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There has been quite a break when it comes to this Curl Files series. The last hair journey I posted featured Life By Mj and was almost a year ago! The Curl Files is my favorite series on my blog and I hope to continue posting it regularly, because these hair journey stories are so interesting. So mark your calendars, because I’ll be posting a new curl file every first Thursday of the month.
In this Curl File, my friend Acamy shares her big chop hair journey. Acamy is beautiful inside and out and she also makes the most beautiful calligraphy! In this interview we learn that she did not know her true hair texture growing up and we also learn that she has so many supportive people in her corner. At the beginning of her hair journey she took the leap and did the big chop. She did another big chop recently as well. But enough from me, let’s hear from Acamy.
1) Please introduce yourself.
I’m Acamy! I’m a wife and a stay at home mom! I’m a hand letterer and illustrator who loves Jesus! You can find my on social media here:
Blog IG: @acamyschleikorn
Art IG: @acamy.schleikorn
2) How long have you been natural?
4.5 years! I got my first big chop from previously relaxed hair on September 8, 2015.
3) What made you decide to go natural?
I wanted to embrace the way I was created naturally and discover what my natural hair was like. I had relaxed hair since I was a child, so before I went natural, I wasn’t sure what my hair was like at all!
I had relaxed hair since I was a child, so before I went natural, I wasn’t sure what my hair was like at all!
4) Did you do the big chop or did you transition?
I originally planned on transitioning at least six months to one year! I watched so many YouTube videos and saw ladies who did it and heard their tips. I lasted maybe a couple months, y’all. My hair is way too thick and dealing with both textures was just a hot mess! I quit and just big chopped. Best decision ever!
September 10, 2015 
May 22, 2016
5) What was the hardest part of your big chop hair journey in the beginning?
I had never had super short hair before, and I was nervous I didn’t have the right head shape for the cut I would end up having. I had less than an inch of hair!
6) Did you care what others would think about your hair? Do you still care?
Um, yes and no for the first question. I hoped that people would like it and think it’s cute, but at the end of the day, I just wanted to be the real me! That’s what mattered! Now though? Nahhh! If my hubby approves, we’re good! And he always does because he loves my natural hair and supports me!
7) How did others react to your hair in the beginning? How do they react now?
My mom said I looked like Lupita Nyong’o after my first big chop, and that was definitely a compliment! My now hubby loved it! And others had a good reaction to it as well. It was shocking for some when I first got my big chop because they weren’t used to seeing me with such short hair! Now, people just love it! I’ve gotten lots of compliments on my hair! I actually just did another big chop, and I’m loving my new tapered cut!
March 18, 2017
8) Have you faced any struggles from being natural in school or in the workplace?
Honestly, no! I’m grateful I worked for places that were supportive of my hair type! I know many ladies struggle because kinky hair isn’t seen as “professional” at times. Some funny things were that my hair was too big to fit in certain hats and I would have dents in my hair when wearing my headset. Haha!
9) What is your current hair regimen?
Haaaaaaaa, I really need to be consistent with this! It’s definitely a work in progress! But in an ideal world, it would consist of a wash with shampoo every two weeks with a deep conditioning treatment. The weeks in between, I’d probably co-wash with conditioner. After that, I’d moisture my hair with a leave-in conditioner and seal with an oil. I also have Shea butter mixed with oils that I made for moisturizing as well.
10) What products do you love?
The African Pride Moisture Miracle line is BAE. I’m not a fan of the regular conditioner, but the shampoo*, deep conditioner*, curling cream*, and leave-in* I definitely use! For regular conditioner, I use the Tresemme in the big white bottle! And for a quick deep conditioner, I use Aussie 3 minute miracle*!
January 29, 2018 
July 23, 2018
11) What is your favorite hairstyle?
Before my recent big chop, twists were my go to style! I’d just pin them up and turn them into a fancy updo and leave it for weeks! Now that I got a new tapered cut, I love how it looks naturally without doing anything. Game changer y’all. I literally just wake up, take off my hair bonnet, and we’re good to go! If my hair is feeling dry, I might add moisture, but that’s about it!
Before my recent big chop, twists were my go to style! I’d just pin them up and turn them into a fancy updo and leave it for weeks!
12) What is your hair motto?
Your hair is beautiful no matter the texture or style!
13) What’s the best part about being natural? What is the hardest part?
I love that natural hair is so versatile! You can wear braids, weave, faux locks, an afro, twists, and even straighten it if you really wanted to.
The hardest part, before my second big chop, was taking care of it. I’m pretty sure my texture is 4z making wash day seem like a full day event! There were so many times I neglected my hair because I just didn’t want to spend all day on it. Talk about high maintenance!
June 8, 2019 March 22, 2020
14) What tips or advice would you give others that are starting their journey or thinking about starting?
Go for it! It’s a journey! Just take time to learn and grow with your hair. It doesn’t grow overnight. You’ll be set once you figure out what works and doesn’t work for your hair!
15) Is there anything else you would like to add that I missed?
Natural hair is awesome!
What part of Acamy’s big chop hair journey resonated with you the most?
