Put a little UMPH in it: Dominican Hair Salons

To all the ladies who want to turn heads with their amazing looking hair, I have just the thing:

Starting when I was about 9 years old I have been going to Dominican hair salons.  It was never hard to find one in Queens, as there is one (or three) on every other block.  The reason they are so popular (other than the ridiculously cheap pricing) is because of the WOW factor you are given once you are finished.  Haven't had a perm in a while?  Well that's fine, because with the techniques and products they use you'll look like you just finished getting a touch up, accompanied by full, bouncy hair.  Plus the fact that an average wash and set is about $20 makes their salons all the more appealing.

Look what they have done to my hair...Do you believe that I have not had a perm since early March?!

What Dominican salons do is use rich products and a roller-set and blow dry method that most Black salons do not. After washing your hair they take you straight to one the hair stylists chairs and put rollers in your hair depending on your length.  Then comes the hair dryer, which you sit under for an hour or more, or at least until your hair is dry.  I find it pretty relaxing, I fall asleep every time. :P

Then for the part I dread the most: Blow-drying your hair out o_O.

So they take the rollers out and you have a big curly head of hair, which they straighten with an extremely hot blow dryer.  Yes, I wince in pain every time they get near my edges, especially with that little round hair brush (they switch between big and little round hair brushes as they straighten your hair).  Then they style it and spray a light hair sheen and you're good to go! Perfection every time.

I got my hair done Monday and today was the first time I have bumped it since then.  I used to go every two weeks, and my hair grew really fast (Then I got to college where they take my money every chance they get).  When I get it done if I do not leave it out they will wrap it for me, most salons charging a dollar or two to do so (includes the price for the bobby pins).

A lot of women may have grown up going to African-American hair salons, as they use less heat and still give you a glossy finish.  Don't, however, be afraid to try something new.  These past ten years for me have been great.  Forming a good relationship with your stylist is good too, sometimes I get my ends cut for free because they know they are guaranteed my business every couple of weeks.

Every time I refer someone to these salons they never look back, and I'm sure you won't either.

Note: If you decide to go on the weekend, get there early or be prepared to wait a little while, as these are their busiest days.  Also find out what days they have their specials.  Google it to find one nearest you.

Here's to beautiful hair from here on out!