Model Lisa Do Couto Teixeira Revels in her Unique Body Image: Happy Freckles & Leonine Red Afro

In the past, having freckles was seen as a flaw, especially in high fashion, leading to models having to cover them up in photoshoots and runway shows. In fact, Vogue used to champion skin that was “untouched by sun, was neither freckled nor tan.” In other words, what was once considered “flawless skin.”

However, European-based model Lisa Do Couto Teixeira, who has her ambitious eyes set on breaking into the US market, wears her own bountiful freckles and big ‘fro well and with pride—although, she does admit, “I did struggle a lot with accepting my hair. I wanted it to be straight, like the girls around me at school.”

She quite rightly notes that “freckles are in fashion, now” and not considered an “imperfection.” For example, Do Couto Teixeira suggests to look at internationally renowned models with freckles like Aleece Wilson, Binx Walton, and Lisa’s first heroine, Adwoa Aboah, who was once voted “Model of the Year.” Even royals like Meghan Markle and Oscar-winning celebs like Eddie Redmayne have them.

Having modeled for notable beauty labels (YSL, Armani, Lancome and Sephora) and major corporate brands (Samsung, McDonalds, Air France, Google), Do Couto Teixeira is totally comfortable with her body image.

But, she explains, “I used to live in a small village in France. So, for me, the modeling world felt very far away. It was only when I started getting involved in modeling that I became interested in it. That’s when I discovered the profile of model Adwoa Aboah. I found her incredible—not just because we share some similarities in appearance (freckles and big hair), but because she’s so unique.”

And, being unique, herself, has led Do Couto Teixeira to being booked for international shoots like with tennis superstar Serena Williams for a Nike x Off-White campaign. She was also proud to be on the cover of a poster for the ONU Femmes campaign to “stop violence against women.”

She says of being different, “I don’t mind being described as atypical. I grew up with my older brother Maxime, and he loves the idea of being unique. He’s the one who taught me a lot about embracing uniqueness, not being afraid to stand out, and seeing it as a strength. He helped me grow up with that mindset. That said, I don’t think brands specifically say they want to work with ‘the model with the afro and freckles,’ but I think it’s also about the energy you bring, and I try to do my best on set, offering something different when I’m working. I always try to find a way to have fun on set and, suggest something new, or bring something fresh to the table.”

Lisa Do Couto Teixeira, who always wants to be professional and considerate on set, talks about body image, dealing with her special look, and the challenges for her type of hair.

Working with different hair textures

The New York Times recently reported that the “dearth of salons specializing in textured hair has been a common and longstanding complaint among curly-haired Parisians, especially those with ties to North Africa, West Africa and the Caribbean…”

Indeed, even though Do Couto Teixeira says her own afro is actually “easy to style and manage” when you know how, she and others like her have found that some hairstylists just don’t know how to handle her mane: “Sometimes, when I arrive at a shoot with my afro, the hairstylists haven’t been informed that they need to slick my hair back, and I can feel that it’s going to be challenging for them to manage the time and figure out how to do it properly. For example, they might wet my hair and then use flat irons, a straightener, or a super-hot blow dryer, which damages my hair a lot—especially since I take great care of it because it’s very fragile. Most of the time, I get the impression that it’s going to be incredibly complicated for them to work with my hair, which is a bit frustrating because, after all, it’s their job. That being said, there are hairstylists who know how to work with my hair, it’s not everyone, but they exist, and I want to acknowledge that.”

How uniqueness becomes an asset

In some ways, freckles have always been around. Twiggy, the British cultural icon and a prominent teenage model during the swinging '60s in London, had beautiful freckles. So did Charlotte Rampling, a leading fashion model also in London before moving into acting. And, then there was Nigerian-born soul singer Sade, who became a big hit in 1984 with the release of her debut album Diamond Life—"Smooth Operator” Sade, who was known for her high-shine finish, red lips, and winged eyeliner, also had lovely freckles.

Do Couto Teixeira has some insightful observations about the “image” industry and about more diversity in the corporate commercial world: “Honestly, I think freckles have really come back into fashion, and that’s why brands became more interested in them—it’s something they’ve grown to like more and more. Regarding my afro, I’ve sometimes dealt with inappropriate comments. However, my freckles are something that brands generally love. But it’s funny, even though I work in an industry based on image, I’m not someone who’s really attached to my appearance. At least, I think I’m becoming more conscious of it as I get older, but when I was younger, not at all. So, it’s really the brands that made me realize it (my freckles) was an asset. As for my afro, I think it’s simply because mentalities are evolving, and so are brands. They’re starting to understand the importance of including everyone, and naturally, that makes it an asset. Maybe it even brings out a bit of a sunny or radiant side to my personality. I think now we’re in a time where differences are celebrated, whereas before, models were expected to all look the same. It’s great to see things changing and evolving.”

Tips for dealing with the “camera”

Do Couto Teixeira is equally comfortable “performing” on model shoots or in movies/TV. She recently featured in a Netflix film, Loups-Garous (aka Family Pack in English), where she played as the granddaughter of legendary French cinema actor Jean Reno—complete with her leonine afro, which features prominently on the movie’s poster.

She says, “Personally, I’ve never struggled much with being in front of the camera when modeling or acting—it just feels natural to me. My advice is to forget that the camera is there and just live in the moment. When I’m modeling, for example, I’m often asked to look at the camera as if I’m looking into someone’s eyes. In those cases, I like to add a playful or seductive touch if it suits the project’s tone. Of course, it always depends on the product I’m presenting.”

Check out Lisa Do Couto Teixeira on her Instagram and IMDb pages.