Barbershop and Salon Day
"Dominicans are the best with hair," I've heard so many non Dominican people say that. Good prices for great work, it's no wonder why people get their hair done so often here in Dominican Republic.
It's Saturday morning and I'm awakened by the peaceful sounds of the birds chirping outside, followed by the disturbing sounds of loud bikes, balanced by the pleasant sounds of bachata music being played from neighbors. I moved so much in my lifetime that I often wake up and not know where I am lol, but as I come to, I realize that I’m in Dominican Republic. It’s early to bed and early to rise, for the majority in this town. So, I’m up and about without a tired lagging feeling.
In North America, I rarely was a breakfast person, but that changed like night and day since being in Dominican Republic. It probably has to do with the slower pace lifestyle here. As for today my lady has cut up all these fruits and put them aside, while raving about how good the watermelon she just picked up from the vendor is. Me not being big on watermelon, I didn't pay it any mine. She keeps saying how good it is and that if she had known how good they were, then she would have gotten more. Then she asks me to try it, and before I decided to try it, the thought then appears to me that I haven't had watermelon in years. It was really good, and with the mix of the other fruits (papaya, melon, avocado) made this an enjoyable type of breakfast for me.
While eating breakfast we were just talking about whatever and it came up that she wanted to go to the hair salon. I know that can take some time, so I decided to go to the barbershop. Barbershops are everywhere in Dominican Republic; you don't have to look far to find one. I just walk until I see a huge sign in-front written “Barbería” and then I enter in. Like any other barbershop when an unfamiliar face walks in, everyone stops what there are doing to look at the “new guy” and this Dominican Barbería (Barbershop) wasn't much difference my first time. Or maybe they are just looking because they're aware that I’m a foreigner. Either way, as I sat to the side expecting to wait, one of the barbers tells me that I can be next. It's hard to tell who is here for a cut, and it's because a lot of the guys look like they already have a haircut lol. After a short wait it's my turn and I'm called up to the barber chair. The English terms that I use to describe how I would like my haircut is hard to translate in Spanish, but it’s not a big deal because the barbers in DR will understand in any language when it's about cutting hair. The conversation now is about where I am from? and if I am enjoying my time in Dominican Republic. The Dominican people have true hospitality, they really want us foreigners to have a good time in their country, as much as they do. My haircut was to my satisfaction, and yes, the barbers in Dominican Republic are that good. The price of $5 felt like a steal compared to the cost of $30 - $40 what I hear men are paying for in North America nowadays. I pay the bill, tell the barber thank you, say my goodbyes and then make my way home.
Meanwhile, my lady is at the salon getting her hair done and possibly nails also, as some salons offer nail service too. Salons are generally busier come Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Walk-ins are welcomed with no appointment necessary, but that would depend also on how busy the salon is. For instance, the capital city Santo Domingo would likely be busier than other parts of the country. So, from what I hear it sounds as if some of the salons are like a small party, also a place to unwind lol. A friendly atmosphere, where everyone is socializing while music is being played in the background. The salons serve coffee, tea and adult beverages. No wonder it takes so much time being there lol. After spending time getting a wash and blow, she pays the hairdresser which cost between 400 - 1000 pesos ($8-$20usd) says goodbye and makes her way home.
I often heard that “Dominicans are great with hair” I have 2 theories for this. The first one is because appearance means a lot in Dominican Republic, they're always getting their hair done. The second reason being because in Dominican Republic there is every type of hair texture. From curly hair to straight hair, the majority of people are mixed and with that a barber or hairdresser works with all the types of hair textures, and they know how to treat all.
They are the best at doing hair! And that’s from first hand experience of going to a Dominican hair salon in NYC.
I can't believe the difference in cost. A haircut in my area is $45. Highlights or toning costs a lot, total cost for upkeep on my hair: $130 every 6 to 8 weeks.