Naturally Fierce Feature: Jensine

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey. 

Hey curl friends! My name is Jensine aka Jungle Naps. I originally hail from the city of angels, Los Angeles, and now I’ve made my home in Central California with my loving husband and our mischievous cat.

As a Haitian American woman with very thick, kinky hair, I didn’t start out with a positive image of my natural texture. From a very early age, I remember being told that my hair was, “too rough,” and needed to be tamed with a relaxer, usually by an ill-equipted hairdresser. The only time my hair was ever allowed to flourish was when it was in box braids or cornrows. At the age of 23, I decided that I’d had enough of trying to live up to what others thought was acceptable. So I took my braids down and embraced my God given kinky curls.

2. How long have you been natural?

My last relaxer was 11 years ago, but I didn’t start taking my haircare seriously until about 3.5 years ago. Before that, I didn’t even know how to properly wash my hair by myself. Sad, I know.

3. What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?

I was a transitioner. I went to college in a small town with not much diversity, so I had my hair in box braids for 5 years. I was so bothered about my friends and peers seeing my true hair texture that I drove 6 hours down to LA every two months to get my hair done.

4. How would you describe your hair?

Thick, sassy, loud, and with a mind of its own!

5. What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of black hair. Since I’m at about bra strap length (stretched), I have a plethora of hairstyles available to me. I can rock a pompadour, a fro-hawk, twist out, bantu knots. I constantly switch it up.

6. What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!

The most memorable part of my hair journey was when I revealed my first natural hairstyle to my husband. We were only dating back then and he drove 2.5 hours to see me for the weekend. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he smiled and told me he loved it. It was so meaningful because I’d spent much of my life worried about how I would be perceived without a mainstream hairstyle.

7. What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos?

Braids. There was something wonderfully simple about just getting up and heading out the door. Maybe even spritzing some braid sheen spray on. Does anybody remember the African Pride spray?

8. What have your experiences been as a ‘natural?’ Any memorable reactions from family

 or others?

Honestly, I’ve been so blessed to have so many supportive friends and family members. I was amazed at the abundance of positive reactions. I seriously wish I’d gone natural sooner.

9. What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?

Simplicity is key to a successful regimen. I cleanse with shampoo  and deep condition once a week. I will usually set my hair in flat twists and use a curl definer. I moisturize every night with aloe vera juice and oil.

Favorite products:

Shampoo: Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat (I make a diluted concoction with water and place this in a color applicator bottle)

Conditioner (I rotate so these are my top 4): Tresemmé Perfectly (Un)Done, Giovanni Smooth as Silk, Aussie Moist, and Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle

Styler: During summer months, I’m all about the Shea Moisture Curling Gel Soufflé and Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic; During winter, I love Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie and my homemade shea butter mixture. Both provide much needed moisture for the harsh winter months.

10. Who is your hair crush?

Naptural85 – mainly because she is so creative with her styles and she always tries out a style multiple times before putting a tutorial out. Gotta love her thorough-ness!

11. What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?

Is it vain if I say myself? Haha! But seriously, I started my own Youtube channel and blog so that I could inspire other women with 4C hair to embrace their own natural beauty. I want to inspire women globally. I know that many women are still struggling to feel beautiful with their God given hair. I want to be a role model and a voice for them.

12. Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?

There is no better feeling than being true to yourself. No one can take that away from you.

13. Where can people find you for more information?

You can find me on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn8LZHzbAcD-7qgQuQSXcRw

Or on my blog: www.junglenaps.com

I’m social on the following sites: Facebook (@junglenaps) Instagram (@jungle_naps) Twitter (@junglenaps)