Khamit Kinks: Salon of the Month

Can you imagine walking through a lofty, high-tech warehouse with brick walls, earthy tones, incredibly high ceilings and track lighting? This futuristic, ultra modern space with all four natural elements describes the new home of Khamit Kinks -- Hair Apparent's Salon of the Month. Khamit Kinks is the premier natural hair care salon, located in the thriving borough of Brooklyn, New York. Originally founded in a Brooklyn brownstone in 1989, Khamit Kinks moved to Tribeca, NYC in 1996 and has since completed a circular journey by returning to its roots-- contributing to Brooklyn's cultural and commercial renaissance.

Find out more about salon owner, Anu Prestonia and Khamit Kinks' hair philosophy.

Do you remember the infamous GODDESS and TRINI Braids from the 90's. The Afro Bush, Baby Bush and unique natural stylized bridal designs are the signature creations of innovator, Anu Prestonia, founder and owner of Khamit Kinks. The salon boast a celebrity clientele of who's who, including Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett, Lenny Kravitz, Queen Latifah and many others. Khamit Kinks' regal styles have also graced the pages of Essence and many beauty and fashion magazines. Ms. Prestonia paved the way and introduced several popular styles to African American culture, such as, Casamas Braids, Senegalese Twist and thread wrapping -- all styles originating in the motherland, Africa.

The salon has a diverse clientele and offers women of color, innovative styles incorporated with cultural heritage. It also provides quality services and continues to set the trends that all others follow. Anu, a natural hair care pioneer in her own right shares her philosophy with Hair Apparent.

HA: What is your Hair Philosophy?

Anu: My hair philosophy and the philosophy of the salon is -- it is essential to have a regimen that encourages and maintains a healthy head of hair, no matter what the style. Your hair always looks better if you start out with a healthy head of hair and the style of choice should forster hair growth. So after you remove the braids or weaves, your hair should continue to grow thicker and healthier.

Many clients mistakenly believe that if they wear locs, weaves or extensions, there is no need to care for their own hair. Every so often, each client should make the time and investment in receiving deep conditioning treatments for both their hair and scalp.

HA: You constantly change your hair styles. What is your current style and what are Khamit Kinks' signature styles?

Anu: Right now, I am wearing Sister Locks, which I have worn for a few years now. This is my third set of locks. Since I have dyed the tips of my Sister Locks with a vibrant turquoise color, admirers often approach me. Khamit Kinks' signature styles right now are the Baby Curl Twist, Cola Weaves, Swing Braids and Stylized Locks.

HA: What are the more popular styles that your clients are requesting?

Anu: The Baby Curl, which is a two-strand twisted style using textured extensions, is by far our most requested hair style. The Baby Curl hairstyle tends to be costly, since human hair is required. Consequently, we have developed an alternative version using a less expensive hair, which we call the Gypsy Twist.

HA: What products do you highly recommend for your clients?

Anu: Of course, we highly recommend our signature Khamit Kinks hair oils. These oils are formulated by yours truly, using top quality natural ingredients. We also highly recommend Jane Carter Solution products, as well as, the Indigo line of products.

HA: What essential tips can you offer for our braided and locked sistas for maintaining healthy hair?

Anu: One of our essential tips for maintaining healthy hair is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Our hair tends to be dry. This is especially true during the fall and winter months when the air is exceptionally dry. Since we all tend to hibernate a little more during the cold season, it's a great time to treat ones self to the moisturizing treatments offered at their favorite salon. For those wearing locks this is a must! Also, I would like to recommend for those with locks and weaves to have their hair serviced more often to cut down on the rancid and sour smells that are often times associated with these styles.

HA: How does Khamit Kinks stand out from other salons?

Anu: We at Khamit Kinks have a high level of respect and regard for our clients. We believe what makes us stand out is the superior customer service we offer our clients. We are open and receptive to their needs and concerns and we do our best to have them leave the salon with a glowing smile on their faces.