Maravilloso! Thank you, Ms. Garcia, for this article, and mad props to Ms Contreras and her salon!
Wonderful piece!
I laud the progress outlined in this article, however, it is Alana’s comment that compels me to post a response. What you flippantly chalk up to “negative publicity” is actually the systematic oppression of a people upon whose back DR has built a thriving and lucrative economy. DR’s current economic health has its roots in the sugar trade of the late 1800’s. Haitian migrant workers were paid menial wages to work Dominican sugar plantations under inhumane conditions, which allowed plantation owners to build significant wealth. DR continues to enjoy the effects of that unfair advantage today, as it is among the more prosperous nations in the Caribbean. Does this economic story sound familiar? If only we could find examples in our past of the horrific effects of nations that exploit those that look different to their own economic benefit... Dominicans fled to American shores starting in the 1960’s. The US did not establish sub tiers that restricted their ability to access medical care, education or any other rights available to legal (and some illegal) residents. It would have been wrong then and it is wrong now. Alana, you would be best served by educating yourself on DR’s history and quit perpetuating a colonial agenda. Thinly-veiled attempts to use physical characteristics to divide and persecute people of color have and always will be detrimental to the GLOBAL community. Wrongs committed in one corner of the world affect us all.
2
For readers who don't understand the connection between the racism that shapes beauty ideals and the subversiveness of this salon I recommend:
"10 Ways the Beauty Industry Tells You Being Beautiful Means Being White"
http://everydayfeminism.com/2016/01/when-beauty-equals-white/?utm_conten...
There are hundreds of articles discussing this phenomenon if you care to look. The ignorance of history and the willful blindness of our world today that I'm seeing in many readers here is just incredible.
"10 Ways the Beauty Industry Tells You Being Beautiful Means Being White"
http://everydayfeminism.com/2016/01/when-beauty-equals-white/?utm_conten...
There are hundreds of articles discussing this phenomenon if you care to look. The ignorance of history and the willful blindness of our world today that I'm seeing in many readers here is just incredible.
3
I enjoyed reading this, as I've been living in Washington Heights for 5 years now and I feel like the adopted child. Dominicans' charisma is infectious. This article spreads it around! Their culture is rich and fascinating, and everyone loves music and loves to sing, so this is the place for me.
2
I am sick and tired of all the bad publicity against the DR. Are Michelle Obama and daughters denying their African heritage? Yes, according to you. I have never seing a picture of them with natural hair. Go to Haiti or any african country and you will see how women take care of their hair. What does the USA do to ilegal immigrants? What the DR has done to Haitians is provide them with papers, papers that their own government failed to deliver. USA should follow the example and help millions of people living the same way in their soil. Haiti is not our responsibility, we do not have the means to look after them yet the first country to help right after the 2010 earthquake was the DR and continuous to do so. USA is a racist country, more than any other country I have lived in, here young innocent black people are not killed just because.
3
I laud the progress outlined in this article, however, it is Alana’s comment that compels me to post a response. What you flippantly chalk up to “negative publicity” is actually the systematic oppression of a people upon whose back DR has built a thriving and lucrative economy. DR’s current economic health has its roots in the sugar trade of the late 1800’s. Haitian migrant workers were paid menial wages to work Dominican sugar plantations under inhumane conditions, which allowed plantation owners to build significant wealth. DR continues to enjoy the effects of that unfair advantage today, as it is among the more prosperous nations in the Caribbean. Does this economic story sound familiar? If only we could find examples in our past of the horrific effects of nations that exploit those that look different to their own economic benefit... Dominicans fled to American shores starting in the 1960’s. The US did not establish sub tiers that restricted their ability to access medical care, education or any other rights available to legal (and some illegal) residents. It would have been wrong then and it is wrong now. Alana, you would be best served by educating yourself on DR’s history and quit perpetuating a colonial agenda. Thinly-veiled attempts to use physical characteristics to divide and persecute people of color have and always will be detrimental to the GLOBAL community. Wrongs committed in one corner of the world affect us all.
4
@MCH
Many errors in your comment. The Dominican Republic's current economic health is due to the service industry. Not sugar cane which incidentally is owned by foreigners. The owners - the Vicini's are of Italian descent and the Fanjuls are Cuban of Spanish ancestry. One is an American citizen and their company is an American corporation.
The largest wave of Dominican immigration was in the 1960's but there were Dominicans in the US before then. Some even fought in WWII.
Haitians get free medical care in the Dominican Republic without regard to their legal status. It's completely free even covering medicine. In the U.S., illegal immigrants do not get routine free health care. Perhaps on an emergency basis, but not everyday routine care. Haitians in DR also have access to free public school education.
Lastly, the papers keep printing that the Dominican Supreme Court changed its citizenship law and stripped citizenship. That is factually inaccurate. There are treaties, other laws, and court decisions which all make clear that illegal immigrants were never born with citizenship. And all of those predate the Dominican Supreme Court decision.
Many errors in your comment. The Dominican Republic's current economic health is due to the service industry. Not sugar cane which incidentally is owned by foreigners. The owners - the Vicini's are of Italian descent and the Fanjuls are Cuban of Spanish ancestry. One is an American citizen and their company is an American corporation.
The largest wave of Dominican immigration was in the 1960's but there were Dominicans in the US before then. Some even fought in WWII.
Haitians get free medical care in the Dominican Republic without regard to their legal status. It's completely free even covering medicine. In the U.S., illegal immigrants do not get routine free health care. Perhaps on an emergency basis, but not everyday routine care. Haitians in DR also have access to free public school education.
Lastly, the papers keep printing that the Dominican Supreme Court changed its citizenship law and stripped citizenship. That is factually inaccurate. There are treaties, other laws, and court decisions which all make clear that illegal immigrants were never born with citizenship. And all of those predate the Dominican Supreme Court decision.
2
@ Alana. You wrote: "....What the DR has done to Haitians is provide them with papers, papers that their own government failed to deliver...." Short memory, because I remember this loud uproar in the media, a few months ago, when thousands of Dominicans were denied papers, threatened with deportation, etc..., simply because they had what was perceived as non-Dominican parents or even ancestors. Most of the people affected were of Haitian descent or from countries where people are viewed as darker skinned: This one is entitled: (FEAR OF DEPORTATION): http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/fear-of-deportation-in-the-domin... and the title for this article is: WITH RACIST RULIG, HAITIAN DOMINICANS ARE DENIED HOME, IDENTITY: http://newsone.com/2798543/haiti-dominican-republic-citizenship/
I've followed Miss Rizo's Blog for quite some time now and it's great to see her receive the exposure she most definitely deserves. She's been an inspiration to many women because of her dedication to highlight, the beauty of Afro-textured hair.
7
I think it's great that women are feeling free finally to let their hair be what it wants to be. I also think it's great that women can decide if they want to experiment with something else too. I have wretchedly straight fine hair compounded by random cowlicks. At the risk of being accused of cultural appropriation, what wouldn't I give for those beautiful natural curls others are trying to straighten!
Tangential rant: does the ridiculous furor over appropriation mean that the great African-American divas of opera should be booted off the stage? Andre Watts should not play classical music? Stan Getz should not have played jazz? Artists ARE appropriators! I love the way that musicians who otherwise wouldn't have talk to each other create a common language through their music.
Tangential rant: does the ridiculous furor over appropriation mean that the great African-American divas of opera should be booted off the stage? Andre Watts should not play classical music? Stan Getz should not have played jazz? Artists ARE appropriators! I love the way that musicians who otherwise wouldn't have talk to each other create a common language through their music.
3
Whenever certain women embrace their natural appearance without spending a fortune that they may or may not have on airfare and salon, I'll start to consider them worthy of respect. Why does our society prize appearance so very highly and emphasise things like hair and nails that are completely without intrinsic merit, while neglecting the intellectual and spiritual content of another human being? As long as these salon tourists affect the appearance--at some inordinate expense--of someone that they are not, I will withhold respect. We condemned Rachel Dolezal for trying to appear as an African-American, so by the same logic why do we accept African-American women trying to appear as someone they are not?
8
Whenever certain women embrace their natural appearance without spending a fortune that they may or may not have on airfare and salon, I'll start to consider them worthy of respect. As long as they affect the appearance--at some inordinate expense--of someone that they are not, I will withhold respect. We condemned Rachel Dolezal for trying to appear as an African-American, so by the same logic why do we accept African-American women trying to be someone they are not?
3
There are 3 people in the photo, 2 working on a head. You identify one person and don't place her from left to right. Show some respect.
Is she the skinny lady or the more Rubenesque one?
Is she the skinny lady or the more Rubenesque one?
6
The owner of the salon, Carolina Contreras, is the woman on the left in the photo.
1
Fascinating. Dominicans yearn for natural hair only after expelling Haitians for being black.
8
I'm not Dominican but I have been natural for over 25 years. I remember people telling me to just "perm" my hair when I couldn't. I am delighted to see so many women of African descent embracing and loving their natural hair. This is nothing short of a revolution and a great start to break the shackles of White supremacy.
Bravo to Ms. Contreras!
Bravo to Ms. Contreras!
9
Just look at our cool, handsome First African-American President. He has been maintaining his handsome locks, au naturale - in Hawaai or D.C. And I am sure it is soft! I just cannot see him burning and straightening his hair nor does it look like dribbling in hair products. And with the encroaching greys, his head is a work of art - naturally!
6
There's a reason why this article is about women and not men. Western Society does not hold black men to the same type of white, feminine beauty standard that is frequently applied to black women. So, President Obama wearing his hair short and natural is not remarkable. What would be subversive is if the President's wife and daughters wore natural hair styles.
4
If you know anything about the history of black people in America, you would know that black men in the past did indeed straighten their hair. Probably the most famous description in American literature is by Malcolm X, then Malcolm Little, in "The Autobiography of Malcolm X", which provides a vivid account of "conking" one's hair with lye.
Styles have changed and black men usually don't straighten their hair today, but men in conservative positions invariably wear their hair very short or shaved. That's their way of dealing with the biases against bushy black hair in a society that prizes straight, thin hair.
Styles have changed and black men usually don't straighten their hair today, but men in conservative positions invariably wear their hair very short or shaved. That's their way of dealing with the biases against bushy black hair in a society that prizes straight, thin hair.
3
Why would he straighten his hair? Men of African descent are not judged for their hair texture to conform to European standards of beauty, they're judged on their ability or inability to produce wealth.
2
Fab.
1
I absolutely love the BIG natural hair trend. I'm Caucasian and have very fine naturally straight hair, so I envy the rich density of healthy black hair. I never feel comfortable complimenting a black woman on her hair because I'm afraid it will be taken the wrong way. And I think it's rude for people to ask to touch another person's hair. What the heck is that? Anyway, I'm happy that women are feeling free to be themselves, embracing their truly beautiful attributes. It all came down to viewing themselves with a more loving lens.
8
@Teresa Cortez,
First, I'm sure your hair is lovely and you're quite gracious. I can understand your hesitancy, but, my mom's a Black woman with soft curls and waves. People have asked my mom if they could touch her hair and she's never found it offensive. Genuine curiosity is normal and healthy, not offensive.
And trust me, I'm also a Black woman with natural hair. Compliments are always appreciated. : )
1-3-15@3:13 am est
First, I'm sure your hair is lovely and you're quite gracious. I can understand your hesitancy, but, my mom's a Black woman with soft curls and waves. People have asked my mom if they could touch her hair and she's never found it offensive. Genuine curiosity is normal and healthy, not offensive.
And trust me, I'm also a Black woman with natural hair. Compliments are always appreciated. : )
1-3-15@3:13 am est
3
@Teresa Cortez,
Again, to the gracious lady, one tiny thing I forgot to mention: as you know, how interestingly genes can work in the family. My mom's wavy and curly, with shine a mile away. I'm more coily-kinky and my hair's not so shiny--leans toward sheen. You're right, completely about self love. We're all beautiful, including you and thank you for the smile you've put on
my face. : )
1-3-16@3:22 am est
Again, to the gracious lady, one tiny thing I forgot to mention: as you know, how interestingly genes can work in the family. My mom's wavy and curly, with shine a mile away. I'm more coily-kinky and my hair's not so shiny--leans toward sheen. You're right, completely about self love. We're all beautiful, including you and thank you for the smile you've put on
my face. : )
1-3-16@3:22 am est
2
Teresa:
It's not a "trend". It's a manner of wearing one's hair without treatment by toxic chemicals that is long overdue.
Would you say you like the "THIN straight hair trend"? Of course not.
It's not a "trend". It's a manner of wearing one's hair without treatment by toxic chemicals that is long overdue.
Would you say you like the "THIN straight hair trend"? Of course not.
2
I wish that just as Dominicans begin to acknowledge their African heritage, they would take a look at the racist legislation denying citizenship to Haitians who have lived in the D.R. for decades. See NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/30/world/americas/born-dominican-but-lock...
12
why you want to politicize this article?
2
In my opinion I think this fear of African goes back to the time when the Island was colonized by the Spaniards. Many of these Spaniards fought in the Reconquista against black skinned Moors from North Africa. As a result, all things good and Christian were associated with White and all things evil or heretical were associated with black.
2
Or perhaps their fear of blacks comes from the Haitian slave revolt of Toussaint L'Ouverture. I think you have just a little bit of knowledge that has led you to some wrong conclusions. The slave history of the island what is pertinent, not the Reconquista in Spain. And it's not about black Moors.
4
@Crusader,
I can see your point, particularly in the way you've capitalized White and kept black in lowercase letters.
1-3-16@3:16 am est
I can see your point, particularly in the way you've capitalized White and kept black in lowercase letters.
1-3-16@3:16 am est
1
The "Moorish" kingdom of al-Andaluz in Spain, which lasted for centuries, was largely Berber (Amazigh) among whom are many fair-haired and blue-eyed individuals, as well as those no darker-skinned than a given Spaniard of today.
The dichotomy in Christianity between light and darkness goes back much further: it is an accretion from Zoroastrianism, which posits two equal deities, one good and one evil.
The dichotomy in Christianity between light and darkness goes back much further: it is an accretion from Zoroastrianism, which posits two equal deities, one good and one evil.
The timing on this story is perfect, especially given the news surrounding the awful treatment of Haitians/Dominicans of Haitian descent and the draconian new immigration law in DR. If you’re paying attention, there is a clear connection. This is about more than just hair. By and large, Dominicans work hard to reject every aspect of their African heritage, a regal heritage that links them directly to the Haitians. Disdain for thick, tightly coiled or curly natural hair is merely an extension of the larger social forces at work here: Black/dark brown skin is viewed as somehow tainted and even hideous, whereas café con leche complexions or lighter are viewed as pure and therefore more desirable. White colonizers have long since left these shores, but isn’t it remarkable how their influence never seems to wane? Ms. Contreras is my hero! She is starting an important dialogue, which could lead to a little truth and reconciliation. If Dominican women of all shades can begin to seriously embrace their lineage and their sun-kissed skin, I believe, bit by bit, we can start to tackle thornier racial issues in DR. Over and over, I’ve witnessed Dominicans treating Haitians like Muslim refugees at a Trump rally. Why the hatred? Yes, I am FULLY aware of the complicated history between the two nations. However, the color complex is very real. And we must view this issue partly as an outgrowth of how poorly Dominican citizens treat their fellow darker-skinned Dominicans.
11
I'm so tired of articles in the Times where the reporter talks about his/herself. So unprofessional.
2
The article is clearly labeled as part of the "Personal Journeys" series. It's clearly a form of personal essay.
6
I was so delighted to read this article. I'm a white woman with fine, limp hair and I've always thought natural hair is beautiful so I've spent my life envious of the gorgeous curls on African Americans or the thick, sleek locks of Asians (and many natural styles and textures in between). I also think people should wear their hair however they want, so I'm not judging women (or men) who choose to alter their natural textures, but if it stems from any motivation other than personal choice--such as social status or the pressure of cultural conformity--that makes me sad. Hence I've found myself smitten by this article and by this salon.
6
It's nice to see Dominican women finally acknowledge their African heritage. I'm still befuddled by gorgeous West African women who wear ill-fitting, waist-length weaves. Natural hair is everywhere. In all textures, lengths, and styles. Why choose limp, stringy, damaged straightened hair when your own natural, moisturized hair is full of kinks, coils, and curls, and infinite possibilities. I'm fifteen years natural. Coconut oil, shea butter, and water forever.
23
I enjoyed this story. But traveling on a jet plane "for a haircut" as Candace Lai-Fang did illustrates the cognitive dissonance many folks display regarding climate change. Every time someone travels by jet it damages the atmosphere - it creates an enormous amount of emissions per person. Americans seem to not give one hoot about the consequences of their actions... and this is why we are now suffering the dire consequences. Americans have the highest emissions per capita, folks. Yet most people seem to be living as if climate change does not exist.
2
Can't you just enjoy an interesting story without hectoring everyone about something? Sheesh!
6
I'm not even looking at it from an environmental perspective. The idea that a Dominican woman with Afro textured hair, living in the DMV (DC, VA, MD) has to go all the way to Santo Domingo to get a hair cut because she wanted her hair "done by people who knew what they were doing" is laughably absurd. There are plenty of reputable natural hair salons in and around the area where Ms. Lai-Fang lives, and "Miss Rizos" isn't doing anything revolutionary with natural hair that isn't already being done in the States. They're not even using unique/regional products. The "Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil" leave-in conditioner and "Kinky-Curly Knot Today" detangler shown in one of pictures retail at Wal-Mart.
11
PeteH - I think you meant "heckling" and I wasn't heckling but pointing out that we are ruining the climate with our carelessness - of which a glaring example is the lady who flies thousands of miles for a haircut.
2
I live in Santo Domingo...for many years I play elwith my hair sometimes I used my Afro and sometimes I straight them....Even I won respect with my hair style in many places in the Dominican country people look with bad eyes the Afro Style...so kind of racism..Really funny in a Country where we are not white.
20
I love the natural hairstyles. Glad to see more of them.
12
Everything is so PC today, it is hard to tell whether the article refers to Mariah Carey-type hair or Lupita Nyongo-type hair. The photos don't help either. Also, people still do roller sets? That went out in the 60s for all types of hair. Women with Lupita-type hair do a twist-out for a change of pace. No need to sleep on hard or foam rollers which are bad for hair anyway.
4
Roller sets have *not* gone out, and they definitely had not gone out by the 60s.
20
Go to any Dominican salon in Harlem, and you will see that roller sets are the norm for getting black hair straight in 2015.
9
Having a cab driver ask to touch your hair would be considered a 'microaggression' in some circles.
2
keep looking for trouble and you will find it........or IT will find YOU!!
11
I'd like to see one NYT article about the Dominican Republic without its usual condescending tone.
8
I have spent time in the Dominican countryside, living with a Dominican family on multiple occasions. I read nothing that seemed condescending in tone. The author and it's subjects are talking about THEIR lives through their eyes.
I found the story to be refreshingly frank in its' tone. And I loved the references to habichuelas en dulce por la Semana Santa and Johhny Ventura! Ella sabe!
I found the story to be refreshingly frank in its' tone. And I loved the references to habichuelas en dulce por la Semana Santa and Johhny Ventura! Ella sabe!
10
I wish the reporters had commented on the racist anti-Haitian legislation that the D.R. passed. Good that women are beginning to accept themselves and their African heritage. Bad that the D.R. is ruining the lives of its own Haitians.
3
As a bi-racial (black and white) woman I used to spend a ridiculous percentage of my income to straighten my hair and achieve what one white male boss called a "more corporate look." I now feel like a real human being because I not only allow my hair to be frizzy and natural, I don't even dye it now that it is gray. When I used to have my hair straightened and blown dry, many men who would not otherwise openly comment regularly on women's hair in the workplace, would opine that my hair looked so much better when straightened, even saying it aloud in meetings. This kind of hair bullying is sad and racist. As a society we seldom show the intellectual capacity to understand this type of racism and all that it implies. Often, we're so eager to accommodate the pressure to have white-looking hair, that we cast aside our souls in the process. We can reveal the history of American racism in the details of how we deal with beauty, particularly the gradations of skin color (we are infamous for our colorism) and, of course, regarding hair. As one who used to frequent Dominican salons in Manhattan, I tip my frizz to the pajon style!
95
When we were children, my parents would stiffen up and say "Don't make unmannerly personal remarks" if they thought we were crossing a line talking about someone's appearance. Instead of nasty, loaded, back-handed compliments, people like your coworkers need to learn to "zip it, lock it, and put it in your pocket."
8
I have gotten over people voicing their opinions over my bi-racial hair decades ago. These are not hair bullies but people with an opinion, which they are entitled to have. This commenter is at an age where she should have grown beyond such pettiness. Racism, really? There are worse things women need to deal with in the corporate world. Ageism is one of the biggest problems we face. And yes, my hair is curly-frizzy and it is pulled back or up in a corporate setting due to my choice, not due to any racism or hair bullies. Please don't waste another second or another breath over such stupidity. Just be the best you possible and know you will please the only person who matters - you.
3
The problem is made that much worse with the emphasis on the glamor of the lighter skinned 'black' models and stars like Rihanna and Biyonce
9
You make me so proud to be Dominican! I've been transitioning my hair for 3 years, I now finally out grew the heat damage. The struggle was real! Not only was the process difficult on my strands but the backlash I experienced from family and others in society was a difficult load to bare. Thank you for being the voice of many!! I recently moved to Silicon Valley and the natural hair movement is close to non-existent. I'm looking forward to sharing your journey and success with our -Meetup groups. Cheers to your hard work! And cheers to breaking boundaries!! When I make it back to DR, your salon will be at the top of my list!
24
"The struggle was real." Give me a break. Try living in a Dominican barrio back on the island instead of Silicon Valley and then tell me how important your hair ordeal was.
4
"The struggle was real." You must not have curly hair!
And you wrote that from where - La Vega or NYC? I have been to both multiple times. NYC's more comfortable isn't it?
I worked in the DR for a while and one eye-opening moment came when interviewing a job candidate. When asked about her weak points, she thought for a moment then said: "Even though I have 'good hair', I still suffer from low self-esteem."
Good to see things are changing!
Good to see things are changing!
13
First, how is this even important news for this paper? Second, this article is about a hair salon. Not about Haiti and illegal immigration.
P.S. There is no such thing as automatic citizenship at birth in the Dominican Republic since 1929. And no, the law is NOT retroactive. Let's get that straight. Children of illegal immigrants were never born with Dominican citizenship. Period.
P.S. There is no such thing as automatic citizenship at birth in the Dominican Republic since 1929. And no, the law is NOT retroactive. Let's get that straight. Children of illegal immigrants were never born with Dominican citizenship. Period.
6
Please, take a chill pill. I'm tired of reading about Donald Trump, found this article to be just what I needed on New Year's Eve. I've got a friend from the DR who goes back and forth between curly and straight, now I have a better understanding of why.
31
B - Ridgewood
I think you're on the wrong page.
I think you're on the wrong page.
24
right on!!!
Everyone should learn to embrace and love their god-given hair. Nature rarely makes mistakes, and most people look best when they don't waste so much time, energy and money trying to fight nature.
It's a good thing that more Dominican women embrace their natural hair, for too much of the adoration of straight hair is based in self-hate. Now if we could get the Dominicans to embrace their Haitian neighbors, since many Dominicans prefer to look down on them if only so they can feel 'superior'.
It's a good thing that more Dominican women embrace their natural hair, for too much of the adoration of straight hair is based in self-hate. Now if we could get the Dominicans to embrace their Haitian neighbors, since many Dominicans prefer to look down on them if only so they can feel 'superior'.
29
Dominicans don't feel superior to Haitians in anyway. Our friction resides in the fact that there has been violent invasions from their side to ours. On top of that, it is a well known historical fact that there always frictions between nations who share a border, especially if one of tjose nations is struggling financial and large amounts of its population migrate illegaly to the other one which is just doing a little better and becoming a burden to its government. Our side was established first and our sovereignty needs to be respected. That's all.
I'm very happy to see that women of color like me and from all over the world are finally accepting their natural curls. I'm Dominican and I embraced my curly and kinky hair three decades ago. About time that a natural style is welcomed everywhere.
Please don't bring lies and false assumptions about Dominicans and their interactions with their Haitians neighbors into this nice article. Thanks.
I'm very happy to see that women of color like me and from all over the world are finally accepting their natural curls. I'm Dominican and I embraced my curly and kinky hair three decades ago. About time that a natural style is welcomed everywhere.
Please don't bring lies and false assumptions about Dominicans and their interactions with their Haitians neighbors into this nice article. Thanks.
9
How about we get the light skin African American sisters to stop looking down upon their dark skin sisters first. Dominicans didn't invent that brown paper bag test to feel superior. Hypocrites!
6
De-condition them... in slavery days, the lighter the skin, the straighter the hair, the higher the price, and the higher status the work that was given light-skinned African-Americans on the plantation. Afterwards, think of the extremely light skinned people who "passed" as whites. Even now, you can see the bias when it comes to stars, especially women. That black-on-black racism is something that has to be fought wherever it turns up, but that would mean educating young people about why that concept exists at all, and I fear not many want to face up to its origin.
5
It's not news to me that in the past Dominicans have been very color-conscious and rejecting of their African ancestry. A few years ago, I was at the Devachan salon in NYC, which specializes in curly hair, and a white woman told me that her Dominican friend did not want to wear her hair natural because it would call attention to her African roots, about which she was ambivalent.
"The phrase “Dominican salon” is now synonymous with immaculately straightened hair...."
I look Dominican to many people. I made the mistake of asking about Dominican salons in Washington Heights thinking I could score a cheap, curly hair cut. When they heard I didn't want my hair straightened they looked at me as if I were crazy.
Well, maybe things are slowly changing.
"The phrase “Dominican salon” is now synonymous with immaculately straightened hair...."
I look Dominican to many people. I made the mistake of asking about Dominican salons in Washington Heights thinking I could score a cheap, curly hair cut. When they heard I didn't want my hair straightened they looked at me as if I were crazy.
Well, maybe things are slowly changing.
11
It is hard to find a salon which specializes in curly hair everywhere. Dominicans have always embraced their African roots. Our music, food and entire culture is influenced by them.
The fact that our culture considers straight hair more appealing is due to the fact of European colonization. On top of that, studies show that in general, people tend to view straight hair as more clean-cut and professional. Even in the USA African American women used to straighten their hair. The very first African American business woman who became a millionaire was because of her hair strengthening products. I'm glad to see that wearing natural curls is catching on everywhere, including my beautiful Dominican Republic, but to claim we weren't proud of our African heritage is a misconception. Our entire culture is a product of Spaniard, African and Taíno elements. We embrace each and one of those influences, and we are extremely proud of our mixed ancestry.
The fact that our culture considers straight hair more appealing is due to the fact of European colonization. On top of that, studies show that in general, people tend to view straight hair as more clean-cut and professional. Even in the USA African American women used to straighten their hair. The very first African American business woman who became a millionaire was because of her hair strengthening products. I'm glad to see that wearing natural curls is catching on everywhere, including my beautiful Dominican Republic, but to claim we weren't proud of our African heritage is a misconception. Our entire culture is a product of Spaniard, African and Taíno elements. We embrace each and one of those influences, and we are extremely proud of our mixed ancestry.
11
mmmm, i have heard the phrase, "i'm not black, i'm dominican" countless times, as if dominican is a race.
14
Re: "Dominican salon" and straight hair.
Nothing wrong with having this as a niche. It's all about supply and demand.
On New Year's Eve, Dominican salons are full of women (including many African American women) straightening their hair for a night on the town. The demand is great, so the salons supply that demand.
If the demand were great for "natural" styles, the salons would meet that demand.
Nothing wrong with having this as a niche. It's all about supply and demand.
On New Year's Eve, Dominican salons are full of women (including many African American women) straightening their hair for a night on the town. The demand is great, so the salons supply that demand.
If the demand were great for "natural" styles, the salons would meet that demand.
7
Having decided to don my own natural hair with no chemical or heat straighteners, no matter the texture, back in 2004, it still amazes me that there is still such an issue with the curls, kinks and spirals. Aside from the fact that the chemical and heat are very damaging, it's the limiting of activities in order to maintain that straight look that should make one stop to think whether the restrictions are worth it. Free your mind and the rest will follow. Dare to be authentically you.
61
My daughter is now 18, I remember 3 year ago back in dominican when she told me she want to go natural, I was very surprise, knowing that many people do not understand why somebody want to go natural hair, but I supported her 100%, the process took her like 14 to 18 months, very tough times, because almost nobody knew what products she should use or what to do, so must of the time I had to google it, but she found out about Miss Rizos, and we went from San Pedro de Macoris, about 45 miles, to Zona Colonial, and we met Ms. Contreras, and the environment was terrific, the way they treat my daughter, plus the way they treat her hair, gave me so much happiness, they explained everything we need it to know, and if you see my daughter afro, you will fall in love with it, no matter how many people bullied her, at schoold, or just walking around, my Daugherty feels now mentaly stronger than the time she had the "Pelo Bueno" or straight hair.
75
That's a great story. And a great endorsement for the salon!
8
There is another great salon dedicated to "Pelo Rizo" on Bolivar Ave. called "Go Natural Caribe" and they carry a full line of products for curly hair. I just wish there was one on every corner. Dominican curly hair is gorgeous!
4
I'm Dominican and I went natural when I was a teen in the 90s. My Dominican hairdresser encouraged me to do it and I did, against my mother's wishes.
I've had to deal with a lot of negativity for it. Between embracing my hair and not having a problem with having dark skin, ugh. I understand why so many people hesitate, the pressure and resistance to something so personal is immense. But I'm stubborn and strong-willed, even so, it hasn't been easy. Don't be so quick to judge Dominican women for taking their time to go natural.
I've had to deal with a lot of negativity for it. Between embracing my hair and not having a problem with having dark skin, ugh. I understand why so many people hesitate, the pressure and resistance to something so personal is immense. But I'm stubborn and strong-willed, even so, it hasn't been easy. Don't be so quick to judge Dominican women for taking their time to go natural.
42
I, as a Dominican woman of 46, can understand the struggle of trying to keep up with the "pelo lacio" style in D.R., because, I have a weak hair strand, very prone to breakages, so, every time I relaxed, my hair breaks and I have to cut it, so I was stock with short unhealthy relaxed hair all my life, (my mother relax me the first time when I was 6). But one day two years ago somebody in my family introduced me to the natural hair world, my oldest daughter, 16, told me "Ma" I'm going Natural, and I said Ok. I joined her in her journey of transition, big chop and TWA. Of course we did not know anything about how to treat our hair in its natural state so we searched and found lots of information in English and a few in Spanish, the one in Spanish that stand out was Miss Rizos, I liked it and followed it since then, I also cheer for Carolina and her project, and hope that one day when we go back to Dominicana my daughters and I will be able to got us an appointment at the salon and have the opportunity to tell Carolina and the girls how proud they make me and that their work against all odds will have fruits.
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57
The end of "pelo malo" in the Dominican Republic? Nice to hear of at least one salon that embraces the rizos. It's a first step toward embracing the raices (roots) of the people.
30
Congratulations Miss Rizos! It's so exciting to see the NY Times featuring this story of power, love, resistance and celebration. Soon I'll be knocking on the doors of Miss Rizos salon too <3
26
this is how you write an article "amanda" no bias nor hatefulness :-) i recognize you.
6
(Not Mark) My daughter has very curly hair and it is also very red! I have stick straight hair and just love the curls. However, in HS my daughter was pressured to straighten her hair as the prevailing style here is straight. It's tough living with peer pressure. She did this a few times, but it was very time consuming and she didn't really care for it, so she went back to natural. Also, everywhere we lived (many places in Europe and Asia) she was often asked if someone could touch her hair. I think curls are beautiful.
24
I commend Carolina for her hard work. However, I find that the hair she promotes is "cute" curly hair and not genuinely kinky hair. I also find that the ideological component is also missing. We must start emphasizing that Dominicans begin to embrace their blackness as part of the letting go of the "chemicalized" hair ordeal. I wish more Dominican women wore their hair out like Jill Scott when she wears her afros or Lauryn Hill when she had dreadlocks, or even Bob Marley for that matter. I'm guessing Dominican society is not ready for any of that. I still appreciate Carolina's effort, because introducing such radical concepts to a country that highly valorizes its colonial heritage more so than African or Native American heritage, is no easy task.
22
As a Dominican woman, I believe us ladies choose how we prefer to wear our hair. Dominican woman from all ancestries are beautiful no matter how they choose to wear their hair, and anyone who is trying to make this about colonization has hate in their heart. I prefer to see a person relax their hair then wear wigs. If African American is the ideal blackness how come they wear so many wigs covering their identity. Get a grip people, Relaxing/ straightening hair is like hair dying it, which many cultures enjoy doing. So haters- stop the hate, straightening is a personal choice.
4
We do, people just assume we're African American. I went natural when I was 15, 17 years ago. I've caught a lot of negativity for it and people don't believe I'm Dominican cause of it. Lots of my Dominican friends have gone purely natural as well. People think Dominican and they picture straight hair, that's all.
3
This is beautifully written. I myself, am not Dominican, but I am Mexican & Chinese and have very thick, curly hair. It's great to see more and more women embracing the curls and teaching the younger generations that beauty is far more than what they see on tv. What this salon is doing is commendable, it may not seem like a big deal to most people, but from a young age we are taught that how we look is not neccesarily beautiful, or AS beautiful as the models or celebrities we see because of our hair. Thank you for this article. Curls are beautiful!!
12