Nikeenah Is Naturally Glam!

Tell me about yourself!
My name is Nikeenah Dockery. I am a 32 year old married mother of two. I currently reside in the Denver, CO area, but I am an east coaster! I graduated from Norfolk State University with a degree in Kinesiology. I love teaching, and was afforded the opportunity to teach last year, and serve as an Assistant Principal. Currently, I enjoy being a homeschooling mother to my lovely daughters. In my free time, I lead an exciting life promoting Christian Hip Hop and Community Outreach through our company On Faith Entertainment.

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Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I was a big chopper! My natural hair journey was rich with inspiration drawn from my close friends Erin, Juanita,Tracey, and the ladies of bloggirlfriends.com.

Had you always embraced your texture?
Growing up awaiting my next relaxer treatment, I always wondered about that wavy new growth sprouting up. I was intrigued, but never brave enough to resist the relaxer. Hair has always been a measuring stick in my community. If you had long manageable hair, you were thought to be beautiful. So, even if my mane was broken off or damaged by the years of home relaxers, in my mind, it was better than having unruly hair.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? 
As an adult, I started going to the hair salon to receive relaxers professionally. I was able to attain great length and maintained regular hair trims. I first talked to my husband, Roy, about my decision to go natural. He was very supportive, which was a plus because I was a little nervous. He reassured me that if I had a lumpy head under all of my hair I was free to rock his fedora…lol. Thankfully, most of my family was very supportive. Once I sent out photos and posted the pics on Facebook I had some very close family members who thought otherwise…”You’ve lost your glory! “NOOOOOOoooooooo!” Smh! It didn’t last long though. Now they are natural!

Describe your hair.
I would describe my hair as thick and with a normal porosity.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
One summer day I was being lazy managing my wash-in-go style. I decided to wait a week before detangling. I spent the next 4 days and nights trying to untangle my hair. I felt so horrible, and was very tempted to shave it all off. Thankfully, I was able to navigate through the matted hair!

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
My biggest hair related regret was growing my hair out so fast. I was so focused on getting my hair to grow out like all my YouTube hair crushes that I didn’t take time to really explore having a TWA. I could have kept it trimmed up, or even tried out a cool shaved look.

What’s your current hair routine?
Now that I live in Colorado, my hair has taken on different characteristics. On the east coast, I constantly had frizz and my curls didn’t stay defined for long. Since Colorado has significantly less humidity I enjoy my styles for longer periods of time.  I really like washing and conditioning with Kirkland shampoo and conditioner sold at Costco’s. I like using it because it’s sulfate free, 100% vegan, paraben free, and gluten free. I like using Herbal Essence Coconut Hello Hydration for deep conditioning and finger detangling.  For my Bantu Knots and Twist Outs, I like to apply Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey Shine Pomade and ECO Olive Oil gel for styling.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
My favorite hair style is the Bantu Knot Twist Out. I mainly get hairstyle inspiration from YouTube, and other naturalistas.

Who is your curl crush? 
My hair crushes are Diana Ramsey of Sisters With Beauty SWB, Jo Michelle, and Natural Neiicey.

How do you maintain your hair at night? 
I like to sleep in a bonnet with hair in Bantu Knots or up in a pineapple.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I maintain length by staying away from combs, finger detangling and routine trims.

What’s the best thing about being natural?
The best thing about being natural is simply being who God created me to be. I had so much unnoticed stress in my daily life and was overly consumed with how my hair looked. I have memories of walking on campus, and soon as I found my way inside the building darting to the nearest bathroom to make sure the wind hadn’t blown my hair crazy. By far the best thing about being natural is the constant affirmation to my daughters that you are beautiful with your curls! I grew up in a time when your hair had to look a certain way to be accepted. I am proud that we are in an age where natural hair is celebrated and is valued!

Where can folks find you on the web?
I have several social media outlets. I can be found on
Facebook @NikeenahDockery
Instagram @nldockery
Twitter @nldockery
www.onfaithent.com