3 Months Post Big Chop Update + 13 Cute TWA Styles

It’s fun to document my hair story month to month and see the changes, the growth, the colors, and the different products I keep throwing in it. Here I am with a 3 months post big chop update since my last one a month ago.

Since I’ve become quite the DIY mixtress, you know my regimen has since changed! And I’ve even started playing with slicked-back TWA styles.

3 Months Post Big Chop

So what’s new? I’ve started using black soap! I’m such a waggonist, anything new and exciting I am all over it. So when I heard of this all-natural soap originating in Africa that does wonders for acne and skin marks and hair and rainbows and sprinkles and glitter I had to get my hand on a piece. I bought a tiny little piece to experiment.

Benefits of African Black Soap for Natural Hair

Black soap, also known as African black soap or African soap, is a natural soap originating from West Africa. It is made from plant-based ingredients and is renowned for its numerous benefits for the skin. Here are some of the key advantages of using black soap:

Gentle Cleansing: Black soap is a mild and natural cleanser suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without over-drying the skin.

Natural Ingredients: It is made from plant-based ingredients such as cocoa pods, shea butter, palm oil, and various herbs. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin.

Moisturizing: Black soap contains shea butter, which is a superb moisturizer. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and can improve skin texture over time.

Acne Control: The natural ingredients in black soap have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help with acne and other skin conditions. It can reduce breakouts and soothe irritated skin.

Fades Dark Spots: Regular use of black soap may help fade dark spots and scars, promoting a more even skin tone.

Exfoliation: The soap has a slightly gritty texture, which provides gentle exfoliation. This can help remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother and brighter skin.

Anti-Aging: The antioxidants in black soap can help combat the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes collagen production, improving skin elasticity.

Improves Skin Conditions: It can be beneficial for various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to its soothing and moisturizing properties.

Natural Fragrance: Black soap has a unique earthy and natural fragrance that many people find appealing. It doesn’t contain synthetic fragrances that can irritate the skin.

Eco-Friendly: Being made from natural ingredients, black soap is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. It doesn’t harm the environment like some chemical-laden skincare products.

Versatility: Black soap can be used not only on the face but also on the body and hair. It’s a versatile product for a holistic approach to skincare and hair care.

The bit about eczema is pure gold. I’ve always had to use sensitive soap on my munchkin’s skin as she has eczema really bad but now I’ve switched to black soap which is cheaper and it works so well on her skin. I’ve read that black soap can be drying and when I first tried just the raw black soap on my face, it sure was squeaky clean, so of course, I layered on my skin care after.

The effectiveness of black soap can vary based on its formulation and the individual’s skin type. It’s advisable to do a patch test before using it regularly, especially if you have sensitive skin. Overall, black soap is a popular choice for those seeking natural, gentle, and effective skincare solutions.

DIY Liquid Black Soap

I loved the soap for munchkin’s skin so much, I made a liquid version using the block of soap I purchased. Warm some of my green tea infused thyme toner, crumble solid raw black soap in about a cup and leave it to melt overnight. The next day I usually add honey, olive oil, wheat germ oil, and whipped shea butter to my mixture.

Munchkin’s skin loves it, my hair loves it, I’m going to put it in a mold and marry it! When I use this mix to wash my hair I rarely feel the need to condition it. It’s so soft!

Update: Unfortunately I personally don’t use this mix anymore because black soap is full of coconut oil which I discovered causes me to break out. Thankfully, this cleanser is great for natural hair and this serum now helps me keep my skin clear.

So there you have this month’s update. I’ve also started using Kinky Curly Knot Today as my leave-in conditioner and it truly is everything that all the bloggers rave about. I did a review and comparison on it here. I mix it with aloe vera gel for deep moisture because I love my aloe vera.

13 Cute TWA Styles

Need some encouragement to make the big chop? Here are some teeny-weeny afro hairstyles to show you just how cute you’ll be when you make the chop. I’ll go first with my copper-color TWA hairstyle.

Digging how I style my TWA? Do you have any favourite TWA syles? I’d love to see!

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