I discovered Dominican salons in college (up until that point I always did my hair myself and had only been to the hair dresser twice before then) I grew tired of the long process it took to do my hair when someone told me I could get it done for 20-25 dollars. At first I was skeptical, but said to myself I have nothing to lose, if I didn’t like the outcome I could do it up myself and only waste of $25. To my surprise I loved the outcome! The results were the same as when I did my hair, with and extra bounce. It took about the about the same time excluding the wait in between, but with less hassle. We had a good relationship … until I grew out my relaxer.
Fast forward years later, I’ve tried at least 15 salons since, the techniques is the same; prices vary, depending on which borough/state you’re in, and the service is what I expect for $25-$40, more or less I come out satisfied with the outcome especially for the price I paid. I’ve priced black and visited salons before, but the cost is double so I can only visit occasionally.
Now when I walk in with my natural hair I received distain looks for how thick my hair is, they’re always trying to convince me my hair is dry when it’s not and continuously offer to put a relaxer in it.
Over the years I’ve heard comments like, “Mami, you need a relaxer, your hair is too thick” “Mami, you should comb your hair out before next time”, “Why do you want to want to cut, don’t need a cut, just trim”. I could go on.
I know your suppose to be an expert and all, but shouldn’t I know a little something about the hair on my head that I’ve live with my whole life? Here’s the outcome when I wash and style myself.
I totally get that my hair is thick and looks very intimidating but I think it’s rude to walk into a salon that I’m spending my money at to talk to me this way, regardless of how much the service costs.
I now have a regular stylist, but I only have her cut and occasionally treat my hair. I will be doing it myself in between for the time being. Let me be clear, this is my experience and it is not a generalization of all Dominican salons, but even upon good recommendation I highly doubt I’ll be venturing to a salon near me any time soon and when I do, I’ll go back to the only places where I know service is at least mediocre … even if it’s a whole in the wall.
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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First, I would like to say that I admire your work. I also have thick hair and have been to a few Dominican hair salons in New Rochelle and Stamford. The outcome is beautiful, but the pain is unbearable. I have no patience…being in a salon for 3 hours is annoying. I always ask how much…generally…they say 23-25 dollars…so I’m like cool. They do my hair….which takes about 3 hrs because they want to do everyone’s hair that walks into the salon. I hate the hot drier…since my hair is thick…they make me stay under for about an hour…my ears burn…painful. When I’m ready to pay…they increase the price…I was annoyed…told the lady I’m only paying 25 and walked out. How about a year ago I went to the Dominican salon on the west side…i brought my own supplies…pins, rollers, hair net…all they had to do was wash it…use a bit of gel, mouse and maybe some hairspray….they didn’t even have to style my hair…they charged me 35 bucks…lol NEVER again!!!!
Glad to know I’m not the only one!