RoundBrushHair! > Dominican Hair Care Blog

Do we all just assume that our beloved stylists follow the many rules of sanitation? Or are we just blind to the facts? Now I’ll be the first to admit that our state’s board of cosmetology has some pretty rigorous rules. And from what I’ve seen, most are blatantly ignored.

When I was younger, my cousin used to wash our hair, in her filthy kitchen sink. We were taught to respect our elders and be grateful. So we kept quiet. Nevermind the macaroni and Rice Crispies stuck to our foreheads. I would’ve preferred she just fix us a plate to take home instead of sending it with us in our hair.

I’ll never forget how, day to day, in beauty school my teacher would drill sanitation rules into our heads to the point where it was aggravating. I didn’t see then why she did this but, after stepping out into the real world of salon life I understood why.

When I first started working in a real salon I was in for quite a shock. There were no glass jars of blue liquid (Babercide) on each station as the law requires. All they used was a Kool Aid pitcher sitting by the sink in the dispensary/kitchen. The stylists just dipped their combs in without even rinsing. This quick fix, in no way, killed germs. The icing on the cake was when on of the, so-called, “top stylists,” cut her finger while doing a routine haircut. Accidents happen to the best of us of course. I was her apprentice at the time so to her I was ignorant to salon procedure. I watched her put her shears down, politely excuse herself form the client, and proceed to thoroughly disinfect and bandage her wound. Upon her return to her virtually immaculate station she picked up right where she left of with the cut. NOW HOLD UP! Didn’t she just cut her finger with those tainted scissors!?! Her client was oblivious to what was going on. All she did was ask, “Are you okay?” while never looking up from her magazine. I was appalled. Did they not learn the same rules of sanitation that I did?
At another salon, I was laughed at and labeled a newbie when I asked where the spray bottle of alcohol was to clean out the shampoo bowl. In school it was regular practice to do this to the entire bowl, neck rest, and seat between clients. Yes, it was time consuming but, I’ve washed my share of nasty hair on less that fresh people in my day. Once a classmate had a sweaty woman come in who’s hair was so grimy under her wig that the whole salon smelled like feet when she removed it. YUCK! The alcohol spray sure came in handy that day.

Before I was formally educated on this subject I saw nothing wrong with my girls and I sharing combs and brushes. Hey, I heard black people didn’t get lice so what was the problem? This however is untrue. We can get lice it’s just rare,. We’ll explore that topic more at a later time. The point I’m trying to make is that you don’t always know what lurks on a person’s scalp underneath their hair. Or, what’s in their hair for that matter. I suggest that everyone clean their styling utensils accessories often. Using a dirty comb in clean hair defeats the purpose. In addition, please never be afraid of calling your stylist out on her hygiene habits, mainly regarding your hair. Many beauty professionals who are well seasoned in the business get lazy with the rules but, remember those rules were made for everyone’s health and safety. So let’s keep it clean!

*Here are a few phrases to help you along:

Por favor sanitar el equipo antes de usarlo? (Please sanitize the equipment before using it?)

Es esa peinilla/ese cepillo limpia. (Is that comb/brush clean?)

Ya has usado esa peinilla/ese cepillo con otros clientes? (Have you already used this comb/brush on other clients?)

Product Name: Miss Key Super Conditioner 10 en 1

Price: $5.99 (8oz.), $9.99 (16.oz), & $22.99 (56.oz)
How to use: After shampooing, apply a small amount and leave in for 10 minutes then rinse with normal temperature water.
Personal Rating: 4 out of 5 (This is a wonderful product that I recommend)
*Note: This is a very reasonably priced item that comes in 3 sizes. How convenient!

Not too long ago, it was brought to my attention that Miss Key’s Super Conditioner 10 en 1 is a favorite of many. It also heard that, those who love the Miss Key are usually not big fans of the Silicon Mix line and vice versa. I then made it my mission to find out why this was. Many of you have read my review on Silicon Mix and as you can see I’m a huge fan. However, I feel exactly the same about the Miss Key, just not for my hair type. With each new product, I give it 3 weeks, to work it’s “magic”. This way I can feel confident about reviewing it or giving advice.

I tried this product on my natural hair, with much excitement because I heard such wonderful things about it. I shampooed my hair after using pre-shampoo oil and immediately applied the conditioner. I was in heaven when I opened the jar and smelled the peach-colored cream. The fragrance is hard to compare but, I’ll try my best. It was something like candy combined with something else. I can’t describe it in detail but, it smelled GREAT! The consistency was slightly more thick than others that I’ve tried. I applied the cream in sections and combed through with a round-tipped, wide-tooth comb (I recommend always combing conditioner through to be sure it’s distributed evenly). I put on a shower cap an let it sit for about 10 minutes. I did not use heat other than the steam from the shower. While I was rinsing I could tell that the conditioner wasn’t what I expected. My hair was soft but, it’s been softer. I had the same result the next few times. I wasn’t all-out displeased with it. I’ve just had better.

Now on the flip side, I used this conditioner on 3 different people with relaxed hair. Let me tell you, I was blown away. I tried the product with and without heat. On 3 different types of relaxed hair and I was hooked. This one is my daughter’s official favorite conditioner so far. I almost hate to test new products on relaxed hair now because of the fabulous results this product gave. On the other hand, for natural and texturized heads, I’m not too fond of what I got out of this product. Come to think of it, most of the raves that I’ve heard in the past were from people with relaxed hair. So, to sum things up, for those with chemically straightened hair you should place an order right away. For the naturals out there, it won’t hurt to try. Also, check out the out the Silicon Mix with or without Pearl Protein. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with either or both of the two.

This morning as I saw my better half getting ready for work I noticed that, once again, his hair looked as if it had a mind of it’s own. I asked him, “why is it that guys don’t take care of their hair the way that women do? Is it because it’s short or do you find it feminine taking time out to care for it?” He looked at me as if the answer was obvious. He said, “it’s girly to play in your hair. We grow up seeing you guys doing it so we don’t.”

From what I’ve seen, the only men who actually take the time to maintain their locks are the ones with locks and, on occasion, a bachelor that’s trying to snag a chick. I believe it’s a combination of laziness and being macho that leads to such hair-neglect. I literally have to hand my husband the jar of (deep) conditioner before he gets in the shower just to make sure he uses it. My sons are no different. I do all I can to keep their hair conditioned and styled properly.

Initially I thought that was the reason you find more balding men than women. This of course is not the reason but, I’m sure they could help the situation along at least a little bit. Perhaps if companies used more neutral pictures on the labels they’d feel better about using them. My boys have told me that if they see a bottle of anything with a picture of girls or flowers on it they don’t touch it because it’s probably for either my daughter or myself. They decide by the picture alone whether it’s manly enough or not. I can’t single them out though; like many guys, they assume without ever reading the description or directions. This is why some of us have pink laundry that, once upon a time, was white and upside-down light switches. I can’t be alone in this.

So what are your opinions on why guys are so carefree, or better stated, careless about their hair? For those who disagree please share your thoughts too.

Product Name: Nacidit’s Rinse Aguacate (Avocado Rinse)
Price: $7.99
How to use: After shampooing with Nacidit Avocado Oil Shampoo, apply rinse on hair to detangle. Rinse well thoroughly.
Personal Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (Not my favorite product)
Nacidit’s Rinse Aguacate (Avocado Rinse) is a conditioning rinse that , in my opinion leaves much to be desired as far as ethnic hair goes. On the front of the bottle it states that the product detangles and smoothes and, helps dry or damaged hair. It stays true to it’s word but, much to my dismay, only for my husband’s Caucasian-like hair. To give you and idea of his hair type, think of Patrick Dempsey of Grey’s Anatomy. I must say that I gave this product a fair try. I used it every other day for about 10 days on myself and once a week on my little girl and mother.

I applied the cream to my hair, the first time, after using my favorite deep conditioner. I made sure I used a deep conditioner that works very well on my hair so that I would be sure that if I had a different end result than usual, I would be sure that it was from the new product and nothing else. I massaged an Oreo Cookie-sized amount into my thick hair and combed it through. I let it penetrate for a minute or so and rinsed with cool water like always. Sure, my hair was easily detangled and slightly smoother but I didn’t notice anything to remedy the dryness. I saw the same results on my mother and daughter’s relaxed hair and my son’s mixed hair. Needless to say, the bottle officially belongs to my husband now. He is in love with this product.

You may ask why I use a rinse after a deep conditioner. And the reason is, a conditioning rinse is simply a detangler that does not alter or penetrate your hair strands. I use this because my hair is curly and tangles easily. A rinse can be used as often as you want, even more than once daily if need be. This is what you would use for co-washing (washing hair with conditioner only) not a deep conditioner or conditioning treatment. Not everyone needs to use both types of conditioners. On some hair-types I’ve notice that it counteracts the effects of a deep conditioner. It’s truly and individual experience.

The cream itself in a mint green color and has the consistency of hand lotion. It’s non-greasy and has a light non-overpowering smell not at all reminiscent of Avocado. It reminds me more of a mixture of aloe and baby lotion. I’m not blown away by the smell but, its not terrible. The scent lingers on your hair until you apply another product so for those who feel as I do, don’t worry.

As I say every week. You never know what your own personal result will be until you actually use a product. And at $7.99 the price is reasonable so give it a try!

*Note: I must give partial writing credit to my 7 year old son for the Oreo Cookie reference. They are his favorite.

Does anyone out there ever turn on the television and see a male or female with a very distinct hairstyle and say to themselves, “Hmm he/she must be from…..”. Well I sure do. I’m a B-more (Baltimore) native born and raised.
Remembering some of the crazy styles that I’ve worn such as the fan or a French roll with lifted finger waves (don’t forget the glitter and rhinestones) I look back and wonder how my parents ever let me leave the house. Come to think of it, how’d I get that tall hair through the doorway? LOL.

Back in the 90’s the Doobie gained popularity in NY. I went to visit my Titi (auntie) Carmen in the Bronx and couldn’t believe they wore their hair so flat and boring. Now I love it!

Something funny happened the other day while my husband and I were watching the movie, First Sunday. The movie is set right here in my hometown. I don’t know who did the styling for the film but, they had the Inner Charm city look down to a “T” (at least as far as Ice Cubes baby’s momma was concerned). She had the Kelis cut with bright colors and the lil’ hang-down piece glued on the side (probably some #2 Yaki). Let me tell you, she even had the gold Bamboo name earrings (those never went out of style here). We love us some gold especially on our teeth.

The point is, we Baltimoreans have no fear when it comes to hair color - neon pink, electric blue, or platinum blonde (thank you Sisquo). Many refer to as the Baltimore Balloons because our hair is colored so brightly that when we gather at the Inner Harbor on holidays we look like a sea of rainbow balloons . You either hate it or you love it. And Chaka loves it!

To me there was more of a noticeable difference in styles from city to city years ago. Now we, for the most part, all have the same Milky Way and Motown hair pieces to choose from thanks to our lovely neighborhood hair suppliers.

Nowadays Dominican salons are all the rage here in B-more. This is fairly new to us you see. And finally, after all these years I see why those New York ladies had that smooth flat hair. It’s because they knew the benefits of the Dominican stylists and products while we were still using a half bottle of Stiff Stuff every morning. Now when I visit NY I don’t feel like all eyes are on me and my far-out-do. They can just stare at my outfit instead because around here we love to dress like we’re going clubbin’ at 12 in the afternoon, stilettos and all.

So that’s the wrap on my fair city. We’re not all alike and I speak these words with true endearment and not to offend anyone. Now let’s dish about where you’re from where your going, or where you’ve been and the many hair trends you’ve come across both old and new.

Product Name: Lacio Lacio Leave-In Conditioner
Price: $11.99
How to use: Apply evenly on wet hair and leave it on, style as usual.
Personal Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (I like this product but it has a few downfalls for my particular hair type)
*Note: This product leaves a brilliant shine that is more noticeable after hair is dry.

Lacio Lacio is a lightweight leave-in conditioner fortified with concentrated silk proteins. On the bottle it claims to be a high-shine leave-in….It truly lives up to this statement. I am a big fan of conditioners of all types as you all should know by now. Since I’ve tried this product it’s become part of my family’s hair care regimen. In my over-sized family of seven we have a broad range of hair textures. For instance: my husband has slightly wavy (Caucasian) hair and one of my sons has curly (mixed) hair. Mine is thick, natural and curly and my daughter’s is thick (African American) and relaxed. Out of all of the dozens of products I have in my hair closet, I have to say that this is the only one that each of us uses. I even use a lil’ dab on my 1 year old’s hair after washing it. Lacio Lacio leave in is white in color with a non-greasy yet slippery feel. The slippery feeling must come from the silk proteins. It has a light pleasant smell that reminds me more of a hand cream or body lotion than a hair product.

This product gives you instant results as far as it’s ability to soften. I use pretty much the same application procedure for each of us. After washing and conditioning I apply while wet and comb or brush through. The only things I do differently for us girls is part the hair into four sections and then apply to each area separately. This is because of the thickness of our hair. For the boys a little goes a long way which is great from an economical standpoint. I always blow dry or roller set my little girl’s hair after I apply the leave in. It makes her hair so shiny, soft, and smooth. . Once, I forgot to bring it with me once when doing her hair away from home and boy did it make a difference! The rest of us air-dry naturally.

Unfortunately, I must give you the low-down on the negatives aspects of this product which actually aren’t that bad. For women with thick or long hair, you’ll need to use quite a bit of the product for sufficient coverage. For example: I have to put quarter-sized amounts into each section of my hair to achieve the softness I like. If you’re new here, my hair is above the shoulders and very dense. Sorry ladies, but only the fellas and short haired sistas get to be frugal with this product. The other downfall is the fact that this product is not as moisturizing as it could be. Softening yes….but not moisturizing. I love with the way it leaves my hair for about a day but, beyond that I can feel the dryness creeping in. A few ways around this problem are to always use a good deep conditioner and/or rinse first, don’t over dry with heat and if need be, mix it with another product. Don’t let this discourage you. Try it for yourself I’m sure you’ll love it. There are also some very good customer comments on our website. Check it out!

Elinelsys (Eli) Castillo of RoundBrushHair.com spoke with this month’s featured stylist Carmen Nuñez of NY Dominican Stylists in Washington, DC about why customer service is so important, products in her salon, her secret to treating hair loss and more.

Fast Facts:

• Name: Carmen Nuñez

• From: Santiago, DR

• Years in hair care: 15 years

• Salon: NY Dominican Stylists Salon & Spa

• Salon Location: 5530 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington DC 20011

• Salon Number: (202) 722-6640

• Important salon information: Specializes in caring for relaxed hair and hair cuts.

RBH: Congratulations for being our June’s Featured Dominican stylist! One of the reasons we selected you to feature is because from reading the comments on our Dominican salon locator, you provide great customer service and a friendly atmosphere.

Carmen: Thank you for featuring me! Customer service is very important to me. I value relationships with my clients and I want them to feel comfortable talking to me if they have an issue or problem. I also have a strict rule in my salon: stylists are not allowed to speak Spanish around non-Spanish speaking clients. I don’t want the clients to think we are talking about them negatively, so we speak English around clients.

RBH: I know a lot of clients appreciate that rule. Our blog hostess Chaka Lopez wrote about that very issue not too long ago. Tell us a little bit about how you got started in the hair business.

Carmen: Well, I have always enjoyed working with hair ever since I was young girl. I can remember practicing hair styles and different hair cuts on my dolls and sister’s hair in the Dominican Republic. But it wasn’t until I came to the states that I decided to do hair professionally because I didn’t like the way hair was cared for here.

RBH: So tell us a little about the services at your salon and how you care for hair.

Carmen: We do everything - waxing, permanent colors, highlights and cuts. But I specialize in keeping relaxed hair healthy and strong. At the salon we use both Dominican and Italian products. But Dominican products are great for relaxed hair. Some of the products we use to care for various hair types:

For hair loss: Apretadora Conditioner, Aceite de Canela (Cinnamon oil), Aceite de Romero (Rosemary oil), and Aceite de Coco (Coconut oil). You can mix the oils together to put on your hair before shampooing. [read more about pre-shampoo oils]

For moisture: Proteina de huevo (egg protein) and Coco (coconut) Conditioners.

For dry hair: I have my own secret mixture of products I call my personal Bomba. Clients can ask for it when they visit the salon. It’s an extra fee.

RBH: Most of the products you mentioned are conditioners. Do you recommend rinses? What is the major difference between rinse conditioners and deep conditioners?

Carmen: Not everybody needs both a rinse and conditioner. The rinses are used to make the hair soft, manageable and tangle-free while conditioners are more of a humectant with the ingredients that the hair needs for deep penetrating results. You can use both, but it depends on the texture of the hair. If you hair tends to tangle, you would benefit from both.

New York Dominican Stylists Salon & Spa

5530 Georgia Ave. NW

Washington DC 20011

(202) 722-6640