Linea // 4A Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
L: Linea Johnson, I’m a first generation American. I’m of South American and British Descent. I currently reside in North Carolina but I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

Why did you make the decision to go natural?
L: I’ve been natural all of my life. My mother dreaded my hair at the age of three. This is my third set of dreads.

How would you describe your texture?
L: My hair texture is considered 4a. I have very thick hair and my dreads allow my hair to be more manageable.

What method was used to start your locs?
L: I started my hair in two strand twists and left them in so my hair could lock. I’m unsure of how many I have.

How do you style your locs?
L: I use Cantu Shea Butter products to style my hair. I normally re-twist about once a month and I wash every few weeks. When I have the time, I curl it or I braid it to make my hair wavy and to add body. Curling can be very time consuming, so I normally just re-twist, wash, and braid. When I’m in a time crunch I usually just put a hair tie in my dreads and tie them back.

What does wash day look like for you?
L: Depending on how I’m feeling, I either use Pantene Shampoo for Women of Color or Creme of Nature Shampoo for a wash. I also use Pantene Conditioner for Women of Color. It works wonders on my hair.

Tell us about your hair color?
L: My hair is naturally black with brown highlights. I got it professionally highlighted at a hair salon.

What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
L: I’ve been blessed to have a pretty easygoing hair experience overall, however sometimes it can be hard to moisturize the scalp when you have dreads.

What are 2 do’s for your locs?
L: Always make sure your hair is moisturized. This is a definite MUST. Also, allow your hair to just breathe. Meaning try not to braid it too frequently, as it will weaken your locs.

What are 2 don’ts for your locs?
L: Don’t re-twist your hair too often!!! It will also weaken your hair. And if you’re going to dye it, make sure to only do it annually. You don’t want to have a surplus of chemicals in your hair. This will surely weaken it as well.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
L: Tumblr: locsofpoetry.tumblr.com / IG: Itsme_dreadhead