by
Meosha
Introduce yourself!
L: My name is Leila Henrys. I was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. Now I currently live in Coral Springs, Florida.
Why did you make the decision to go natural?
L: For as long as I could remember, I’ve always dreaded getting relaxers. My hair was quite healthy and well maintained when I had a relaxer, but I have a very sensitive scalp. So I’d always get burned from relaxers. My freshman year of College at FAMU, I saw all of these beautiful women with natural hair, and it made me curious. I toyed with the idea for a little while and did some research. Finally, I decided I was tired of paying my hairdresser to burn my scalp and began my natural hair journey! I started my transition in January 2011. Cut my relaxed ends off in June 2012. So I’d say I’ve been fully natural for about a year.
How would you describe your texture?
L: My hair texture is somewhere between 4A/4B. Very thick and coarse, especially towards the back.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
L: My favorite hairstyle is the dry twist out. I love my dry twist outs because they reduce shrinkage. I usually double strand twist my hair the night before. When that doesn’t work out, I do it the day of and leave the twists in while getting ready. I don’t get the most defined curls when I do it that way, but it still looks great! I use Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioning Repair Cream and coconut oil to style my hair.
What does wash day look like for you?
L: I wash my hair every two weeks and co-wash in between. Sometimes I try to stretch it to 3 weeks, but that hardly ever works out. I use Giovanni Tea Tree Shampoo (works wonders on my itchy/sensitive scalp) and I condition with Giovanni Avocado & Olive Oil Conditioner. I usually add a little bit of coconut oil and Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioning Repair Cream after washing, and I let it air dry before styling.
Describe your favorite go-to hairstyle for days when you don’t have a lot of time to style.
L: My favorite go-to style is the “pouf”. It’s the easiest thing to do when I am on the go. I just dampen my hair while in the shower, add a little Cantu, brush, and push my hair back with a rubber band or small scarf. Easy!
How do you combat shrinkage?
L: Dry twist outs!
Tell us about your hair color?
L: My natural hair color is dark brown. I recently had a friend dye it with One ‘n Only Argan Oil Hair Color in copper brown purchased at Sally’s. I also used their 20 Volume Developer to make my color pop. I was afraid it would change the texture of my hair, but surprisingly it didn’t!
What are some of your problem areas (if any) that require special care and attention?
L: My scalp is always itchy, so tea tree oil is my savior.
What are 2 do’s for your texture?
L: Moisturizing and Deep conditioning
What are 2 don’ts for your texture?
L: Wash & gos and Hair gel!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
L: Instagram: (_Msleila)
49 Responses
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You have a professional office type look. The side updo in your featured photo of you wearing glasses is the bomb. Please do a tutorial on it. Is your har suppose to be short or long enough to achieve this style? Red is totally you as well. kepp representing Haiti.
You look beautiful!
What color is that in your hair? I absolutely love it!
I’m digging your hair fellow Rattler! That pin up is the truth!
Omg @ that pin up do with the glasses. Well hello there Miss Supermodel! Absolutely gorgeous!!!
A fellow Haitian sak pase! Ou tre jolie chevew belle.
OMG! She and I are so similar.I’m Haitian(my mom was born in Port Au Prince), I’m 4A/B, I decided to go natural my freshman year of college (this current academic year), I have a sensitive/itchy scalp, I have really thick, coarse hair too (especially in the back).
I’m Haitian too:D
i. can’t. TAKE. IT!!!
my A.D.D. LOOOOVES that she’s giving me:
~Gina Torres’s luscious curls
~Angela Davis’ tight coiled fro
~Teyonah Parris’ creative updo
~Solange’s heart-shaped & side parted fro
~Olivia Pope’s power office style
thank you for giving me L-I-F-E doll! you did THAT! 😀
*bows down & drops the mic*
Your hair looks gorgeous and so do you!
Gorgeous
Jiminy crickets, I love your style! All the looks are on point and make-up is not too much, but not afraid! Go girl, go!
vertmoot.blogspot.com
I’m always soooo happy to see fellow Haitians on here! Natural hair stigma is still so rampant in our culture, each time I see another I have hope that we’re moving beyond those stereotypes. Your a beautiful girl and your hair looks great!
Beautiful hair fellow Rattler!!!
Beautiful woman, hair, and makeup! Your twist out is BANGIN’!
Yaaaaasss for the South Florida naturals!!! I love your hair, it’s fabulous!
LOVE THE HAIR AND MAKEUP..I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT COLOR THE PALE PINK LIP STICK IT IS THAT SHE IS WEARING IN SEVERAL OF THESE PICTURES.
You are awesome lady! I love your hair!
Was I the only one fawning over her hair AND makeup?! lol can u please tell me brand and name of the red lipstick you are wearing in the 13th picture?
Thank you! The lipstick is actually orange. “Lady Danger” by MAC 🙂
What a gorgeous girl! I love ALL of the hair styles as well as the makeup. Super classy and chic!
You seriously look like a model – very poised, elegant and simply gorgeous! Beautiful hair as well – blessings to you!
Thank you! 🙂
LOVE the pin up, up-do! It’s so chic and seems like it can be done for numerous occasions… Now if only you had some way to show us how you did it (hint hint… YouTube!)
Gorgeous do though!
Aw, Thank you so much! I just might make a video. Will keep you posted!
Oh yeah please do it!
yes. beautiful, simple. looks so soft and elegant. that’s it! I just might give up gel 😉
You are absolutely gorgeous!! How is it possible that within 1 year your hair is this long and lush. I am completely jealous of your hairs’ speedy growth LOL!
Uh, she mentioned she started her transition from June 2011, before chopping off her relaxer in January 2012…. So she has had her natural texture for almost 2 years. Please don’t scare the rest of us, lol.
My bad, trade January for June and vise versa. Oops. She has had her natural texture for a little over 2 years.
Haitienne!!!!! Represent!…Amazing hair! Great pics! Very inspiring & beautiful!!!
She’s a beauty and I love her hair. Makes me believe this will be My hair in no time…I’m also 4a/b and only 3 months post big chop. 🙂
Thank you so much everyone! 🙂
Okay that’s it I’m going to dye my hair!! I love every pic especially the one with the glasses. Simple routine too is the way to go.
Yes! Love love love it!
Lots of Natural Hair icons are FAMU Alum! Love it!
C/O 2007
my hair twin! coarse texture, hi-density! 4a/b coils! finally! its nice to meet you! you are such a beauty!
I love your blowouts! Assuming that those are blowouts, lol. This winter I more than likely will try to straighten my hair for the first and don’t necessarily want to go for the flat look. This is it! Gorgeous woman 🙂
Simply beautiful and well spoken! I love a simple routine! We shouldn’t have to spend hours on our hair long or short! So cool!
Beautiful hair and your confidence shines through!!! Can we please get a tutorial on the 2nd picture..it is fabulous!
that updo is pretty. i wish she had a youtube channel so she could do a tutorial.
We have the same hair type, I love your comments and your regimen which is similar to mine. I think your going to be my hair crush now 😀
Beautiful!
This lady has gorgeous Hair! Loving the make-up too!
Very pretty hair and styles! Easy routine no fuss! I like that.
You look beautiful in that white dress…looks like a Marilyn Monroe dress from the seven year itch. Gorgeous hair!
I agree! Very beautiful hair and a very beautiful woman.
I also love the simplicity of her routine. The original reason why I gave up relaxers was to save time and money- so while reading other regimens that are more…involved (?) is interesting, I know that it couldnt be me. I use different products, but we basically have the same routine.
She has great eyes, reminds me of a 60s Barbie doll.
Girl, you are gorgeous. Beautiful features, hair, skin, etc… I love the simplicity of your hair regimen.