RoundBrushHair! > Dominican Hair Care Blog

Chaka on:

Product Name: Lacio Lacio Acondicionador Intensivo (Intensive Conditioner)
Price: $11.99
How to use: After Star Shampoo, apply evenly to damp hair, in order to obtain an intensive capilar therapy, leave in for 1 or 2 minutes, then rinse with water and style as usual.
Personal Rating: 2.5 out of 5
*Note: I consider the product pricey because of the amount I needed to use to get even the slightest result for my hair texture.

Lacio Lacio Intensive Conditioner is a conditioning treatment used to revitalize damaged and over processed hair. It’s a very thin cream that has the same texture as your average cream rinse. This made me made skeptical from the beginning (most deep conditioners are very thick almost like pudding). It also made me wonder exactly how much water this product contained. If you’ve used the Lacio Lacio leave-in before than you’ll recognize this conditioner’s identical light-flowery smell. It’s slightly more potent but won’t compete with the fragrance other products you follow up with.

After shampooing, I applied the conditioner in sections. I simply use my fingers to part my hair in quadrants and then I divide each quadrant in half and apply the conditioner. This may seem like a long drawn out process but it’s worth it especially for thick curly hair like mine. Look at it this way; you’ll only have to do it once a week. I used to just slap a palm-full in to my hair and massage it in. Then I started to notice that the center of my hair, where it’s the most dense, wasn’t getting as much product as the rest. You may not need to do as much sectioning as I do, but I still recommend this application process. Much to my dismay, I found myself having to add more and more of this product for my hair to feel saturated. My hair acted like a sponge. Most times as soon as the conditioner touches my hair, I can feel it begin to soften. This was definitely not the case this time. After I felt I had enough product on my hair for it to work, I massaged it in and combed it through. I put on a shower cap and let it penetrate for 10 minutes or so.

After I took the shower cap off I could tell instantly that it didn’t do the job. It gave me the same results as a mediocre conditioning rinse would. I was not at all pleased. My hair felt kind of hard coarse, and tangled with absolutely no slip. After it was dry, I was even less enthused. My hair was dry and frizzy without the mega-shine I expected.

On the other hand, when my husband used it his results were wonderful. Then again, he has Caucasian hair. A lot of the conditioners I love weigh his hair down and make it greasy. This one was perfect for him. It did everything that the label on the bottle claimed it would. Using the Lacio Lacio leave-in along with it only enhanced the results.

On my daughters relaxed hair there were the same disappointments as I had with mine. I used the same application process on her with the exception of using heat from the hood dryer to process instead of the steam from the shower.

To sum things up, I like this product for Caucasian hair that gets oily easily. Those with dry or coarse hair should try mixing this with a heavier conditioner for better results.

No one loves a home remedy more than I do whether it’s eating chicken soup to fight the common cold or using oatmeal & honey for a face mask. We forget that all the chemical concoctions taking over store shelves today weren’t available years ago. People had to be very resourceful back in the time of my grandmother who’s now in her late seventies. Being resourceful was part of everyday life. Even in the 50’s and 60’s, when my parents were young, things were very different. I remember when baking soda toothpaste was first introduced to the market. My parents didn’t warn us of the horrible flavor because for them it was a step up from the pure baking soda they brushed their teeth with as kids. Believe it or not, it was also used as deodorant. Back then, the only staples they had in their medicine cabinets were Castor oil, Vicks Vapor rub, Watkins Liniment and Vaseline. If that didn’t cure, what ailed you then you’d be off to the doctor for a shot of Penicillin. If that didn’t do the trick, it was time to start picking out headstones. Okay, maybe it wasn’t that serious but sometimes when older folks try to make you see how good you have it compared to when they were, “comin’ up” the stories can go from a life lesson to a tall tale. The older I get the more I find myself telling those same stories to my kids as well as looking for more at home health and beauty fixes.

When I was younger, we would laugh at our grandmother telling stories about how she’d use bacon grease on her children’s’ ashy knees and elbows and they’d cry because dogs would chase them all the way to school. They swear it’s true but I refuse to believe it. Well, then again, this was coming from the same woman who told me I should always keep a bottle of Peach flavored Schnapps in my house in case of a cold or a teething baby. I don’t know about using it as a liquored up Orajel substitute but, it’ll surely knock the cold right out of your chest.

Lately I’ve been reading up on the many health and beauty secrets from around the world. I read that some Mediterranean women use an olive oil and sugar scrub to smooth and moisturize their skin. I’ve also learned that in India some use an uncooked white potato to deodorize their hands after cooking. It also softens them, which is twice as good.

Writing this blog has introduced me to people from various backgrounds and cultures. I know some of you have some really good kitchen cures and natural beauty secrets that have been passed on to you by your friends and family. Maybe you’ve invented a few on your own. Once upon a time, women in my family used brown paper bags and soup cans as rollers. Talk about making things work! I’m very interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas. It’s about time we go back to basics.

Chaka on…
Product Name: Baba de Caracol Crema de Peinar (Frizz Control Styling Cream)
Price: $9.99
How to use: Apply over dry or damp hair. Do not rinse out. Style as usual.
Personal Rating: 4 out of 5

*Note: For those with very thin or Caucasian hair, use this product in moderation. It can weigh your hair down and make it much greasier than you probably want.

Baba de caracol frizz control is a wonderful product because of its versatility. It can be used as a leave in conditioner, a styling product to control frizz, or a base for a relaxer. It’s a thick white cream and with a consistency comparable to that of a cream hairdress. It’s only slightly greasy and has a light scent that you’ll either hate or love. The smell will remind you of Dax hair grease (if you’re familiar with the product) but not as strong. I love the smell but my daughter and a few others feel differently. It’s completely dye-free which is rare these days.

On Natural Hair:

Depending on the season, my hair gets really dry so I mix this product with a lighter leave in conditioner like Lacio Lacio just to give it a little moisturizing boost. After washing and conditioning, I mix the two products and apply it in sections while my hair is still wet (adding a leave-in while your hair is wet helps to lock in moisture). This is one of the rare times I do not comb the product through. I just massage it in very gently and keep my hair as smooth as possible (focus on your length, not the scalp). As I’m sure Naturals know, the true tell-all of a leave-in is the state your hair once it’s dry. Natural hair tends to look smooth while wet but can turn into a Jackson 5 fro in a split second! Luckily, after my hair was completely dry, the definition of my curls were impressive. I had a frizz-free, defined natural style that wasn’t crispy or dripping like a Jheri Curl. Now in the past I would apply moisturizers to my hair on a daily basis, and sometimes more than once. With this product, I only need half as much and half as often. A little really goes a long way with this one. I use a dab, slightly bigger than a dime, and I’m good to go.

On Relaxed Hair:

I use this on my daughter’s hair, which is relaxed, I apply it very sparingly. I found this out the hard way. The first time I used it on her hair, I used the same amount for my hair - big mistake! It was really heavy and greasy and it took forever to dry. On the other hand, on days when she wears a ponytail, this really comes in handy because it has a great smoothing/anti-frizz effect (especially on edges). Edges tend to be a problem area for many, especially when it’s time for a touch up. Another plus is it stays put pretty much all day and she is a very active 10 year-old.

I’ve also used this to moisturize my clients’ scalps before braiding and when I cornrow for weaves. I love it because the hair doesn’t slip out of my hands from being overly oily. It absorbs fairly quick. Check it out. It may take an application or two to figure out in what way it works for you but I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.

*Tip: When naturally curly or wavy hair has been straightened overuse of this product can make hair revert because it is water based.

As I browse through some of the comments on the Dominican salon locator, I see a common dominator with a few disappointed customers: the price. Does a Dominican salon in your mind automatically equal a $25 or less blow-out?

With Dominican salons popin’ up everywhere outside of New York , it looks like some stereotypes are following them. When you hear ‘Dominican Salon’ what comes to mind? Here are some assumptions and misconceptions that I have come across over the years regarding Dominican Salons:

1. $20 blow-outs
2. Straight or a flip is all you get – so don’t go looking for a “style”
3. No English is spoken (refer to my past entry ‘they must be talkin’ about me’)
4. Only located in black neighborhoods
5. Fast service

What are your thoughts about these stereotypes? Have any to add to the list? Are they true?

Chaka on:
Product Name: Lady Fior Kita Ondas Aceite de Oliva (Curl Remover Olive Oil Plus)
Price: $10.99
How to use: After washing your hair with shampoo and a rinse, apply the conditioner to your hair from the roots to the ends and massage lightly for a few minutes. Rinse with plenty of water and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Personal Rating: 4 out of 5 (This product lost 1 point because of the labeling. See review for explanation)

*Tip: A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and apply more as needed. Hair only absorbs what it needs.

Finally, the long awaited Kita Ondas review is here! We’ve had many requests to get to the bottom of how this straightens-hair-but-not-a-relaxer conditioner actually works.
Let me start with my application process: I used a clarifying shampoo to remove any/all product buildup from previous weeks (I did this to be sure the product would absorb properly). I’m a creature of habit when it comes to my hair care regimen so instead of following the directions and applying a conditioning rinse, I went directly for the Kita Ondas. Okay, who am I kidding…I just forgot.

I massaged in the very thick light-yellow cream section by section. The total amount I used was about the size of a silver dollar. WOW! It usually takes a lot more to saturate my hair. I was lovin’ it! Instantly I could feel it working. I combed it through without one single snag. I was giddy sounding as if I was shooting an Herbal Essences commercial. I let it sit for about 5 minutes with a shower cap. The directions don’t specify a processing time and I was too impatient to wait much longer. I rinsed with cool water and was in heaven. I’ve never felt my hair so soft. It was even stretched out a little (for those new here, I’m natural).

You all know I love to sing the praises of my Silicon Mix with Pearl Protein but this takes the cake…as a regular conditioner. Now you didn’t think it would be that simple coming from Chaka did you? I emphasize regular conditioner because after reading the ingredients I don’t see anything that indicates that this should be used as a treatment for deep conditioning yet, at the same time, it’s more than just a rinse conditioner. This lingers somewhere between the two. This is in no way a negative thing. It actually gives me more flexibility. On the days when my hair feels dry and I want to co-wash this is safe to use. I can also use it after shampooing if I’m not looking for a deep penetrating treatment.

Now here’s the not-so good part: because this product claims to “work like a relaxer straightening your hair but without damaging chemical elements” some of you may be looking for a product to be used as a natural alternative to a chemical hair relaxer or texturizer. It pains me to say that this probably isn’t the one. If you ask me, the description is misleading. The ingredients in this product create a physical change in hair structure (temporary) not a chemical change (permanent).

From what I know of texturizers through personal use and use on others, a relaxer or texturizer can take a tight curl pattern to a much looser curl. Depending on processing time, it can remove the curl completely. I did a second and third trial increasing the processing time by 10 minutes as well as using a rinse as directed. The outcome was the same. Now don’t get me wrong, as a conditioner this is the best I’ve ever used and coming from me that says a whole lot. I just don’t agree with the wording on the label.. This in no way lessens my opinion of the product itself. Some of you may be disappointed in the results if you‘re looking for the same outcome as a relaxer gives. Be open-minded. Think past the label. You might be surprised at how wonderful Kita Ondas works.

*Note: This product will not replace your weekly deep conditioning treatment. This can be used in addition for further moisture and smoothing.

Dear Mr. President,

Today as a nation, we request your condolences for those of us who have been forced to skimp on hair care due to the recession. This mania has caused us who don’t even know how to turn on a blow dryer to become kitchen beauticians. Stylists who once were booked solid months in advance are now sitting at their stations reading trashy novels and folding towels. We’ve gone from weekly salon visits to buying a box of drugstore hair dye and crossing our fingers for the best. On another note many of us have gone natural not by choice but by circumstance.

Back when I purchased my first vehicle gas was $1.09 per gallon. Now the national average is somewhere around $4.10 for regular. Do pardon me Sir but, that’s just bananas!

It’s a sad day when we have to choose between filling up our tanks to get to work and getting a touch up. Just the other day a dear friend broke two acrylic fingernail tips scratching her head. Yes, her roots were just that overgrown. She works an hour from her home and has been forced to forgo fill-ins and relaxers. What is she to do?

Our men are being affected as well. You may think they are growing their hair long in protest but actually, they just can’t afford the barbershop. Last week I saw a desperate man begging anyone to give him a shape up. He had to resort to doing it himself. I’m sad to inform you that he cut himself, got an infection, and had to miss work for 3 days. On top of this, he has to pay medical bills as was left with half a hairline.

Can you sympathize with the plight of your people? We seek a resolution. We are willing to stand up and fight for this cause as a united front. Please help us to restore our pride and dignity as citizens of this fair country. We’ve gone nappy, our roots are showing, and we can’t take it anymore!

One nation under a scarf,
Chaka Lopez
Copyright ©2008 Chaka Lopez

Chaka on:
Product Name: Shampoo 12 en 1(12 in 1 Shampoo)
Price: $6.99
How to use: Apply over wet hair to create lather and repeat the process as necessary. Rinse thoroughly with plenty water to obtain better results.
Personal Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (This product is a must have)

Note: Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get a huge lather. The natural ingredients don’t produce as many suds as other shampoos.

12 in 1 shampoo is another much-loved item of mine. This is truly the most moisturizing shampoo that I’ve come across that doesn’t claim to be a conditioning shampoo. 12 in 1 works well on practically every hair type. It’s coral colored and smells delicious like fruit candy. These products are starting to make me hungry. I only wish the scent was strong enough to remain on my hair after conditioning. It has a consistency that is slightly thicker than your average shampoo. This is probably because it contains more natural oils and a lot less water than much of the competition.

After my usual pre-shampoo oil treatment, I applied an amount about the size of a quarter to my dry hair to loosen some of the pre-shampoo oil. This step is not always necessary. If your hair feels dry or brittle just shampoo as usual so that some of the excess oil remains. Next, I rinsed my hair and applied another quarter-sized amount to my hair strands. After I got somewhat of a lather going, I used the pads of my fingers to scrub my scalp in circular motion. I prefer to scrub vigorously to help stimulate my scalp and lift the dirt. I never use my fingernails as this can irritate the scalp. I try not to get so carried away with the scrubbing that my hair gets tangled. With my light scrubbing I noticed the shampoo did not create a huge amount of suds like clarifying or other Lauryl Sodium Sulphate based shampoos. That’s right there’s no alcohol in the list of ingredients. This was a first for me and now I’m hooked.

This is one of the few products that each member of my household uses including my 15-month old. We have every texture of hair imaginable. My kids love it because it doesn’t burn their eyes when I rinse their hair in the tub or shower. I was also impressed that they use mineral water in the mix. This company did not hold back on the, “good stuff.” It contains all the ingredients of a healthy salad: carrot, onion, garlic & celery just to name a few.

Most hair cleaning detergents (shampoos) contain ingredients that strip hair of its oil, which helps to produces lots of suds. They may even leave your hair squeaky clean and that’s not good. When your hair is stripped of its natural oils, it is in a vulnerable state. It welcomes breakage and for some of us head lice.You’ll end up using twice the amount of conditioner afterwards. Think about it, how many times have you had almost a full bottle of shampoo and only a half bottle of conditioner left when they were bought at the same time? We’ve all experienced this I think. It’s because we over wash until the hair is too clean. Yes, in my opinion, there is a thing as too clean. Just because the bottle says to repeat it doesn’t mean it’s needed.

In general, shampooing hair once a week is a good rule for African American hair. I knew a woman who thought washing hair every 2 weeks or longer was great. “Girrrl…you know dirt makes your hair grow,” is what she’d say. No doubt, she’s got about a teaspoonful of hair left on her head after all those years of grime. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule about how many times per week to shampoo as well as how many times to rinse…lather…and repeat. Use your best judgment.

Tip: If you have fine or Caucasian hair, you may not feel the need to condition afterwards. If this is the case, you should still use a leave in. I don’t usually recommend skipping conditioner but only with this shampoo on those hair types, I feel it’s okay.

Gloves? Check

Face mask? Check

Fan? Check

These are the items Elizabeth Adorno makes sure she has handy before applying the popular yet controversial Brazilian Keratin straightening treatment in her Dominican salon at 1811 W. 4^th Street, Wilmington, Delaware.

The Brazilian Keratin treatment has been praised for its ability to straighten curly hair for up to 4 months while being criticized in the same breath for the dangerous active ingredient formaldehyde. Eli Castillo of RoundBrushHair.com talked with Elizabeth Adorno about this very service that is offered in her Dominican Hair salon.

RoundBrushHair.com: Congratulations on being our July’s Featured Stylist! Tell us a little bit about how you go started in hair care?

Elizabeth Adorno: Thank you! I studied at Wilfred Academy Of Hair And Beauty Culture in Philadelphia. I have been doing hair for 24 years. I have experience in cuts, colors, updos and now Brazilian Keratin.

RoundBrushHair.com: Yes, the Brazilian Keratin. I’m really interested to know more. I have heard very little about this treatment, both good and bad. Tell us a little more about what it is and how it compares to a regular relaxer.

Elizabeth Adorno: Sure, well I took the training at the International Hair Show in NY earlier this year. You can’t compare a relaxer to the Brazilian Keratin because it’s is a natural deep treatment that is made from the cacao plant. Relaxers are chemical straighteners. If you’re relaxed and get the Brazilian Keratin, you will still need the relaxer first.

RoundBrushHair.com: Relaxers have more chemicals, but the Brazilian Keratin has formaldehyde right? Isn’t that dangerous?

Elizabeth Adorno: Yes, but it only has 2% formaldehyde and it’s used to keep the product fresh. When I apply the Brazilian keratin I use a mask on both my face and the client’s face. I also use a fan to keep air circulating to prevent inhalation of the formaldehyde. The problem is if you inhale the smell.

RoundBrushHair.com:Can you describe the process of the application?

Elizabeth Adorno:

Wash the hair with a special shampoo.
Dry the hair Apply the treatment (it’s like putting a permanent color in the hair)
Then use the flat iron (the iron will bring the shine to the hair) and the hair receives the treatment.

RoundBrushHair.com: How often does the treatment need to be re-applied?

Elizabeth Adorno: Every 3 or 4 months, but it really depends on how you take care of your hair.

RoundBrushHair.com: There are a lot of do’s and don’ts that go along with the treatment right? Can you tell us some of them?

Elizabeth Adorno: Yes, for the first 4 days, the person should not apply anything to their hair not even head bands or gomitas (pony tail holders). After the treatment I supply all my clients with instructions and information that they should know about the keratin. It’s important to know that after the keratin treatment people should only use shampoo with keratin and no ammonium chloride.

The Brazilian Keratin should only be applied by a Brazilian Keratin certified beautician. If you’re interested in this service, look over the step-by-step video we found and then give Elizabeth Adorno a call!

1811 W. 4th Street
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 656-7601