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The Dominican Advantage

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LovinLocks

Well-Known Member
I've stumbled upon a post or two discussing Dominican's and hair. It occurred to me that I had never seen (nor heard of) a Dominican hair salon, store, business. Of course, that doesn't mean it don't exist, just in my neighborhood there aren't any.

I'm being a bit lazy, so could someone explain to me the real deal re. the Dominican's and taking care of our hair? When I asked my baby girl last night she said, "They have a method of straightening 'our' hair to the point that it is bone straight". I was like, "OOoohhhh". If that is the case I can see why some folk are going ga-ga.

You say what??? Oh, and TIA for not making me do a search :blush:
 
I've been to all races - asian, white, black, spanish. Having tested the waters, i would not PAY for my hair to be done by any other type, than a dominican salon - anything else (unless ur getting a special treatment, color, or extensions) is a total waste of money. besides the fact that you can come out looking fly for about $20-25 (in new york) going to a dominican, as opposed to another race ($35 to $60), ur hair looks better and lasts longer as well. They really know how to get that hair swag -just want to flip ur head all around - lol. I find other races leave my hair too stiff, or full of oily products, or too puffy and frizzy. The only problem (reason some pple think twice) is that they use ALOT of heat. You have to be able to handle it and have relatively strong hair if you go on a regular basis. But if you hair is weak and you go to a dominican that speaks/understands english, they are very willing to help your hair recover to keep you coming back. If my hair grew faster and was less prune to splits, i'd definitely go at least bi-weekly. I used to as a teenager, as a matter of fact. Not speaking of ALL dominican places of course, but 99% of the ones i've been to.
 
I am watching this thread closely I had never heard of a Dominican salon before I joined this fourm. Also there isn't any shops in my area also someone please shed some light for a sista.
 
Wow, how crazy cool is that. I rarely, repeat rarely let others do my hair at all. But, I sure would love to go to one when my length tee shirt arrives from the lady in L.A. (me - pouting). I really don't think we have any of those salons here. I'm gonna ask around to see. :yep:
 
I'm a huge fan of Dominican salons, and Dominican hair products in general. They're quick, efficient, affordable, and the results are terrific. They typically do rollersets, followed by a blowout using a round brush. (The blowout is the part where you particularly have to be concerned about heat, because it is HOT. However, you don't have to have the blowout; you can simply have it wrapped, or request to only have the roots blown. If you treat your hair carefully between visits and don't go excessively, Dominican salons are great!
 
Okay then. Right here, right now. Somebody please:

1) List salon addresses

2) List Dominican "products" per the post above

:yep:
 
I've been going to them on and off for about two years.

Pros
  • your hair usually gets done pretty fast
  • the prices are usually cheap
  • usually dont pressure you to trim

Cons
  • They sometimes tend to overlap the relaxers a lot
  • Sometimes they dont speak much English
  • Offer you very little advice about healthy hair, in my experience, no stylist client relationship
  • If you stretch for a long time, they will try to pressure you to get a perm
  • the blowouts can be hot, I see some women who get their hair blownout every time and i dont know how their hair handles it but i guess some people can
 
and their shampoos tend to be drying..i notice at the salon I go to they shampoo like 5 times, which I think isnt necessary.
 
I've been to all races - asian, white, black, spanish. Having tested the waters, i would not PAY for my hair to be done by any other type, than a dominican salon - anything else (unless ur getting a special treatment, color, or extensions) is a total waste of money. besides the fact that you can come out looking fly for about $20-25 (in new york) going to a dominican, as opposed to another race ($35 to $60), ur hair looks better and lasts longer as well. They really know how to get that hair swag -just want to flip ur head all around - lol. I find other races leave my hair too stiff, or full of oily products, or too puffy and frizzy. The only problem (reason some pple think twice) is that they use ALOT of heat. You have to be able to handle it and have relatively strong hair if you go on a regular basis. But if you hair is weak and you go to a dominican that speaks/understands english, they are very willing to help your hair recover to keep you coming back. If my hair grew faster and was less prune to splits, i'd definitely go at least bi-weekly. I used to as a teenager, as a matter of fact. Not speaking of ALL dominican places of course, but 99% of the ones i've been to.

I agree with this to a certain extent. Not to bring this like the other thread on Dom stylists, but I have 3 regular stylists for 3 different things: One is Jamaican (Regular healthy hair maintenance - has saved me a few times), One is African American (she uses flat irons a bit much for ME...she uses the saran wrap method and is good for the latest styles, weaves, etc) and One is Dominican (Actually there are two stylists I go to for this - but the female one is great at all the techniques discussed here including perms...she is @ a white salon tho so she is mad expensive...I used to pay $115-125 for a perm, DC and trim. The guy is at a Dominican salon and his blowout is like no other...only uses Dominican/Italian products like UNA and Alter Ego).

I say all this to say that Dominicans are not the only ones that know how to properly do hair. It is all the stylist you go to and how much you search for one that knows what they're doing. My hair lasts just as long with my rollerwrap from my Jamaican stylist as it does with my Dominican Blowout. The only thing with the rollerwrap is that my hair isn't as straight...like blowouts have it STRAIGHT. But all 3 of my stylists generally tell me the same thing when it comes to my hair. The only stylist that does my hair perfectly like LHCF style to the FULLEST from start to finish is my female Dominican one...but that is just b/c she knows her stuff and takes her time, not simply b/c she is a Dominican stylist. I pay less money @ my other stylists than the Dominican ones. I usually drop $35-40 plus tip @ Dominican vs. $25-$30 @ the others.
 
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I go to a Dominican salon about every 6 weeks or on special occasions when I want my hair swingin' and really straight. The pic in my siggy is from a dominican blowout.

I think that finding the right salon is the key, whether it's AA or Dominican. I really like the one I go to they are really into healthy hair and will take the time to talk to you about what you need to do get it healthy, all of the stylists speak English very well. The one thing I don't like is that one of the stylists, who I don't go to anymore, will always ask when I'm gonna get a relaxer when I'm stretching, she does not like to deal with natural hair at all. But besides that, I love my Dominican salon. If your hair can take the heat, it's worth a try.
 
I agree with this to a certain extent. Not to bring this like the other thread on Dom stylists, but I have 3 regular stylists for 3 different things: One is Jamaican (Regular healthy hair maintenance - has saved me a few times), One is African American (she uses flat irons a bit much for ME...she uses the saran wrap method and is good for the latest styles, weaves, etc) and One is Dominican (Actually there are two stylists I go to for this - but the female one is great at all the techniques discussed here including perms...she is @ a white salon tho so she is mad expensive...I used to pay $115-125 for a perm, DC and trim. The guy is at a Dominican salon and his blowout is like no other...only uses Dominican/Italian products like UNA and Alter Ego).

I say all this to say that Dominicans are not the only ones that know how to properly do hair. It is all the stylist you go to and how much you search for one that knows what they're doing. My hair lasts just as long with my rollerwrap from my Jamaican stylist as it does with my Dominican Blowout. The only thing with the rollerwrap is that my hair isn't as straight...like blowouts have it STRAIGHT. But all 3 of my stylists generally tell me the same thing when it comes to my hair. The only stylist that does my hair perfectly like LHCF style to the FULLEST from start to finish is my female Dominican one...but that is just b/c she knows her stuff and takes her time, not simply b/c she is a Dominican stylist. I pay less money @ my other stylists than the Dominican ones. I usually drop $35-40 plus tip @ Dominican vs. $25-$30 @ the others.


I tend to agree. I visit Jamaica regularly, and although I haven't experience a Dominican stylist to make an informed comparison, the JA stylists that I have used are extremely talented.

We don't have any Dominican salons over here, which is probably just as well!
 
I went once and was not impressed. I am natural. They charged me more for being natural. They did a lot of speaking in their language about my hair. They would not allow me to do a roller set. They blow dried my hair. They used a lot of heat. The smell was very strong even when I washed my hair.I could of had a bad experience.

See my pic below from DS visit.
http://public.fotki.com/Countrygal75/2008-hair-progress/p1010509.html

http://public.fotki.com/Countrygal75/2008-hair-progress/p1010506.html
 
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and their shampoos tend to be drying..i notice at the salon I go to they shampoo like 5 times, which I think isnt necessary.

I'm not all too crazy about their shampoos either and as far as lathering that many times, a person can nip that in the bud by speaking up. I love going to Dominican salons, don't go as often as I used to, but learning their techniques and adopting their products into my regimen (mainly conditioners) completely turned my hair around. They're a stretcher's dream come true; silky roots after the rollerset and roots-only blow out. Like someone else mentioned, no matter what ethnicity, there are going to be good ones and bad ones. There are some AA salons that don't like to fool w/natural hair, and there are some DR spots that will treat your natural/transitioning hair w/extra TLC. Depends. I remember one time, my DR stylist was so angry at a mother who wanted to relax her DD's hair. The girl was TBL and looked to be around 12. She wouldn't do it so the mother asked someone else in the salon to do it. Just like w/any other salon, definitely do your research before sitting in that chair.

Also, even though it is the norm in certain cities, don't assume that ALL DR stylists are going t/b cheap.
 
I'm not all too crazy about their shampoos either and as far as lathering that many times, a person can nip that in the bud by speaking up. I love going to Dominican salons, don't go as often as I used to, but learning their techniques and adopting their products into my regimen (mainly conditioners) completely turned my hair around. They're a stretcher's dream come true; silky roots after the rollerset and roots-only blow out. Like someone else mentioned, no matter what ethnicity, there are going to be good ones and bad ones. There are some AA salons that don't like to fool w/natural hair, and there are some DR spots that will treat your natural/transitioning hair w/extra TLC. Depends. I remember one time, my DR stylist was so angry at a mother who wanted to relax her DD's hair. The girl was TBL and looked to be around 12. She wouldn't do it so the mother asked someone else in the salon to do it. Just like w/any other salon, definitely do your research before sitting in that chair.

Also, even though it is the norm in certain cities, don't assume that ALL DR stylists are going t/b cheap.


I agree with this...I dont go to the salon often but when I do, I prefer a Dominican salon. Only because of how my hair turns out after I am done. I think with practice, any one can do the "technique" which give the bounce and swang. They are just the originators of it so of course people would want to go to a Dominican salon but anybody can do the technique and use the products.
 
How are you getting blowouts so cheap? They must be hip to the game in Charlotte because iI get charged around $40 every time I go.

That being said, I LOVE the silky swang from a blow out, but that heat has gots to be damaging! Besides, there's only one Dom. that I go to (after trying a few I did not like), and she insists on blowing me out (which tends to be unneccessary right after a texlax). I do like the fact that she doesn't pressure me to relax when I'm stretching.

Anywho... do your research. Take a look at how the stylists treat their client's hair and notice how their hair looks (thin and scraggly or thick and lush?). How many relaxer jars are floating around. As others have said, not all salons are created equal.
 
i was just about to make a post about who still uses dominican conditioners. i go to a dominican salon but not as much as i used to. when i go i only get my roots blown. i love it.
 
Still looking for one in this area. Seems I heard somebody's family member is from there and prepping to grad. cos. school. Now, if only I could remember whom it was . . .
 
Still looking for one in this area. Seems I heard somebody's family member is from there and prepping to grad. cos. school. Now, if only I could remember whom it was . . .

OP what state do you live in?

The only bad thing about the roundbrushforum is that the search engine is not very good. I did a search just for the heck of it and it said that there were no Dominican salons in my area. I did that search when I lived in Lynn, Mass... Dominicanville... a city where every corner either has a Dominican salon, Dominican barber shop or a Dominican Bodega. I was like get the heck outta here LOL I emailed her but she never responded. I tried adding some, but they were never added. Maybe the ones on the search engine is from paying salons. I don't know.

As a Dominican woman my opinion is biased :grin: but I think that the reason why most Dominican salons do well is because they cater to many hair types. I do my own hair, but I like to go for the blowouts cuz they leave my hair straighter than straight. Now I've been to AA salons to in the past and I didn't mind them. My only complaint was no rollersets and I don't like the hotcomb. If you are trying to stay away from heat then I would recommend only visiting a Dominican salon every few months. Blowdrying your hair that much can cause breakage and/or split ends. If you live in Mass I can recommend a bunch of places for you.
 
^^The thing about RBH too is that they only update that list when they are sent the info, so if you know of some in a particular area, shoot them an e-mail alerting them of the salon(s) so they can add it to the directory.
 
i went twice after going natural and boy did they use their muscles to get my hair straight!! lol it's just too much heat for me. since cutting my hair....aint no way in hell that id let them so much as look at my hair.
 
Yeah my first experience.. I no likey at all... I mean maybe it was just that salon.. but yeah... I'm sticking with the afro -mericans. Too much heat to end up looking like I fell out of my 1985 school picture. My regular stylist doesn't use NEARLY that much heat and I get bouncy silky (styled) hair.. It is double the price though; but 1/4 of the drive for me personally.
 
ok, I'm mixed on the dominican opinion.

I like that yes they can get my hair bone straight but at what cost? I had seen my hair go from being permed and strong and full to permed weaker and thin. WHY? B/c of all that heat. Also, that roller set then blow dry only works for longer hair. If your hair was like mine, nape length not even on the collar (holds a curl like a grudge) then blow drying it out was a joke. My hair was like WHAT the HHH? You can't curl me then blow me straight, I don't do that!!
The straightest my hair ever got was from a fresh perm with a traditional wrap under the dryer and then the ends bumped!!!

So in my opinion, if getting bone straight hair is important to you then go.
However, let me say for the record, I also think going to jamaicans for cuts and styles is the only answer. Meanwhile if I want some real TLC for my hair, i mean real treatment that my hair loves, I go to an old school "natural" hair salon b.c there they take care of my naptural hair and don't pressure me to perm it.
 
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I had to stop going because they relaxed my hair to the ends each time I went and they used too much heat. Now I'm paying for it (Split ends and breakage)
 
I went yesterday. I think if I stick with the particular shop I go to I may hit BSL by summer. I went for the rollerset. The ladies that do the roller set right after the shampoo really get those ends to stick on that roller and it's all gravy from there.

WHen I told her I wanted the roller set and no blowout, she actually was okay with it, said it was better for my hair and sent me on my way. They OFCOURSE still charged me the 25, well really 30 cause I wanted a dc, but it was worth every penny, I oiled the ends with strength of nature when I went home and rolled it, I love it. I don't have a pibbs and I have hard water, so this was great. I will get my sis to do my relaxers from now on. I feel good about this.

ladies, speak up. As hot as that pibbs is, you should be fine. I was. Don't let them burn the heck out of your hair if you don't want it.

ETA: I grew a little wary of my stylist when she told me she took liberty to clip my ends when they looked raggedy. I mean, I would like to know when someone is clipping my hurr. I love her, but with this economy, 25 beats 60...
 
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OP what state do you live in?

The only bad thing about the roundbrushforum is that the search engine is not very good. I did a search just for the heck of it and it said that there were no Dominican salons in my area. I did that search when I lived in Lynn, Mass... Dominicanville... a city where every corner either has a Dominican salon, Dominican barber shop or a Dominican Bodega. I was like get the heck outta here LOL I emailed her but she never responded. I tried adding some, but they were never added. Maybe the ones on the search engine is from paying salons. I don't know.

As a Dominican woman my opinion is biased :grin: but I think that the reason why most Dominican salons do well is because they cater to many hair types. I do my own hair, but I like to go for the blowouts cuz they leave my hair straighter than straight. Now I've been to AA salons to in the past and I didn't mind them. My only complaint was no rollersets and I don't like the hotcomb. If you are trying to stay away from heat then I would recommend only visiting a Dominican salon every few months. Blowdrying your hair that much can cause breakage and/or split ends. If you live in Mass I can recommend a bunch of places for you.


Exactly, when you are raised around textures that range from 1a to 4b, you have to learn to deal with each hair type. I just wish they wouldn't pressure naturals with coarse hair to get relaxers, knowing that they can get it just as bone straight. That really bothers me.
 
my roommate who's black with bsl goes to only spanish salons or family and so do i. i dont know if the owner is dominican but they're all from different countries and its a shame but i feel they know how to deal with black hair better than us imo i think a lot of people still have that slave mentality and its still clouding their judgment i kno my roomie doesnt like going to black salons cuz in her words "they think grease is the answer to everything" and i think they mostly know how to really style hair but growing and maintaining is another thing but its gettin better cuz i kno some classmates who have found some really educated black salons so hopefully we can all know how to do our hair and piss off the Koreans cuz we wont have to buy their weaves anymore except for style purpose lol
 
the only thing i dont like is they will overlap your relxaers which irks me so i no longer will go to them not even for rollersets im doing everything myself that way i dont have to battle with any one:yep: BUT!!! ill let them blow it out on hair that has already been rollerset thats it !
 
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