55 Secret Street : The Dominican Blowout

Ah, the Mighty Dominican Blowout. It's been the subject of much talk lately.

The Washington Post just reported on it and there was a very controversial article in the Miami Herald that sparked a rebuttal published at Clutch and a lively debate over at Afrobella.

I'm wearing braids now, but I have had Dominican blowouts before - and I'll have them again. I'm sure the experience varies across the country, but in my neck of the woods - the New York City area - Dominican salons are like McDonald's and Starbucks - they're everywhere! I like Dominican salons (well, my Dominican salon - Mirror Image in Harlem) because they are quick (under two hours - even with a touch up) and cost effective. When I first heard about my girlfriends "going to the Dominicans," the roller sets were only $10.00! Now, it's around $20 - but it's more expensive in other parts of the country because there are fewer salons.

When I go, I stick with the roller set because my hair is very fine - NO blowdrying and NO flat iron! That is NOT a requirement ladies! Beauty editor, novelist and Dominican salon-enthusiast Tia Williams (who I had the pleasure of meeting last week at a Glam.com party) also stresses this important caveat. If I did allow blowdrying, that meant that I was going somewhere and I wanted that infamous "swing" you get after the blowout.

My favorite part about the whole experience is the conditioner. Sometimes I would bring my own or I would use the salon's - and then pick up a few jars at the beauty supply store next door because they tend to be hard to find.

Whatever you do with your hair - relaxed, natural, braids, locs, blonde highlights - don't let anyone give you a speech about it. If they start, just smile and quote the great Maya Angelou and tell them "Thank you, but I've already been raised."