I have been going to Dorcas for 6 years now and I have nothing but great things to rave about when it comes to her. Dorcas has seen me through MANY of my hair stages...long hair, short hair, weaves, and now through the beginning stages of me wearing my natural unprocessed/ unrelaxed hair. Now...I am very particular about who I let do my hair. I don't let just any Tom, Dick, and Harry with a license play around in my head. Which brings me to my next point and one of the main reasons you have found yourself here....make sure you do your homework on someone before you go to them. Dorcas deal with pretty much all types when it comes to African American and mixed hair. I know this for a fact, because I've seen it-And she does it well. She is one of the few artist (and yes, I say artist because I feel like a masterpiece when I walk out) that will be very truthful and do what she thinks is best for you and your hair, personally and professionally. She's very quick and efficient depending on your hair type and the style that you want. One of the biggest things for me is that Dorcas is flexible...now don't try to take advantage of this, but she will work with you. Never have I ever booked with her and waited hours to get my hair done. She does not overbook her clients, so there's no worries there. She is affordable, as I would come to her often when I was in college. I wouldn't come bi-monthly or anything but I took care of my hair enough to where she would have to do an occasional trim every couple of months. She definitely promotes healthy, happy hair and will give you any recommendations that you need...just ask! Sadly, I'm moving away from Austin soon and I feel like I'm cheating on her if I find someone else to do my hair. So until I get comfy in my new home, I'll continue to make trips to Austin every couple of months. I know I'm not the only other client who has done this in the past. When you've got something good, you hold on to it. This sort of sounds like some crazy love story/ relationship, but the upkeep of your hair is a big deal and is very similar. To sum it up, she's nothing short of amazing. Remember, she is a beautician, not a magician; but I tell like to tell her she's both because baby, those hands are magically blessed. read more

Dorcas is not only an exceptionally talented stylist but she is a MASTER of natural hair. I've been searching for months for the perfect stylist for my kinky/curly hair and I'm glad I choose her. She's located at the Mall of Salons where each stylist has a personal space/room. This is great because it allows you the opportunity to get to know your stylist and speak freely without interruption. I will definitely go to Dorcas again and I highly recommend her to anyone with natural hair that needs it blown out. read more

Dorcas Gonzales - My natural hair after a "blow out" done by Dorcas Gonzalez. (4/26/14) - Hair Stylists Near Me - Austin, Texas

PRO's: - fast and efficient - great at promoting healthy hair - not stingy with the type of products she uses - never, EVER overbooked - friendly and easy to be comfortable around - great for natural and relaxed hair, young or old, mixed or straight black CON's: - she doesn't do weave...(I'm still trying to convince her to make that happen) - she's stuck in Texas - for college students on a tight budget, she might seem pricey but I promise she is worth every penny and more. I am very particular about who I let touch this head so the first time Dorcas ever did anything it was a simple wash and style. HUNNY, my hair was laid for the GAWDSS and I was about 7 weeks post relaxer. That was the day I knew I found somebody special. She is extremely knowledgeable about hair products and will answer all the questions you have. The best part about her styling is that she won't do anything that she knows will damage your hair. She doesn't relax my hair bone straight and she knows exactly what to do with my hair to get it to lay down and act right. When I noticed I was retaining more length and my hair was getting strong, I was hooked. How did I know Dorcas was a gift from God above??? That would have been the day she got me in the chair, relaxed, deep conditioned, styled and back home in an hour. I was in my bed , hair swinging and swaying within the same hour!!! She is that fast and efficient. She is friendly and willing to go above and beyond for her clients. Dorcas did my hair for two years before I moved to Dallas and I definitely made that commute to get my relaxers done. Even now, I go to school in DC but I refuse (much to Dorcas' disapproval) to let anybody, and I mean ANYBODY, lay a relaxer on this head. Slightly ridiculous, I know, but I have developed such a relationship with her that I feel like I would be cheating on her with anybody else. Besides, I don't want to ruin all of our hard work. I try to schedule my hair appointments around my breaks and make a trip to Texas. In between times, I have called Dorcas to complain about what my hair isn't doing and she will point me to a product to try and see if that helps. I love my hair stylists and whenever I am in Texas, I will find a way to make it to her chair. Try her out if you're in the city or visiting. You will not be sorry. read more

I've been too many African american and Hispanic hair stylist in search for the perfect one. Dorcas is a hidden secret for biracial and natural hair! Dorcas doesn't advertise her services but I think she should! She's inside of the Gallery of Salons and she does an awesome job. I love that I never have to wait and she never double books or triple like some black salons do. She has awesome time management skills and highly skilled with hair. She uses products that actually work but pricey. If you are looking for a stylist and like fast good service I would highly recommend her for healthy, biracial, or natural hair. I usually get my hair done during my lunch break. That's how fast she is! She also does dread loc (locks). If you want ghetto hair or a sew in you probably should seek another stylist. Although I did want to achieve a couple of styles that required weave, she did make clips to get the desired look. For my wedding Dorcas did me and my 10 bridesmaids and she did an awesome job!! She came to our house and to the wedding venue and she did far more than expected! She stayed during our pictures and made sure everybody's hair was in place! She was more like a stylist/assistant! SHE WAS AWESOME!! So if you have a photo shoot or wedding coming up I would highly recommend her. She is great! Give her a call! read more

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Seeing the reviews I just had to go to this lady. I had seen the works of other's twists but with the yelp reviews I took this route. Dorcas is an extremely nice person. She didn't talk on the phone or take breaks. However, when she gave me the price my heart sank. I initially went in for individual twists so that I could wear them until winter. However I left out with 22 twists and decide to use it as a twist out, before I knew the charge. She charged me $70 for 22 twists which took about 35 minutes and dryer time. That's more than $70/hr which really hurt my heart. Yea it's partially my fault because I should have asked before sitting but I usually get dread like twists for that price. I was supposed to take my daughter school shopping afterwards but that ruined those plans. If you want good natural hair care with a steep price, then she's the one to go to. read more

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I can't believe I had forgotten to give Dorcas a review! First off, I am not a native Texan. I grew up in Southern Maryland, and had been going to the same stylist since the 5th grade. I just turned 22, and had moved here last year, so that tells you something about loyalty! Imagine my dismay at realizing that with a new move, I'd have to find a new hairdresser. Throw on top of that that I recently decided to go natural, and need a professional with experience. I had tried one previous stylist last fall, and while I didn't HATE my cut, the visit itself left a lot to be desired. She barely washed my hair, charged me for a deep condition that I don't think I got, and the shop atmosphere itself was awkward. Being a dog groomer, and living in the land of eternal summer (as I call Texas), I don't get prettied up very often when it comes to my hair. When a family member announced their wedding, I knew it was time to find another stylist to try. I was hoping above all else that at least I'd look nice for pictures, with a bonus being finding my new "Tee". Dorcas hooked it up. She refreshed the purple hair color that I was working, and even added some blue in the back to spice it up. She actually shampooed my hair, and even with the color, was quick about her work. When she did leave me under the dryer, it was temporary and with purpose. Tee used to leave me roasting, so I was prepared for red ears. No such thing here! While she did her thing, we talked about dogs, where I was from and what event I was going to. She gave me a complimentary trim because she explained that my previous hairdresser hadn't cut my hair for being worn curly. She said it would take a couple visits to give a good shape, but that it was a start. I also bought this MIRACLE of a detangling brush from her. I didn't wanna pay $15 for it, but trust me, it was worthy of every penny. If I had any cons to list, there'd only be a few, which weren't too bad: -Higher price than I'm used to paying for similar services (that may be due to a lack of TX natural stylists/supply and demand) -She's located in part of a huge building that has like an ice rink, dance studio and other stuff in it. It's literally a block of cubicle-sized rooms that have an open ceiling but a door and windows. It's like a maze, and it'd be super easy to be confused about finding her. -Because of the open ceiling, it's VERY easy to hear what's going on in the next room. Unfortunately, the stylist on one side of Dorcas seems to love the sound of her own voice. She talked the whole hour I was there. -I didn't come in with a huge vision of what I wanted to look like, so it took some playing with the final product to be happy. More my fault than anything. In sum, I had a great experience, and I'll have to save up and schedule for my next "spa day" since I focus so much on giving them to my doggy clients! I really appreciated that Dorcas had the foresight to pin me up since the wedding wasn't for a few hours, and even though my hair didn't last in the humidity, I knew it looked good while it did! read more

Dorcas is amazing. She is knowledgeable about hair as well as hair products. Dorcas actually gives yu the style and treatment Yu ask for and need and doesn't just take ur money like most other salons. She does my hair as well as my daughter's and I will forever be a client. My family moved to Texas from Georgia and I looked for a style at for 1 yr before finding Dorcas. I am very pleased. She gets Yu in the chair at ur appointment time and doesn't keep Yu all day. I'm a happy customer! read more

Dorcas Gonzales - Dorcas brought my hair back to life. Its growing and shining and morturized!!! Thanks so much! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Austin, Texas

Dorcas is an amazing talent who makes it a priority to deliver an exceptional service. For the past four years and including my wedding day, she has taken care of my hair better than anyone else ever has (including me). She prioritizes and balances the health of your scalp and hair with her exceptional aesthetic, color, and haircut tastes. Every time I leave her salon, my hair looks and feels amazing. And it isn't uncommon for colleagues to ask "Who did your hair??" Her talents are not limited to ethnic hair either! All of my bridesmaids were of Asian descent with straight and thick hair. And even though my wedding was outdoors in the humidity, she made the hair curly, voluminous, soft, and beautiful. I hope I never need to find a new hair stylist because she will be an impossible act to follow. Thank you for bringing out the beauty in my hair! read more

Dorcas is by far the best hairdresser I have ever had. She is so versatile and listens to what you want and makes it happen. I have been natural for 8 years and have been seeing her for going on two years. I only get my hair done 2-3x a year but she makes it count and gives great advice on how to maintain. I have a 4a/4b hair texture but I know she can work with ANY hair type. She is simply the best! She has done great color treatments for me. read more

Dorcas Gonzales - Red chunk in front, normal texture - Hair Stylists Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My hair is absolutely stunning, I went in with dry crispy curly hair came out looking and feeling like Beyonce, at least feeling like her.

I can't believe after all these freaking years of searching, I finally found a stylist. Not a stylist that just does an okay job but Dorcas is simply magical despite her saying she isn't. She is funny so be prepared. She will try and downplay this magic of hers but don't believe it. You will walk out looking and feeling flippin' amazing. Thank you God for leading me to this amazing woman! read more

Dorcas Gonzales - Magic hair by Dorcas - Hair Stylists Near Me - Austin, Texas

Dorcas is professional, talented and quick. She doesn't overbook so you can actually go on a lunch break and get the best blowout you've ever had! Dorcas gets your hair so silky straight, you can't even wrap it without clips. She knows hair, promotes healthy hair and teaches. Dorcas doesn't just want your money, she wants your hair to reflect the greatness only she can direct you to achieve. I am in a committed hair relationship w/ Dorcas.No one else can touch my hair with scissors! From blowouts to dreads to natural hair, Dorcas will take the most damaged hair and make it full, bouncy and beautiful. She cares about what she does and it's evident in the outcome. read more

I've lived in Austin for over 4 years now and had yet to find someone who knew how to work with my mixed-race, mixed textured, curly/frizz/wavy hair. I've had trouble finding reviews for stylists for African-American hair in Austin, and I was starting to think I might not find anyone! And then, along came Dorcas, my savior of hair! I just had my first visit with her today and I left with happy, healthy hair that has great shape - finally! I wear my hair both curly and straight at times, so she gave me a cut that can work for both. She's friendly, personable, and spent time talking with me about my hair regimen. My hair is in great hands with Dorcas and if you've been lost, looking around for a stylist how knows bi-racial or African-American hair - relaxed or natural - in Austin, you should be giving her a call! read more

Today was my first appointment with her and I had a wash and conditioning and silk press done. She is awesome, I walked out of there like I had gotten a relaxer. She's the truth y'all. She handled my hair with ease and I felt confident in her from the moment I walked in. Her work area is really nice and neat and clean, that's a plus with me. She is well versed in natural hair health which is also a plus. You can't go wrong with her, she doesn't take forever, I walked in and sat straight in the chair without having to wait and she finished my hair within a hour and a half max. read more

Dorcas's hands are very gifted. She creates a comfortable environment to where you can ask questions. She is very knowledgeable about natural hair, my natural hair has done a 360 with her help. read more

This comment is only in regard to customer service. I called and let her know I was new to the area and was looking to get a hair cut. She proceed to tell me that she's "not that good" and "I can't make you look like Beyonce". I then asked her if she was telling me to go to someone else? It was the oddest conversation and very unprofessional. I won't seek her services out again. read more

Dorcas saved my locks... I've been growing them for a little over 2 years... but I have not been keeping up with super tight grooming... I was actually driving from Austin to Houston at first... and although that person was great... hair care could not compare... and no Houston traffic... she's super skilled... and I may have lost a few locks if it wasn't for her talent... not to mention she's kind hearted and funny... couldn't recommend her more! read more

When I moved from Houston to San Marcos in August 2015, one of my biggest concerns was, "Who is going to help my with my natural hair?" I researched for a good six months till I came across this Yelp profile for Dorcas Gonzales. I was a hesitant because some of the comments said she was a little expensive, but I booked an appointment anyway. From my first visit, Dorcas and I got along instantly. She is very professional, but loves to make her clients feel right at home! She is a versatile stylist that can give life to any hair type. A few of the amazing services she has provided me with are a blowout, flat twists and a curl rod set. Each hairstyle looked fabulous. Ever since I started seeing Dorcas, my curls have improved so much! If you have any questions about your hair, Dorcas definitely has an answer. With each visit, she has given me advice on how to maintain my hair and what products to use that work best with my hair type. She even taught me how to lay down my baby hairs. Dorcas Gonzales is simply amazing. I will be keeping her as my hair stylist/guru for a very long time. SIDE NOTE: You get what you pay for. Yes, Dorcas is expensive, but she's worth it. Her prices are no different than any other salon, but her quality of work is incomparable. read more

Dorcas Gonzales - Blowout! - Hair Stylists Near Me - Austin, Texas

This review is so long overdue. I've been going to Dorcas for close to 2 years now. I found her when I moved back home from college, and was looking for natural hair stylists. Then I came across her amazing Yelp reviews. As most people are, I was still very skeptical about trying out a new stylist especially as a newly transitioning natural. I'm not the type to let just anybody put their hands in my hair to say the least. However, I'm so glad I took a chance and made an appointment. Dorcas is very knowledgable about different types of hair (relaxed, natural, black, mixed, etc.), she promotes natural hair care, has a flexible schedule and is affordable. One of my favorite things about going to Dorcas is that I don't have to spend an entire day just to get my hair washed, pressed, colored, etc. - ain't nobody got time for that! I was so accustomed to setting the entire day around my hair appointment and I no longer have to do that. She does not overbook and will have you in and out just like that with those magical hands of hers! And though she'll tell you she can't make you look like Beyoncé, that doesn't mean you won't walk out feeling like Beyoncé! If you're in need of a stylist, try her out. I promise you will not be disappointed! She's amazingly talented and funny as well. BELIEVE the hype because Dorcas is all that and more! read more

Dorcas has amazing talent! I have been going to her for about 7 months after finding her on Yelp. She has yet to disappoint me. She caters to your individual needs or requests. I have dry scalp sometimes and she treats it when needed. She does not let me leave with dandruff on my scalp or hair. I love how she does not overbook appointments and you get that fast, quality, and personalized service! read more

I have been going to Dorcas salon for a little over a year, and I must say I'm very satisfied with her work. She is very accommodating and that's a plus because sometimes during the week with my schedule it's hard to get in, but she is willing to work you in if need be or stay late as well as come in early. Dorcas is an awesome hairstylist and I'm super happy I found her. She has great prices and you get your monies worth and hen some. I love the location she's at which she's very close to where I live and she is located at the Gallery of Salons@ northcross mall if your looking for an awesome stylist then she's the one you should call. read more

Searching for a hairstylist is tough and meeting for the first time is tougher. I walked in and we bonded immediately. She took my transitioning to natural hair and gave it new life!!!! I must admit that I was extremely nervous about cutting my hair, but she did an excellent job at guiding me to do the final chop on my dead relaxed ends. She had tips for my now completely natural hair. Although this visit was a blow out and final chop, I am looking forward to my natural hair journey with these magic hands. I literally got my whole life in an hour in a half visit and learned a lot about hair, life and even breastfeeding. Dorcas is amazing and she will tell you that the Yelp reviews are elaborated, but trust me don't let her downplay the talent she was gifted with in making your hair healthy and beautiful!! read more

She gave some good hair care tips (interspersed with disapproving faces, noises and insults about how ignorant I was about what she took to be hair basics) that I'd stopped and/or replaced with some other habits. I have never had a professional stylist call my hair nasty, make faces or noises like that while talking to me or doing my hair. I've also never had anyone do so poorly a job of trying to understand where I was coming from and help me understand what my hair needed. When I got home I had to piece together the few pieces of valuable feedback she gave because they were so hidden under the unnecessary condescension. Also it was really really expensive (over $100 not including tip) and I felt pretty disappointed when I left. She showed signs of feeling frustrated and annoyed with explaining/answering hair q's to me. Now I have to find a stylist who will actually give my hair the cut that it needs, after working with a stylist who would only talk about it. read more

BEWARE: My daughter and I were seeking a new hairdresser and wanted to meet with Ms. Dorca Gonzalez because her ad suggests expertise in natural styles. I also thought we all would benefit by her looking at our hair before deciding what kind of styling we needed. Dorca told me that she required a "consultation deposit " in the amount of $25 - half of which was non-refundable, the other half would go towards our possible hair styling. I gave her my card over the phone a few days before our scheduled consultation day/time. When we got to the consultation, Dorca had a client in the chair in her very small (one chair office suite). It was supposed to be our appointment time. Normally, this would not have been an issue, except when she told my daughter that her hair is damaged and needs braids, my daughter teared up...this should have been a private moment in a private professional consultation. Oh btw, Dorca then tells me that she "doesn't do braids" and we were told she needed to refer us and that $12.75 would be credited to my card. It's been over a month and I'm still waiting for that referral and credit. I told her it was terrible customer service and that I deserved my entire $25 fee to be returned to me. Still waiting.............. read more