Lena Jones is Naturally Glam!

Tell us a little about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Lena Jones. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. I got my first and last real perm in the 8th grade for my sisters wedding in Hawaii. I wish I had never gotten it, but I wanted my hair LAID for the wedding and to not frizz up. After growing my perm out, in high school I got highlights and had to bleach my hair for the color to take. BIG mistake! My hair broke off. I let that grow out. I still wanted color so the next couple of years, I would box color my hair. Another BIG mistake! I’m just hard headed! My hair was dry and lifeless. In may 2013, I decided to start a healthy hair journey.

How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I couldn’t tell you the number of years I’ve been natural because I have been off and on since the 8th grade, but I am happy to be natural now!

Read On!>>>
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
When my hair broke off, I knew perms weren’t for me and that motivated me to get my hair back natural. When I was natural prior to my first perm, I NEVER wore it curly. I had no clue what my curl pattern would look like. My mom always had my hair pressed or blown out with bow-bows. It wasn’t until 2012 that I decided to start to embracing my natural curls. In high school, I transitioned. I had no clue that big chops even existed. Even if I did, I still probably wouldn’t have.

How would you describe your hair?
My hair is fluffy goodness! I would think I’m 4a but I am not sure. It’s definitely kinky curly. My roots don’t curl but my ends do, so wash and goes are always wash and fros!

What do you love most about your hair?
What I love the most about my hair is the versatility. It holds well to any style!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
The most memorable part is encouraging women with perms to embrace their curls. Women who told me they would NEVER go natural and are now natural!

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?
Bantu knots were definitely my favorite when I was transitioning from heat damage. When I was transitioning from perms, I kept my flat iron near and dear to my heart lol!

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Many people admire my hair and come to me for tips and tricks for their natural hair.

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
Every week I cowash with anything. I deep condtion my hair usually with aussie’s 3 minute deep conditioner (moist) then style my hair. I try to let this style last as long as possible til I wash my hair again. I typically shampoo once a month. I have a shampoo bottle I’ve had for over 2 years so that shows how much I use it lol. My favorite oil is coconut oil ” I’m in love with the coco” but really, it’s my favorite. The best cowash I’ve used is wen by Chaz Dean, however it’s kinda expensive. My favorite cream for styling is shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and favorite gel is ecostyler argan oil gel.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
My favorite Youtubers are mahoganycurls, iknowlee, and naptural85. Who doesn’t love naptural85 lol!

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
When going through your natural hair journey it’s important to know what works for your hair! Look to YouTube and find a natural with your similar texture. Embrace your curl pattern! Love yourself, love your hair!

Where can people find you for more information?
Instagram @lenalovecurls