Tell me about yourself!
My name is Dorcas. I am proudly Nigerian-Canadian. Born in London, England and living in Toronto, Canada. I am a creator, writer and strive to educate and empower.  I’m also currently wearing mismatched socks.

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I’m both! My first go at the natural hair thing I transitioned for about 22 months. At different points I took a few inches off but I refused to part with my length.

I did a second big chop (which maybe isn’t the right word… I got a big haircut) in November 2013 after being fully natural for about 10 months.

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Had you always embraced your texture?
I never got a chance to embrace my texture. I spent my childhood with other’s caring for my hair then moved into caring for my relaxed hair as I got older. Me going natural was all about the journey to discovering my texture and my hair.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them? 
Everyone was overall encouraging with a slight dash of shade. I think those in my family who knew how thick my hair was as a child were doubtful that I could manage it and keep it in good shape. After all, they had battled my head and given up years ago with tales to tell.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is thick and multi-textured. It’s overall coarse but with the right products, time and attention it’s absolutely manageable.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair? 
This may be a bit vanilla for most but my cut back in November was the craziest thing for me. My hair was the definition of me. Chopping it all off was a massive and bold step for me.

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
At this point I have none.

What’s your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
With my TWA I’m all about the wash, style and go. I have yet to master the TWA twist out so I stick to what works for me. I cleanse with Deva Curl no poo, deep conditioner with whatever I have on hand (Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Masque or Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque) and then finger detangle or use a denman brush if I am lazy. I style from there with ecotyler gel, Kinky Curly Knot today leave-in and Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
Back when I had more length it was a twist-out on wet hair, my secret was taking the twist down when they were 90% dry and letting my hair fluff up and become big.
With my shorter hair I am loving definition so I stick with my wash, style and go.

Who is your curl crush?
I don’t think I have one. I mean there are tons of curly girls with great hair but not one person stands out. I think I love all curlies.

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I’m a simple person. Sometimes tying a scarf can be an effort after a long day. I sleep on satin pillowcases, it’s easy and I do nothing other than lay my head down.
With my longer hair I did have to re-twist with certain styles.

How do you maintain healthy length?
Moisture! Quickly followed by a healthy detangling method. Genetically my hair grows quite fast so my effort is focused on maintaining the length. Keeping my hair moisturized and detangling with care keeps my strands strong and breakage-free.

What’s the best thing about being natural?
The fact that I’ve completely fallen in love with my hair. It intrigues me, it has inspired me, taught me patience, it has taught me lessons of facing fear. It’s truly a gift!

Where can folks find you on the web?
I’m new to the YouTube scene: https://www.youtube.com/curiousaboutmycurls
Instagram: instagram.com/DorcasOla
Writing Blog: thecuriousproject.ca
Tumblr: curiouscurls.tumblr.com
Twitter: twitter.com/DorcasOla