Inna Modja- International Curly Model!

Meet Inna Modja… a singer, author-composer, and international model. She is also the new face for L’Oreal! Originally from Mali, she lives and works in Paris and has been everywhere from New York to Mauritius. She’s a CurlyNikki reader and proud curly girl. Check her out!

On her hair story…
I’ve been natural for much of my life. I had my first relaxer when I was a teenager. I begged and begged and begged my mother to have a perm, but it was so painful that I quickly lost my enthusiasm. I didn’t experience a lot of breakage but I also hated the new texture of my hair, so I would let it grow out, and then relax again. I didn’t know that what I was doing was called transitioning. I did that several times, then I cut off the ends very spontaneously and that was it. I was fully natural! My last relaxer was 7 years ago.

On embracing her texture…
I’ve always liked my natural hair. When I wanted straight hair, I would relax and then always come back to my natural hair.

In my family, my mother, aunties, two of my sisters, and my grandmas are all natural. Now I know that I don’t need to relax my hair if I want a straight look. I’ve learned how to take care and manage my natural hair. It’s actually quite versatile!

On her routine and fav products…
Once a week I wash and deep condition my hair. I comb in the shower with conditioner, then apply a leave-in, and style. I co-wash when needed. I do Rhassoul & Henna (or Cassia) treatments twice a month.

When I’m too busy with work, I like protective styles like sew-ins, braids, or twists. I moisturize when needed with my favorite leave-in.

Eric Alexis Rosso, my hair stylist works for L’Oreal as a trend-setter. He’s an Ambassador of L’Oreal for Mizani. He does my hair twice a month and for important events like TV shows, the Red Carpet, or concerts. I do it myself the rest of the time.

When I’m wearing a twist/braid out, I moisturize with a leave in, and spritz it every other day.

I’m in love with Mizani’s natural hair line “True Textures“. My favorite product is the Supreme Oil!!! It’s a mix of 8 great oils, and it’s silicone free. I use it to seal in moisture and add shine. I also add it to my leave-in and body lotion. It’s great for my skin too.

I use the Cleansing Cream or The Curl Balance Shampoo (sulfate free) depending on the state of my hair, and the Moisture Stretch Cream to help define my curls. The H2O Night Cream is great, and I use it as needed to moisturize my hair before going to bed.

I used Mizani’s products for 9 months before I accepted to be their ‘face’. I wanted to be sure that their products were good for my afro textured hair and that I could stand behind them.

I’m in love with Shea Butter, Henna, and Rhassoul… my organic treatments I can’t live without! I also like Darcy’s Botanical Daily Leave-in.

At night , I braid or twist my hair and sleep with a satin bonnet. The next morning it’s easier to style.

On the best thing about being curly…
The best thing about being curly is the versatility. You can style your hair in so many ways. When you find the right routine and know how to take care of your natural hair, it’s easy to grow it out.

On advice for those who are transitioning…
I would tell women that going natural was such a relief for me, I’m at peace with myself. I know that I am beautiful with what God gave me. I’m a proud Kinky-Head! When it comes to fashion I make my own rules and the same goes for my life and my hair!

I don’t need someone to tell me how I have to look like to fit in with stupid and subjective beauty standards. Beauty is should not be about shapes, color, or standards. It’s about embracing yourself. Take your time to feel ready to take the step, but think about it. Relaxing your hair isn’t the only choice, almost all the myths about natural hair are untrue.

On upcoming projects…
I’m writing and composing my second album, which will be released in a few months.

I’m also trying hard to share my natural hair experience with women in Europe and Africa. Being the new Face of L’Oreal is an amazing experience. I feel blessed.

I keep on modeling, I have my Fashion blog, and I just created a clothing line and hair accessories made with African fabrics and materials (wax & bogolan), with Mariah my sister who is a talented stylist. I like being busy and creative 🙂

I’d like to say to the CN.com community that I’m so proud to be part of it !!! You are all so amazing and beautiful! It’s a blessing for me to have such generous, supportive and inspiring sisters from all around the world.