Hanna // Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
H: Hey there folks! I’m Hanna from Sweden, but Paris is my hometown since a few years back.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
H: I have been a natural since day one. Both of my parents (I have four sisters, so my dad had to give my mother a hand) taught me at an early age how to take care of my natural hair.

How would you describe your texture?
H: I have never put my hair texture under a category since it changes so much regarding the weather or styling/treatment. But I guess I can describe it as thick, soft and unpredictable!

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
H: Styling:
1. Wash and go: leave in conditioner, oils, shea butter and styling gel.
2. Wash and sleep: leave in conditioner, oils, shea butter and then I twist or flat twist. I always sleep with a silk scarf on my head.
3. Bad hair day: Twists or flat twists are the BEST way of getting control over your bad hair day situation. You can make an elegant hairdo in no time.
4. During hard weather: Europe is not the best continent for natural ladies, so protective hairstyles are a must! I honestly don’t mind keeping my hair up or “hidden” since I know that it will be for the better.

Maintenance:
Before going to bed each night I spray my hair with water and use some kind of oil or butter to moisturize my hair. Then I twist or flat twist it in 4 or 8 twists, depending on how much volume I would like for the next day.

Go-To Products:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Oils: Macadamia Oil, Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Argan Oil
Conditioners/Styling: Products from Dark and Lovely, III Sisters of Nature and Organic Root Stimulator.
Butter: Shea Butter

What does wash day look like for you?
H: I start by dividing my hair in four sections. Then I detangle it with my fingers and twist it in four big twists. I then use apple cider vinegar to cleanse my hair and after that I co-wash with conditioner. When I’m done with that I put a deep conditioner in, cover it with a plastic bag, and use a blow dryer to heat it for 10 minutes. I let it sit like that for about 30 minutes. After I rinse my hair, I divide it in four sections again and put in some leave in conditioner, oil and shea butter. Usually I do twists, bantu knots, or flat twists. If I am going out that same day, I add some gel and blow dry it with very low heat for a big and fluffy afro.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
H: A BIG AFRO!

How do you combat shrinkage?
H: I actually don’t mind shrinkage at all! And since we have cold and chilly weather almost 6 months per year in Paris, I like to wear protective hairstyles.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
H: Dry ends, and I have this little section on the top of my head that for some strange reason is very nappy and dry, so I need to give some extra TLC to that part.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
H: Shea butter and water!

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
H: The water in Paris is SO BAD for my hair! There is a lot of lime in it that makes my hair very dry, so I need to buy water to wash my hair. Second thing must be if I cheat one evening, meaning not putting water or any kind of oil/butter in my hair, I wake up the next day with the biggest mess ever! My hair gets dry very easily, and it actually hurts my scalp when my hair gets too dry.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
H: http://dejavutheblog.com/