natural may vary but be sure to remind yourself of the factors that influenced your decision. Sometimes journaling will help you to stay focused if you begin to get feelings of regret. Make a visual note of all the advantages of natural hair and constantly remind yourself of them.

Recognize that results will not be instant but they will be realized over time. Your hair growth rate for example may seem slower than you anticipated but you have to remember that natural hair has a tendency to shrink, hence the true length of your hair may not be evident unless your hair is stretched out.

As with diets, workouts, studying or most other areas of life, commitment is what will get you over the hurdles and help you to achieve set goals. Stand by your decision and stay committed to the amazing journey that lies ahead.

5. TUNE OUT NEGATIVITY

The world is made up of different people with different personalities, desires and opinions. My path in life may be different from yours and your choices in life may bear no likeness to mine. That is quite acceptable as long as one person's opinions are not forced on another.

One of the challenges that a new natural may face is that of overcoming negative comments. Not everyone is going to like your new look and not everyone will support you in your decision to go natural but you have to be willing and able to ignore all the destructive criticisms that may come your way. You will hardly ever find that everything that you do is pleasing to every single person in your life.

If natural hair makes you happy then take comfort in that and don't allow the negativity to get to you. Be courteous, put on a smile and state your position on the matter. They will respect you for the stand that you have taken and most times end up loving it or even joining you on the journey.

6. NETWORK WITH NATURALS

There has been a natural hair revolution burgeoning among women in the U.S. for the past few years. No longer is wearing natural hair an exception but it is becoming more and more a norm. It is quite likely that you know at least one other person who is natural but if that is not the case there are a whole host of natural hair communities online of which you can be a part.

Networking with other naturals immediately after you Big Chop will provide you with much needed support and encouragement that will help you along the way. Your natural hair journey doesn't have to be a lonely one. Finding natural hair bloggers or vloggers can prove very beneficial.

There are some local natural hair meet up groups which allow women to come together to celebrate their natural hair journey. These groups help to educate you on how to take care of your hair and share product reviews which can be helpful in your decision to try new products.

Find networking sources that meet your needs. They will be sure to celebrate your natural beauty and provide lots of inspiration.

So now that you have Big Chopped, don't lose heart, don't get discouraged, you will soon realize that it may be one of the most liberating decisions you ever made regarding your hair. Embrace it!!!!

Candie's Natural Hairnamix was birthed a few months after Jamaican native Rossette "Candie" Allen began her natural hair journey in May 2010. She gears this column toward naturals, transitioning naturals, aspiring naturals and the naturally curious, sharing experiences, expertise and experiments while celebrating emancipation from chemical slavery.