HINU Home Volume 23. Francinia Casimiro

Francinia Casimiro is a creative and model based in New York. Someone who moves through the world at her own rhythm, guided by an intuitive, childlike wonder.

We caught up with her there. Curls worn naturally now, and thinking a lot about her Dominican roots, slowing down, and what it means to honor a part of yourself you once didn't fully appreciate.

What is your relationship with your hair? And how has it evolved over time?

I've always loved my hair. I hold so much admiration for it: the way it grows, the way it flows, and the way I feel it almost "talks" to me.

Growing up, I felt my prettiest when I went to the salon to have my hair straightened. It was a rite of passage in my culture, a self-care ritual I looked forward to. I didn't feel truly connected to my natural hair until my 20s, when I began embracing my curls. During that first year, I didn't apply any heat to my hair. Over time, I slowly reintroduced it, but I still feel most like myself when I wear my hair naturally.

Today, I wear my curls with pride, especially knowing that I grew up surrounded by certain stigmas and perceptions of curly hair. My relationship with my hair has evolved into something much deeper than aesthetics. It's become an expression of self-acceptance and a way of honoring a part of myself that I once didn't fully appreciate.

What role does hair play in your cultural identity?

My hair feels like a direct link to my Dominican heritage, our ancestors, and the Indigenous roots of our culture.

The effects of colonization and eurocentric beauty standards are still deeply present in our culture and in the way we perceive beauty. Growing up, I witnessed some of those ideals firsthand. But I've also witnessed a beautiful shift in recent years, with more women of color embracing their natural hair and redefining what beauty means on their own terms.

There's something incredibly powerful about that shift. To me, embracing my natural hair is a small but meaningful way of reconnecting with my roots and honoring the beauty of our individuality. It's been beautiful to witness and, in many ways, to be a part of.

How do you maintain your hair's health?

I keep my hair-care routine quite simple, much like my skincare routine. I believe in nurturing and maintaining your hair, as it's your crown, but I prefer a more intuitive, less invasive approach. I try to listen to my hair and let it communicate what it needs rather than follow a rigid routine.

Some of my favorite rituals include homemade rosemary water, oil treatments, and at-home masks made with ingredients like avocado. I love incorporating natural ingredients into my routine and finding simple ways to care for my hair at home.

How do you practice self-care in your daily life?

Every morning, I start my day with warm water and lemon. It's a small ritual I've maintained for years, and a way of showing up for myself before the day begins.

I'm mindful of how what I consume affects my physical and mental well-being, so I try to cook at home with nourishing, intentional ingredients whenever I can. Movement is also an important part of my routine. I enjoy a combination of hot yoga and pilates, both of which help me feel strong, grounded, and connected to my body.

Equally important is making space to disconnect. I try to take breaks from my phone throughout the day and give myself moments of quiet. I've learned that self-care isn't always about adding more to my routine; sometimes, it's about allowing myself to slow down.

What kind of environment do you need to tap into that creativity?

Nature, always. I've always felt a deep connection to the great outdoors. I feel most at home and at peace when I'm surrounded by trees, the ocean, and the incredible diversity of life that exists beyond concrete walls.

There's something about being in nature that allows me to slow down and reconnect with myself. I find inspiration in its textures, colors, rhythms, and imperfections. It's a constant source of wonder and admiration, and I often find that my most creative thoughts come when I'm simply present in it, without distraction.

I. Erykah Badu - Bag Lady

II. Solange - Cranes in the Sky

III. Frank Ocean - Pink + White

IV. Frank Ocean - Sweet Life

V. Naomi Sharon - Definition of Love

VI. Drake and Loe Shimmy - I'm Spent

VII. Naarly & Walk on Water - Bajo el Sol

VIII. Bad Bunny - Aguacero

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