Lénora // 4B/C Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
L: My name is Lénora, I’m from Martinique, FWI and I’m currently living in Florida.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
L: I have been natural all my life, but my journey started in 2012. I used to be the kind of person that thought just because my hair was natural it was strong and could handle anything. I didn’t care about the snaps when I was combing my hair because I have so much. I was thinking “it’ll be alright, I got a lot”. What a fool was I now that I think about it.

How would you describe your texture?
L: I’m still unsure, but I think I am a 4b/4c. My hair sort of curls, but only when it is wet.

Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
L: My hair is 80% of the time in braids, cornrows or twists, and I have my phase when I just want to feel it free, so it can get wild. When I have to go somewhere I try different updos.

What does wash day look like for you?
L: The night before I pre poo my hair with olive oil. On wash day, I start by conditioning my hair to remove the oil with John Frieda Root Awakening. Then I shampoo with a product my cousin made for me with peppermint. I then let my hair air dry a little and do a deep condition with hair mayonnaise (Africa’s Best, Goldys SoftSheen-Carson Care or a DIY with olive oil, honey and banana, or I use Pantene Pro‑V 2min Deep Repair Masque.

I know it is backwards, but this works for me. I finger detangle while applying the masque, I detangle from roots to end (I was so happy to know I wasn’t the only one 😉 ) afterward I rinse. I keep my hair in 6 small buns. I let it air dry or from time to time I blow dry my hair using the tension method. I do not ever use a comb. I only finger detangle.

Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
L: If I don’t have time, updos are definitely the go-to hairstyle. They’re easy, fast and you can do so many different things with them. If you keep your hair loose in the front, make a ponytail with the hair in the back, then braid or twist the hair that is in the ponytail you can then pin each braid all around your hairband so that it forms a bun. When you are done, style the front as you wish and pin it in the ponytail, Voilà!

How do you combat shrinkage?
L: If I let my hair air dry, I will do 2 or 4 cornrows every night. But sometimes I use the shrinkage, and I do small twists while my hair is damp. This gives really nice body to the twists.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
L: I’m trying to pay extra attention to my ends, like most of us. They are dry compared to the rest of my hair.

What are 2 do’s for your texture?
L: 1) To love my hair, accept what it can and cannot do, and have fun with it. Life is too short to have boring hair. 2) Moisturize my hair often. I like to use curl defining products as a leave-in (since I don’t have curls). I am currently using all natural Coconut Shea Curl Defining Crème from Eden Body Works, which is lovely for twist-outs.

What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
L: 1) Keeping a hairstyle too long. My ends tend to lock, and I lose too much hair while detangling. 2) Letting my hair be wild for too long. It starts breaking and I shed like a cat.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
L: Instagram: @leno972
Pinterest: Lenora GF