Reneè Is Naturally Glam!

Hello!! My name is Reneè Dumas also known as Shanna Reneè. I am 24 years old. I currently live in Edgard, La. I attended West St. John High School and am an alumni of the Class of 2007. I also attended Southeastern University in Hammond, La to major in Mass Communication. I graduated from River Parishes Community in 2011 with a degree in Liberal Arts. I am also a freelance makeup artist, an aspiring natural hair model, and a very popular naturalista.

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Were you a slow transitioner or a Big Chopper & why? (tell us your natural hair journey) 
My journey to natural hair actually came about without me even realizing it. My hair was going through the “growing out stage” because I had been rocking a Mohawk (I actually shaved both sides of my head lol). I was at the point in my life where I just wanted a quick fix for my hair, so I wore quick weaves. I would not get perms; it didn’t make sense, because as soon as I took the tracks out, fresh tracks went back in. My cousin was natural, so she strongly suggested that I make the decision. One day I got annoyed with detangling the two textures so I grabbed a pair of scissors and that was all she wrote! I haven’t looked back since.

Had you always embraced your texture? 
I’ve always embraced my texture. My hair is really curly-kinky. It’s very easy to manage when freshly done. Now as it gets old, that’s a different story lol.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? How did they react to the new you? What was your response to them? 
OMG! The reaction I got from my family. All I can say is thank God I didn’t care about anyone’s opinion about my hair. My parents were not a fan of my hair at all. I think they would have much preferred if I had wore tracks until my hair grew out then permed it. My boyfriend at the time hated it as well. He didn’t have anything good to say about it. On the bright side, my best friends loved it! They thought it was very becoming. My response to the negativity was silence. I knew that this was a decision that I made spontaneously, but at the same time I felt great about it! I knew my hair would grow out to be beautiful! My hair brought out the best in me. I became more confident and fierce! 😉 

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.) 
My hair is a mixture of things lol. It’s coarse, yet fine in certain spots. It has become very thick as well. I believe my hair is medium porous. It’s pretty good with holding the moisture, it holds styles really well, and I hardly ever get breakage after coloring. My hair is very kind to me lol.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? favorite products! Deets! 
My hair routine is simple. I use all my favorite products that I know for a fact will give me the best results. Before I can wash it’s a MUST that I detangle with some type of conditioner, a hair oil, and water, all mixed in a spray bottle. I then wash with Aussie’s Moist Shampoo, Pantene’s Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo, or Shea Moisture’s Organic Yucca & Baobab Thickening Shampoo. I condition my hair with Pantene’s Truly Natural Deep Conditioner or Aussie’s Moist Conditioner. If I want to deep condition, I use Softn’Free GroHealthy Milk Protein and Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning Treatment. My hair lovess this stuff! Once my hair is clean and conditioned, I then apply Giovanni’s Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner with either my Motions Naturally You! Hydrate my Curls Pudding or Pantene’s Truly Natural Defining Curls Styling Custard. Then I two-strand twist my hair into into 7 twists. I pull the twists to the opposite side of my head and secure the twists with hair pins. I let my hair air dry over night and I wear a wig to work the next day because the really thick parts of my hair are usually still a little damp. The day after I style to my liking.

How do you maintain your hair at night? 
Honestly, I don’t do anything to my hair at night. I allow it to be free and sleep on a satin pillow case. I tried the pineapple, I didn’t like how the back of my hair looked. I think I’ll have to twist just the back of my hair every night so that it will stay fresh.

How do you maintain healthy length? 
I maintain healthy length by using protective styles like a bun, high puff, or two-strand twisting and wearing wigs. I like to give my hear a break. I’ve also tried Havana/Marley twists which I loved! 

What’s the best thing about being curly? 
The best thing about being curly is that I can do anything with my hair and get away with it, because it will still look fierce! I also love the compliments that I receive from both men and women. Everyone is very positive and supportive.

Where can folks find you on the web?
This curly girl can be found at
Facebook: Shanna Renee’ 
Instagram: @Naturally_Beauteeful