A Dominican haircut refers to a signature haircut and styling technique that originated in the Dominican Republic. It is characterized by precision cutting and blowouts that result in smooth, sleek, and shiny straightened hair. The technique spread in popularity in Latinx communities, especially among people with naturally curly or kinky hair textures who want to achieve a straight, voluminous blowout. The cuts and styles are now found in Dominican salons worldwide.
History and Origins
The origins of the Dominican haircut can be traced back to the early 20th century Dominican Republic. Given the hot and humid climate, many Dominican women utilized hair straightening techniques and cuts that helped to tame frizz and volume. Dominican hairstylists developed techniques using the natural texture of curly hair to create precise shapes, movement, and flow when hair was straightened via blow-drying. These methods were passed down over generations and became hallmarks of Dominican salons.
The popularity of Dominican haircuts expanded in the later decades of the 1900s when Dominicans migrated to cities like New York. Dominican salon owners brought their unique hair cutting and styling services to new regions. The signature blowouts and haircuts became embedded in Dominican culture and identity in the United States. The demand for these services increased as other communities like African Americans adopted the hairstyles.
Technique
There are a few key elements that characterize the Dominican haircut and blowout process:
Cutting on Dry, Straightened Hair
Dominican stylists typically cut hair only when it is in its straightened state. This allows them to see how the hair falls when straight and cut it in a way that achieves the desired shape and movement. They may blow dry and flat iron in sections before cutting. This approach helps create shapes and layers suited to straightened hair.
Blow Drying Sections
To achieve a straight blowout, Dominican stylists divide hair into sections. They blow dry each section meticulously using a round brush to pull hair taut. This stretching and tightening of strands helps achieve straightness in curly hair textures. The sections also allow meticulous control and shaping.
Precision Cutting
Precision cutting and layering is key. Stylists carefully cut different layers, often with blunt ends, to achieve shape. Face-framing layers around the front are common. The layers provide fullness, movement, and flow when blow dried straight.
Polishing and Finishing
Dominican blowouts result in very smooth, sleek hair. After blow drying, stylists use polish treatments and serums to enhance shine and moisture. Flat ironing at very high heats also helps smooth any remaining frizz. The finished look has lots of swish, volume, and luster.
Common Haircut Styles
Some popular haircut styles that emerged from Dominican salons include:
The Pixie Cut
The Dominican pixie cut is layered short hairstyle with tapered sides. Hair is cut close to head, but layers provide height and volume when blow dried straight. Neck is cleanly shaved. Face-framing layers are left longer.
The Bob
Dominican stylists are experts at cutting a blunt, sleek bob cut that appears straight and lush. Face-framing layers around chin are left longer, with shortest layers tapered at neck. Ear length or shoulder length bobs are popular.
Long Layers
For longer hair, Dominican cuts make use of long layers to create movement. Layers are often cut to start closer to the bottom, allowing weight through the ends for a fluid, straight style. Layered bangs soften face.
Maintenance
Maintaining a Dominican haircut requires commitment to regular styling. Here are some tips:
Blow Drying
Blow drying straight using a round brush immediately after washing is key. Air drying allows hair to revert to its natural curl or kink, losing the precision cut shape.
Deep Conditioning
Using deep conditioners and hair masks helps replenish moisture that is lost through heat and chemical straightening. This avoids dry, damaged hair over time.
Heat Styling
Using a flat iron after blow drying can help smooth any sections with remaining texture or frizz for a polished finish.
Salon Visits
Booking appointments for touch up cuts every 4-6 weeks can keep hair in optimal shape. Dominican stylists know how to cut specifically for straightened hair.
Benefits of Dominican Haircuts for Curly Hair
Dominican haircuts offer many benefits for people with naturally curly or kinky hair who want straight styles. These include:
- Expert precision cutting and layering when hair is straight allows stylists to shape the movement, volume and flow for straightened styles.
- Blow drying techniques can help achieve straight styles that last on textures prone to reverting to curl patterns when air dried.
- The cuts offer versatility – hair can be blow dried straight or allowed to revert to natural curls or kinks.
- The cuts remove bulk and increase fullness in thick, curly hair types when blow dried.
- Dominican stylists are experienced in styling for curls, kinks, and coils. Their cuts suit these textures.
Cost
The cost of Dominican haircuts and blowout services at salons varies based on location and stylist level. On average, costs in the US may range from:
| Dominican Haircut Service | Average Price Range |
| Women’s Haircut | $50 – $100 |
| Blowout Styling | $50 – $100 |
| Men’s Haircut | $20 – $60 |
| Child’s Haircut | $20 – $50 |
| Shampoo & Condition | $10 – $30 |
| Extensions Styling | $100 – $250 |
Prices vary higher in major metropolitan areas. Many salons offer bundle deals on haircutting and styling services.
Finding a Stylist
You can find skilled Dominican stylists and salons in cities with large Dominican populations like:
- New York City
- Miami
- Boston
- Providence
- Los Angeles
- Orlando
- Tampa
Ask for referrals from friends. Look for salons that specialize in natural hair care for curly textures. Stylists may advertise specialty in Dominican blowouts, especially at Latinx-owned salons. Do an online search for highly reviewed Dominican hair salons in your area.
Dominican Haircut on Straight Hair
Dominican haircut techniques can also be performed on straight, wavy, or loosely curly hair textures. The same benefits of layers, movement, and bounce can be achieved. Precision cutting is based on the way the hair naturally falls straightened. This can create excellent shaping and lightness around fine, straight hair that lacks volume. Be sure to find a stylist experienced in Dominican techniques.
Dominican Haircuts for Black Hair
Dominican haircuts are especially popular among Black women with tightly coiled natural hair types like 3C and 4C. The cuts and blowout styling achieve a straightened look. Important benefits for highly textured hair include:
- Removing volume and bulk for a smoother, lightweight look
- Expert layering creates movement, bounce and shine when heat straightened
- A polished stretched style that helps detangle and protect ends
- Versatility to wear hair straight or curly
The cuts provide an stretched styling option for Afros and natural coily hair. Hairstylists familiar with black hair textures will ensure the cuts and heat styling are done safely to avoid damage.
At Home Care
Caring for your Dominican haircut at home between salon visits involves:
Wash Days
Shampoo and condition hair using products for your hair type. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb. Style in sections with a blow dryer and round brush to smooth and straighten.
Nighttime Care
Use a satin bonnet or pillowcase to help keep shape and moisture overnight. Have your stylist recommend leave-in products if needed to maintain your blowout longer.
Deep Conditioning
Regularly use a hair mask or deep conditioner, at least weekly, to replenish hydration and prevent damage from daily heat.
Correct Tools
Invest in quality hot tools like a ceramic flat iron and ionic blow dryer. Learn techniques from your stylist for at home straightening sessions.
Finding Products
To care for hair between salon visits, look for:
- Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for your hair type
- Deep conditioning hair masks for moisture
- Leave-in cream or serum to fight frizz and enhance shine
- Heat protectant spray to shield from flat irons and blow dryers
- The right blow dryer and flat iron for your hair
Consult with your stylist for product recommendations suited to your hair’s needs. Anti-frizz and anti-humidity products help prolong straight blowout styles.
Transitioning to Natural Hair
If you have had a Dominican blowout for years and want to transition to wearing natural curls, some tips include:
Chop Off Straightened Ends
Cut off chemically or heat straightened ends to allow new, natural growth to emerge. Consider doing a big chop all at once.
Stop Straightening Treatments
Allow hair to revert to its natural pattern by avoiding relaxers, blowouts, and high heat. Begin washing and conditioning more frequently as needed.
Reset Your Cut
Book time with a stylist who specializes in cutting curly hair. Ask for a cut tailored to your natural curls or coils. This shapes and enhances your texture.
Find New Products
Look for shampoos, conditioners, gels, and styling products specially formulated for curly hair. These nourish curls and enhance definition.
Embrace Your Curls
Allow your natural texture to shine through. Learn new techniques like finger coiling, diffusing, and styling curls in their natural state.
Conclusion
Dominican haircuts require meticulous techniques but can create beautiful results. The signature cuts and blowouts on curly hair types allow for versatile straight or curly styling options. With regular salon touch-ups and proper at-home care, the precise shapes, movement and shine of a Dominican haircut can be maintained.