If I had $1 for every time I heard someone complain about a Dominican salon charging more than $20 for a wash & set I could pay off my student loans, buy my mom a bigger house and take all my cousins on that cruise vacation we’ve been talking about. Well, maybe not the house, but you get what I’m saying. We’ve all heard the stories of women in New York getting their hair done for $10-20. As a matter of fact, a woman called the RoundBrushHair office today saying she got her hair done for $10 at Martha’s on Flatbush and $8 on Wednesdays if she brings her own shampoo. I must admit, it sounds really good, but you know what, when I’m in Santo Domingo I can get my hair for as little as $2 if I bring my own conditioner. Should I start complaining about New York salons charging too much?
Why have the prices in New York translated into “all Dominican salons who charge more than $25 should be ashamed of themselves” or “it’s not a ‘true’ Dominican salon if they charge over a certain amount”? Really? Huh? Are you serious?
I love a good deal like everyone else, and yes, I’m experiencing the pinch of the recession too. However, we have to take a few things into consideration:
- “Dominican Salons” are a type of hair salon and not chain establishments. This means they don’t all offer the same services or prices.
- New York is the Mecca of Dominicans and Dominican salons, so the supply and demand for the services drives down the price.
Not Chain Establishments
Dominican salons are individually owned and operated; there are some salons with more than one location in which case then they are a chain. BUT, the majority of Dominican salons are individual, with their own set of services, prices and policies. You might be thinking to yourself “duh Jennifer, I’m not stupid,” but if more people understood this I don’t think we would have so many generalizations clouding our judgments. Here are a few negative generalizations I’ve heard directed at Dominican salons, which should more appropriately be directed to individual salons:
- Dominican salons are not natural hair friendly – they’re “chemical pushers” (lol, I’m sorry that’s funny…I made that term up myself just now, that might be a future blog entry)
- Dominican stylists are rude – they talk about people’s hair in Spanish.
- Dominican salons use too much heat and thin your hair out over time.
These are comments I’ve heard and seen in practice firsthand, but they don’t characterize all Dominican hair salons. The same goes for prices – we can’t think just because salons in New York charge $10-25 that all Dominican salons have to follow suit.
After talking to a native New Yorker (currently living in Chicago) about this issue, she made a good point: salons in New York are cut and dry – there are no bells and whistles. Don’t expect lavish salons, conversation, or gentleness. When you go to a Dominican salon in New York, you’re in and out and that’s it! Basically – you get what you pay for and the assembly line set-up ensures just that.
I’m from DC and we have a good number of Dominican salons in the area and I can see how this makes sense. I’ve been to $25 salons and I’ve been to $45 salons. Best believe, the service at a $45 salon differs and you see more personality in those salons when it comes to décor, amenities and customer appreciation.
Supply and Demand
Where there’s an excess supply, prices will fall. According to the last two Census reports, Dominicans are the leading immigrants moving into New York, and New York makes up the largest concentration of the Dominican population in the United States – this explains the excess supply of Dominican salons. Looking outside of New York, the demand exceeds the supply which drives up prices. Let’s look at a simple chart (I hold a degree in Economics so I LOVE charts) explaining the law of supply and demand which states prices are pressured toward an equilibrium point. The graph I created only shows the shift in demand because I didn’t want to overdo it with shifts in both supply and demand – I mean, this is already getting a little too geeky.
Simply put:
- An increase in supply causes a decrease in price
- A decrease in supply causes an increase in price
- A decrease in demand causes a decrease in price
- An increase in demand causes an increase in price
So naturally, you might think the answer to getting lower prices is to have more Dominican salons come to your area right? Well, nnnnnot quite. I won’t take you into Econ 401 by explaining price elasticity and variables but I don’t see prices coming down to $10-15 outside of New York for a few reasons:
- The first generation Dominicans who started businesses in the states now have children (raised in the states) old enough to help them run their salons. This means the salons are becoming more business savvy with marketing and promotions. These savvy practices cost money and is passed onto customers.
- Non-Dominicans are hiring Dominican stylists or starting Dominican hair salons and putting an American flavor to the business which means more amenities and services.
- Dominican hair products. Yes, the products we all love! Guess what? The salons in New York can bring them from Santo Domingo in suit cases or when Tia or Primo comes to visit which cuts down on the costs – umm, not so much in Albuquerque, NM (no ladies, there is not a Dominican salon in Albuquerque) lol
- Gas prices. I blame high gas prices for everything. Shoot, I overslept this morning — damn gas prices!
I hope this long winded write-up sheds some light on pricing. But a part of me thinks native New Yorkers will still fly, drive or bus-it to New York for that $15 special. Not because it’s cheap, but ask a New Yorker and I’m sure they’ll tell you, ‘there’s no Dominican salon like a New York Dominican salon!’ and I can’t argue with that! 
If you haven’t already, check out our Dominican Salon locator for a Dominican salon near you!
I am going to agree to disagree. I too live in the Washington Metro area and have paid $50.00, $45.00, $35 and $25.00 for a wash and set. The salons I have paid $25.00 most of the time are better docorated and provide just as good or better customer service. Also, I have been much more pleased with my hair at my favorite salon, which happens to be one of the $25.00 salons and received many, many more compliments!!!! The $25.00 salon I am referring to is one you used to work at, so I know you know I am telling the truth. (smile)
Here is the thing….I visited Charlotte North Carolina during Easter and I went to Yvelisse Salon as per this websites recommendation. I was pleased with the service and the stylist was fabulous and the salon is tastefully appointed and all of that. I just can not wrap my brain around paying 54.00 freakin dollars for a wash, deep conditioner and set and flat iron….what the hell for! Now I do understand supply and demand and that because there are not as many Dominican salons in the area that Yvelisse can get gully with it as opposed to say someone like myself who resides in the Brooklyn/Queens area and Monday through Thursday can get all of that for 25 dollars the most. I am just having a hard time swallowing paying that much and not one chemical has hit my scalp! I am moving to Charlotte shortly and I am just going to have to really seek out a dominican salon that is not going to charge me out the wazoo and still give me the results that I am accustomed to.
I am going down shortly and plan to go to the same Salon, this is really deterring me from getting my hair down now. I am seriously considering doing it here in TO with my regular girl and just keeping it up until my nephews graduation. I was looking forward to experiencing a Dominican Salon in the US but, hell naw at $54.00!! And I was planning to get myself and my two daughters done. Their hair is natural and down to their bums.
Hey Kim – long time no see!! Point taken, but that $25 Wash & Set is a special not the norm. The regular price at that salon is $35. But I do see your point…
Hi Jennifer, it would be fabulous if you could show case some more salons in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg/Carrabas North Carolina area! I am being selfish because I am getting ready to move to Charlotte and I need your help!! Keep up the great work and I tell everyone about your website!
I have been in and out of salons in general since the age of 13 and im in my 40′s now. So im aware that each establishment can set their own prices. I have had the classic Dominican blowout style once about 4 years ago when I noticed the salons popping up in southern PG county Md. My hair came out great but the salon experience was a little sketchy. At any rate im ready to try again and don’t mind paying for a great outcome.
I think it is a little funny that everyone has such a strong opinion about this. Every time I think about getting a hair cut and spending $25 or less I don’t expect to receive the best cut ever. If you are getting a good cut and love the results I would expect to pay at least $35. Yes there are occasions where you can get your dream cut for super cheap but don’t expect it all the time. Think of it this way, your hair is something that defines who you are. It is what people see day in and day out. It shapes your style. If your hair does so much and has such a big affect on your appearance should we be paying pennies for a cut?
I really enjoyed and appreciated this article. I am in the DMV area as well. I like the idea of going to a salon that offers a good deal but I don’t expect to always pay bottom prices. I find Dominican Salons in general to provide “competitive” prices. I have taken my daughter to an American salon where the wash, flat iron and trim set me back $75 ( $85-$95 if include tip). I took her to a Dominican Salon and the same service was $60 INCLUDING TIP! And the service included a steam/deep conditioning treatment. The service was so good that I plan to go back and have my hair done. (I have not had a stylist touch my hair since November 2009).
A few months back I attended the premier beauty show in Orlando, Florida. I was fascinated by all the new hair cutting techniques and new hair products out there. But, the one that caught my eye the most was the Natura Organic Hair Formaldehyde-Free Treatment System. The Natura Organic Hair Treatment System is a certified organic keratin treatment system. It not only makes your hair substantially smoother but it also creates a protective coat over your hair to protect it from any further damage. The Natura Organic Hair Treatment System is best used within 24 to 72 hours of you dying your hair because the hair cuticle is open and the product can be deeply penetrated into your hair, creating a smooth, shiny, and lustrous layer over each and every strand of hair. If you follow up with the after care products your Keratin Treatment can last up to 6 months. Otherwise, it’ll last a minimum of 3 months. And if u live in south Florida the treatment will cost you about an average of 250$.
Great Breakdown Jennifer! u r hilarious!
why i am paying $75 for a blow out?? yes im natural but my hair is so straight now from the blowdryer that sometimes even the dominican stylist have to ask whether im natural or relaxed. secondly, most of them wont even use a roundbrush anymore which makes me angry and makes my hair less straighter. third, my hair looks a mess half the time without any bounce or curl. and on top of that they expect a tip!! honestly, all they’re doing is washing and blowdrying my hair….that’s it. it shouldnt cost an arm and leg to do. i dont get a flat iron after the blowout and dominican products are cheap so it doesnt make sense, at all!
I have noticed that in some salons the price varies by the length of your hair. I was charged 25 for a wash and set my hair is in layers and is longest to the nape of my neck. My bet friend has hair past her chest and was charged 30. I think it’s reasonable. Also I have been to one that charged $15 but my hair did not come out as I wanted. It was weighed down and had no body . I am a firm believer in “you get what you pay for.”