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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: kazmimi on 9/07/2010 1:02AM
If you bothered to do a little research, you would know that Robert Johnson owned BET until he SOLD it to Viacom.
As for you comment on black women and their hair..please do research or don't bother..
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By: Rene on 9/06/2010 10:37PM
I never met a blog yet that didn't hate on black ppls. Anyway, I don't like going where I can't understand and I prefer to do my own hair.
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By: Lolazanotti on 9/07/2010 6:31PM
Love this story.
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By: Michael Campbell on 9/07/2010 8:18AM
I agree with you 100% last time i check dominicans are also black
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By: a mad black woman on 9/07/2010 12:18PM
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
THE LAST I CHECK DOMINICAN WERE BLACK PEOPLE.
IF AFRICAN AMERICAN SALONS ARE STARTING TO FEEL THAT DOMINICAN SALONS ARE A COMPETITIVE THREAT, THEN IT'S TIME FOR THEM TO MAKE A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER. ATTEND HAIR SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES, GET TO KNOW ALL THE NEW TRENDS, AND STAY UPTO DATE IN WHAT'S GOING ON WITH HAIR CARE.
I'M NOT DOMINICAN NOR HAVE I BEEN TO A DOMINICAN HAIR SALON. IF FEEL THAT WE AS BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD NOT PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTIN TO COMMENTS AND ARTICLES THAT ARE GOING TO SEPERATE US AS BLACK PEOPLE. LETS NOT FORGET THAT BLACK PEOPLE HAVE MANY NATIONALITIES AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND.
THANK YOU FOR POINTING THIS OUT. IT WAS IMPORTANT
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By: bestausweh on 9/08/2010 9:30PM
We have got to stop assume, Mr. Campbell, that everyone who has been labelled, "Black" is actually black. We are trying to move forward and that is difficult to do when we have those of African ancestry riding on our coat tails but drop off when they have got it made or it just gets to be too much heat.
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By: Not Here on 9/08/2010 2:43PM
This options is only availabel back East. This is not commom in the West, MidWest or South. I live in Denver so we have a significant amount black owned salons.
My cousin in Baltimore loves the Dominican salons, she swears by them. Ever since she told me about them I have always wanted to go.
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By: Anthony on 9/07/2010 9:43AM
Ummmm......Dominicans are the BLACKEST LATINOS out there! The only REAL difference is language...If you are from the carribean, chances are more likely than not that you have a full line of Black ancestors. Black is Black. Let's stop being so divisive. Black is the race. Latino is just the label for many ethnic diversities. Damn ya'll, we gotta educate ourselves better.
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By: DINAH FORESTE on 9/07/2010 10:29AM
PEOPLE GET OVE THE BLACK THING WE AS BLACK WOMAN HAVE BEEN DOING HAIR ONE HUNDERD DECADES WE ARE THE BEST IN DOING HAIR WHAT EVER COLOR YOU ARE WE CAN WHIP IT UP WE ARE THE CREATORS OF HAIR BRAIDS WE INVENTED THAT DREADLOCKS WE INVENTED YES WE WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THE WOMAN OF COLOR AN WILL DO YOUR HAIR AN WE ARE ALOT CHEAPER I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY IS IT THAT WHITE SALONS CHARGE MORE THAN BLACK WHICH I FEEL IS A RIP OFF THEY OVER CHARGRE AN WE DO THE SAME THING EVEN BETTER YES I SAID IT
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By: whocareswhattheythink on 9/07/2010 6:18PM
Well I for one love Dominician shops. My stylist may not speak a lot of english but we have a good relationship. Sometimes I even bring my daughter up there for the ladies to play with. Dominicians also have great customer service skills unlike a lot of the black shops I have gone to in the past. Another thing I love about Dominician stylists is they take their time when doing your hair. The prices are a lot cheaper too. Most black salons charge between 60 and 80 bucks for a relaxer while the Dominician shop charges between 30 and 45. My hair is also longer and healthier since I started venturing these shops as well. Im sorry but I dont really see the reason for me to go to a black shop unless I want weave...and since I dont wear weave there is no reason for me to go there. Keep in mind that this is just MY experience and is not to say that all Black salons are expensive and have poor customer service.
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