Shanis in France // Natural Hair Style Icon

Introduce yourself!
S: My name is Shanis, I’m 18. I’m from France. I live in Normandy in a town called Rouen, it’s approximately an hour from Paris. I’m studying English at university but still don’t really know what I’ll do after I graduate. University in France is really something different from what it is in the US or UK. It’s a common thing for students not to know what they’ll do afterwards.

I do have French nationality but my origins are really mixed. I’m half Martinican (on my father’s side) and my mother is mixed race. She’s half Algerian and half French. So I’m 1/2 Martinican 1/4 Algerian 1/4 French.

I’ve heard that one of the common stereotypes about French is that we are rude, it may be the case in Paris where people are all busy and hasty. But here in Normandy, people are friendly and I do like the atmosphere. Otherwise, I would say the best thing about France is… Wine!

What is the natural hair scene like in France?
S: Before I went natural, I had never seen someone with natural hair, that’s why I always thought it was not “normal”. I’ve hardly ever seen someone with natural hair even now. Blacks are obsessed with relaxers and fake hair. So I would say it is really uncommon. That is why I first thought I would be rejected. But at my own surprise, people love natural style. I’ve never had bad comments on my hair. People; blacks, whites or whatever, always say it’s amazing but few dare to do the same. I’m always wearing a flower in my hair, even before Inna Modja became famous. But now that she is, I use to hear people calling me “Inna” whenever I go out. So that’s quite paradoxical, French love exoticism so they definitely love natural hair, however, black girls hardly ever dare going natural.

When and why did you go natural?
S: I had been wearing braid extensions since I was a child. A year ago they totally damaged my scalp. So I was forced to go natural though I did not want to. I had always thought natural hair was plain since I had never seen someone with natural hair. I tried a curly style a few months later and did not like it. So I waited for the relaxer to grow out, then I cut the damaged part and decided to free my hair of toxic products and fake hair. It was a big deal in the process of accepting my origins. As I don’t know my father, I’ve always identified with my mother who has long blonde straight hair. Going natural made me proud of my origins and way more confident. I think beauty is not what we see on TV. A self-confident woman is way more beautiful than a woman who tries to reproduce what she sees in magazines. I would just say, be what you truly are!

What’s your regimen?
S: I shampoo every three days, because doing it every day damages my hair, which is very delicate. I use Dop with Karité or Garnier with avocado oil. I do a hair conditioner every week with Olive Oil. And I apply Pink Lady cream every day before gently brushing my hair with an afro brush. I don’t use too much heat, only after the washing to make the hair look longer.

Where do you buy your products?
S: I usually buy my products at Afro Cosmetics, Rouen.

What would you like to see in France in terms of haircare?
S: I would like to see more afro hairdressers because it is such a pain in the ass to find a good one. Afro products are expensive, I would like to see them be the same price as mainstream products.

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
S: I can be found on facebook: Shanis Benkelaya.