Texture Tales: Jessica Fennix on Embracing Her Natural Hair as a Fashion Model
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Texture Tales: Jessica Fennix on Embracing Her Natural Hair as a Fashion Model

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Texture Tales: Jessica Fennix on Embracing Her Natural Hair as a Fashion Model
By NaturallyCurly ·
Texture Tales Jessica Fennix on Embracing Her Natural Hair as a Fashion Model

What was it like for you growing up with textured hair?

I grew up in the suburbs and always wanted my hair to be long and flowy. I started off with micro braids to achieve that, but it became a game in my class to pull on them. Then, I transitioned to perms so my hair could match everyone around me. I was never confident in my hair.

What made you decide to embrace your naturally coily hair?

I started to see more and more natural girls on social media. That initially sparked my curiousity about how my natural hair actually looked. Plus, I hated the process of perms.

What has been the most empowering moment of your natural hair journey so far?

Cutting my hair and seeing the growth. Also this may sound weird, but bonding with my hair. Spending those long nights twisting and finding out exactly what my hair likes in order for it to grow.
Texture Tales Jessica Fennix on Embracing Her Natural Hair as a Fashion Model

What has your experience been like wearing your natural hair in the fashion industry?

My experience with wearing my natural hair in the fashion industry has been empowering. Empowering because I’ve been able to touch a vulnerable side of the industry. At first it was very tough being the natural girl with tightly coiled 4C hair. Always in a state of uncertainty showing up to a job because 9 times out of 10 the hairstylist has never worked with my type hair before. I’d do my hair the night before and make sure to come on job with supplies so that I can either fix or do my own hair. There was one time I had to call my mother to a job to come do my hair. Also, having to go through telling them no about straightening my hair or having to walk out with your head held high when you get told that your hair is to coarse. I have noticed that the industry is slowly evolving! Despite that I use it to keep me empowered. I’m going to keep pushing and helping with the movement by applying pressure so that black natural models will have stylist on set who can do there hair and have proper hair products for EACH type of hair texture. So they know when they walk on set that they will not have a botch job done. No matter where they are in there career they will be fully taken care of as they should be.

Who is your curl crush?

Van, her hair is goals!

What’s your curly girl essential you can’t live without?

For sure, my hair pick!

What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?

I stick to twist outs. Using Camille Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter and a hair oil. So water, oil, twist butter.

What has been the most challenging moment of your natural hair journey so far?

I had a lot of failed hair style attempts, which is challenging because I wanted those hairstyles to come through!
Texture Tales Jessica Fennix on Embracing Her Natural Hair as a Fashion Model

Model – Jessica Fennix @jessicaashhleyy Represented by – Crawford Models NYC

What does natural hair represent to you?

Natural hair represents strength, and beauty. It represents power and resilience because of its historical presents. It’s a crown that I get to rock everyday, loud and proud at that.

Are there any techniques or methods that have made a huge impact on your hair health?

Yes! Keeping my routine simple and consistent with the same hair products.

What’s your advice to women who are still struggling with loving their natural texture?

TLC! It takes time, but embrace that it is what God blessed you with. Fall in love with the journey.

How do you protect your curls at night?

This has been the hardest part for me. As a 4C my hair molds into whatever it touches. So if I wrap it in the morning, it will be flat. If I sleep on it, it will also be flat. I don’t have time to twist it up every night. So, for now I just sleep with my honey and pick it out the next day!

What’s your hair story? Share your story with us here to be featured in our Texture Tales series.