The big chop website

Cutting through Prejudice, Styling Empowerment.

80 percent of Black women reported feeling that they needed to switch their hairstyle to align with more conservative standards in order to fit in at work.

We believe you shouldn’t have to.

About Us

At The Big Chop, our aim is to help young black women feel comfortable and confident wearing natural and protective hairstyles in the workplace without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Our mission is to provide resources, guidance, and a supportive community where young black women can learn to love and celebrate their hair as an integral part of their identity.

What we provide

Group meetings

Join us for our group meetings held over a 4-week basis, where we delve into important topics surrounding hair confidence and empowerment in the workplace. Meetings are usually held at secondary schools, colleges and universities, but anywhere is possible!

School visits

Institution visits are usually reserved for career and information fairs. We use this time to inform young women about our services and educate about hair bias.

Ongoing support

After attending our classes and learning about hair bias in the workplace, users are encouraged to find continuing support in our online community. Our online support group is full of like - minded women who have previously The Big Chop.

How Do We Help?

Educate

Our site has a few informative articles explaining hair bias, microaggressions, and the importance of hair in black communities. Whether you’re someone who’s just hearing about hair bias or you’ve experienced it yourself, getting educated is the first step to helping minimise the issue.

2. Group Sessions

During term time our team hold in-person sessions for young black students across the UK. These sessions are a great opportunity for girls to discuss how they feel about their hair, any discrimination they may have faced, and also the initial steps in their careers. To register your insitution please click here.

3. Online Community

After our sessions are over, we actively encourage our participants to keep the conversation going if they feel as if they need extra support. Our online chatrooms allow previous attendees to access them using unique codes. Users can choose wheter they want to talk with a team member or another participant. Click here for access.

Group Sessions

Our community helps offer a support system for women who feel self conscious or discriminated against

Our meetings run over a 4 week basis at various institutions around the UK.

Week 1 - Introduction / What is hair bias?

Week 2 - Why protective and natural styles can be considered professional too

Week 3 - Micro aggressions and how to deal with them

Week 4 - Hair depression, self-esteem and personal stories

Find Your School

Find Your School....

All Saints Catholic School

Barking Abbey School

Dagenham Park Church of England School

Eastbury Community School

Can't find your school?

Click here

First Name

Last Name

Institution Name

Our Team

Vada

Cheryl

Andrea

What is hair bias?

Hair bias refers to the prejudice or discrimination that individuals face based on the texture, style, or natural state of their hair.

This bias often manifests in various forms, such as stereotypes, misconceptions, or judgments about specific hair types, particularly those associated with racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Hair bias can impact individuals' experiences in various aspects of life, including education, mental health, employment, social interactions, and even healthcare.

It can lead to unfair treatment, unequal opportunities, and feelings of insecurity or self-consciousness among those affected.

What are Micro-aggressions?

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional behaviors or comments that convey negative or derogatory messages towards individuals based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other marginalized identities.

These actions or remarks may seem harmless or trivial on the surface but can have a significant impact on the targeted person's well-being, sense of belonging, and mental health.

What are some examples?

Unsolicited touching or petting of a person's hair without permission.

Asking intrusive questions about a person's hair care routine or comparing their hair to others, implying that their natural hair is somehow inferior.

Making comments about the texture of a person's hair, such as describing it as "wild," "frizzy," or "unruly."

Making jokes or teasing comments about a person's hair.

Expressing surprise or disapproval when a person wears their hair in natural styles, such as afros, braids, or twists.

Mispronouncing or misunderstanding hair-related terms or styles, demonstrating a lack of awareness or cultural sensitivity.

Assuming character traits or making judgments about a person's personality, intelligence, or professionalism based on their hairstyle.

Why is hair so important in black culture?

Throughout history, black individuals have used hairstyles as a form of resistance against oppressive systems and as symbols of empowerment. From the afro during the Civil Rights Movement to the natural hair movement of today, hair has been a tool for challenging Eurocentric beauty standards and reclaiming autonomy over personal appearance.

Hair is seen as a powerful form of self-expression and identity for black individuals. Different hairstyles, textures, and techniques have been used throughout history to communicate cultural pride, personal style, and social belonging within the black community.

Chat with a

team member

Join our community

Team Chat

Having trouble at work?

Lets Talk:

Micro-aggressions

Lets Talk: Hair Bias

Lets Talk: Careers

Just need a chat?

Andrea

Today 6:52 PM

Hi! how can I help you today?

I just haven’t been feeling too confident lately.

Andrea

I’m sorry to hear that. Would you mind explaining why

you feel that way?

I’m on a summer internship and my colleagues keep

making unnecessary comments about my hair.

Type a message here....

Please enter your meeting code

XcDgpnbA

Community Chat

Having trouble at work?

Lets Talk:

Micro-aggressions

Lets Talk: Hair Bias

Lets Talk: Careers

Just need a chat?

Casual Chat

Today 6:52 PM

Pink Possum

Hey! how are you guys?

Hi i’m good, how’s your week going?? :)

Blue Balloon

Hi everyone! I just finished work

Purple Piraña

Same, how did it go?

Type a message here....

Edit Profile

Recent Icons

Customise Image

Background

Hairstyles

Username

Blue Butterfly

Our track record

I can confidently say that The Big Chop has had a great impact on my journey towards hair acceptance and self-confidence. I highly recommend their services to any young black woman looking to feel empowered and supported in embracing their natural hair in the workplace.

Zaynab Oshodi

The supportive and inclusive environment the team creates a comfortable environment for open dialogue, making it easier to navigate the complexities of hair bias and discrimination in professional settings.

Amelia Alexander

I now walk into the office with my head held high, rocking my natural curls with pride. I feel confident and ready to take on anything that comes my way. If you're a young black woman struggling with your hair in the workplace, trust me, The Big Chop is a game-changer! You won't regret it!