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For many women, a black-owned hair salon is almost like a sanctuary; a place to go to not only get your hair done, but also to catch up on the latest gossip, catch up with old friends, and have some 'me-time.'But in the past few decades, Dominican salons have been taking over neighborhoods with cheaper prices, a more versatile blowout style, and more time-efficient results.
While black salons typically use irons and straighteners, Dominican salons use the method of a wet roller-set followed by a quick blowout.
It's an opinion that has always been a big debate in the hair community, and the fire was only fueled when the Wall Street Journal released an article on the topic in May. The article has had everyone asking, "Are black women turning their backs on black-owned businesses when they opt for the local Dominican salon?"
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Jennifer Drew is a black woman who, after a trip to the Dominican Republic -- which opened her eyes to the possibilities for Dominican techniques for American black women -- founded RoundHairBrush.net, an online community that includes a database of Dominican hair salons across the country. She believes there are many pros to the Dominican salon versus the black salon.
"Number one is the time. Even if you're getting a chemical service, you're never in the salon more than three hours," Drew says. "You also have the ability to just walk in, because so many people are available to help you, while at a black salon, you usually have to have an appointment. Also, I think the blowout style you get at a Dominican salon is more versatile – it's an every day look. At an African-American salon, the style can be somewhat hard to duplicate the next day."
But Drew doesn't think that the rise of Dominican salons means the end of black salons. She believes that black salons will always be supported.
"Yes, Dominican salons are here to stay, but I don't think they will take black salons out of business. Dominican salons aren't always best for shorter or natural hair styles, and a lot of women like going to a salon where they don't feel like just a number and can communicate exactly what they want. I think it's about whatever you are most comfortable with."
BV readers, do you prefer going to a black-owned salon, your local Dominican salon, or both?
Comments: (127)
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By: Eric on 9/06/2010 6:53AM
It really doesn't matter what the issue is in the black community, but here we go again! Just, a last week ago it was about a "FAT" black woman in an Asian nail shop complaining, because she had to pay extra because she was ....yes your typical overweight black women! And, the salon owner wanted to protect her chair from being broken! Then all these "stuck on stupid" black women started their usual ranting about Asian businesses being in the black community (as if they just recently showed up), and their service. but, still they black women would rather only complain as usual, and are just too damn "lazy" to open up their own. businesses..again as usual! And, they simply refuse to stop throwing their money away on, both fake ass hair, fake nails, and chicken! If, as though that the hair, or the nails are really going to make a "hell of a beans difference" in their appearance!...lol...lol Now, here we are ...again this time with Dominican vs. Black Salons! There's no debate required, or necessary! It's the same old nonsense, and about the same old issue! Black people again...still don't even know how to either service their clients, without overcharging them, or provide the best "state of the arts" service package, clearly in this case as do the Dominicans! Then all they continue to do...especially these foolish black women is to only complain about black service, and are fast opting out to go to Dominican salons. hat does that tell you about how black businesses are operating, and also their attitudes towards their clients? Sorry, in today's world you have to be competitive, and again black folks are bring up the rear! Is anyone surprised?
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By: gb on 9/06/2010 3:29PM
Who cares! a straight man should not spend so much time worrying about where Black women get their hair and nails done. Especially not to the point where you have to write a book after each article when it's about Black women.
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By: jackx on 9/06/2010 5:45PM
Eric, your rant about the shortcomings of Black women is unrelated to the issue here.
I believe a business has the right to impose surcharges on overweight customers or other allegedly "at-risk" people. However, it should be upfront about its policies and let the customer know beforehand what he or she is dealing with. Then, the customer can make his/her decision accordingly. If the customer is good enough to make money for the business, the customer is good enough to be fully informed.
And, Eric, since you support the overcharge by the nail salon, I will assume that you posted comments supporting the airline that imposed an extra charge against the overweight (white) director Kevin Smith. Apply the same standard to all.
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By: Michele on 9/07/2010 1:07PM
OK, Eric. I'm sick of you. Are you a gay white dude who has nothing else to do. You are always on BV's blogs and never have anything positive to say. Why don't you go over to the Tea Party blogs. That's what seems to be your speed. You seem to buy into the sterotypes. Not all African-American women are overweight. If you haven't notieced the average white girl these days is a size 12 or 14. Since the average size of a woman in America is a 14 then white folfs being the majority, you all are fat as well. Please come off of this. I love my curves at a 10/12. I work out everyday and eat in a healthy manner. I don't eat beef or pork and I eat only whole wheats and whole grains. I took out all of the white stuff in my diet. (Get it!!) Eric you are ignorant. You aren't an African-American and you thrive on BS. I feel sorry for you.
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By: therealdwf on 9/07/2010 11:15AM
Where's your salon located?
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By: tyrone on 9/07/2010 2:05PM
Reading your post was hilarious! lol
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By: Pam on 9/07/2010 4:16PM
If you hate Black people so much, why don't you take your nasty, hateful comments elsewhere or better yet, stay off of sites where real Black people like to exchange meaningful dialogue with each other!
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By: Corie on 9/07/2010 6:43PM
What is up with you? You are always first to post and it's always negative. Are you some unemployed, gay (no straight man would spend so much time posting silliness),miserable white man that blames blacks for all his problems.
You are sick, pathetic, ignorant, racist, jealous, vindictive, on and on and on.
Its just shocking that someone would take so much of their time to be so mean. Sad!!!
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By: juana on 9/07/2010 6:45PM
Awwwwwww dang Eric. My heart goes out to you. The responses that you get from your negativity here are probably the only communication you have with other humans, as I'm positive that NO ONE LOVES or like you. Having no one to love you must be a lonely and sad sad world. I will pray for ya Eric. Perhaps one day you will wake up and realize that NO ONE WILL EVER LOVE YOU because even the angels cry in your presence. Pathetic
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By: cee jay on 9/07/2010 10:31PM
I am black woman who rarely goes to the salon BUT when I do I go the dominicans NOT BECAUSE OF HOW BLACK SALONS ARE MANAGED (OR CUSTOMER SERVICE) but because on the technique that is used less heat on my hair (i only get my roots blown out after a set), walk in service and promptness.There are some things that i would ONLY LET a black salon do ie cut my hair or color. ERIC GET A LIFE MOST WHITE WOMEN HAVE FAKE HAIR, NAILS, LIPS ,BUTTS SHALL I GO ON???? AND EAT JUST AS MUCH GRILLED CHCKEN AS WE DO FRIED!!(i am a pescatarian...the only meat that eat i fish. mostly vegetarian diet) I am currently in medical school. I do not feel the need to open my on business!!!RIGHT NOW
I BUY BLACK OWNED NATURAL HAIR PRODUCTS, SOAPS, CANDLES AND SUPPORT BLACK OWNED HEALTH STORES.ECT.
I BUY 70% BLACK OWNED
LEARN TO LOVE YOU ARE SUCH HATEFUL PERSON
I am not on much but i see you ALWAYS are.
BORED?
NO LIFE?
you are either a bigot OR the worse kind a black person who hates themself and others like them
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