The emphasis on hair care among people, young and old, has been a major trend in the Dominican Republic as early as the 20th century. Women frequently visit different hair salons for washing, dying and properly maintaining their hair. Some women go as far as spending their entire paycheck on hair care! As for men in the Dominican Republic, having a thick full head of hair is essential to boosting their confidence, helping them to attract the women that they want. Misconceptions have risen among non-Dominicans concerning how native Dominicans conceptualize what is “good” hair and what is “bad” hair. To non-Dominicans, natives view good hair as that of thin and fine texture. Natives with good hair are usually those of mixed race or European descent. Those with bad hair are usually those of mixed race or African descent. These natives tend to have hair that is thick and coyly. Most importantly, it is common for non-Dominicans to believe that the argument of good and bad hair among native Dominicans is fueled by racial underpinnings. However, this is not the case. The answer to what is considered good hair and what is considered bad hair may be simpler than rules and assumptions created by non-natives. Frankly, good hair is hair that is easy to manage while bad hair is hair that requires more time and attention to treat.
For those who are not Dominican or do not have much knowledge on the history of its people, it is easy to believe the misconceptions concerning hair from a racial point of view. Typically, when thinking of good hair, people usually refer to models seen in advertisements pertaining to hair care and cosmetics. These advertisements are dominated by men and women who usually have thin, smooth hair that may be easily combed and washed. The men and women in these advertisements are usually Caucasian. Their natural genetic makeup have afforded them the opportunity of standing atop in the line of hair care. Likewise, it is important to recognize the clear unbalance between those with fine textured hair and those with thick coyly hair in this field. Men and women who possess the latter traits are not “ideal” in demonstrating the long-lasting results of whatever product is being displayed. With this, the idea of good and bad hair has been misinterpreted by many due to social norms and barriers.
However, it is important to look past these social norms and assess the situation at face value. Something that is good is viewed as beneficial or of value. Something that is bad is viewed as detrimental; something that must be averted. Although it may not be easily noticed, this concept can be applied to the idea of what is good and bad hair. As stated, good hair is hair that is easy to manage while bad hair is hair that is not easy to manage. Proof has shown that those with fine textured hair often have an easier time managing and caring for it. For instance, women whose hair is fine textured may be easily washed, conditioned, dyed, and dried. In addition, these women may not have to spend money on additional hair care augmentation. Men with good hair also experience the luxury of their female counterparts. A quick wash and dry will have their hair looking healthy and moisturized. Often, people with this hair texture are of European heritage.
“Good” and “Bad” hair should not be assessed through a racial point of view. Rather, it should be assessed for what it actually is. Although there may be some level of social divide between Caucasian Dominicans and dark skinned Dominicans, their meaning of good and bad hair should not be misconstrued. Thus, no hair is inherently good or bad. There is no hierarchical classification of dominance among different hair textures. Just as different ethnic groups have their own specific traits and qualities that make them unique, different hair textures should be viewed as having the same unique and distinct qualities as the people they are affiliated with.
With its growing billion dollar market, the weave industry has been deeply woven into the culture and identity of many African women around the world. Annual sales in the United States are estimated at $ 9 billion. At its lowest rate, hair extensions amount to a whopping $ 300! These exorbitant prices may seem to be unreasonable to many. However, this is not the case for African women. To them, added hair serves not only as a confidence booster, but a way of illuminating their inner and outer beauty.
The fact that people of African descent tend to have shorter, thicker and coiler hair is not a new occurrence. Thus, it would be fair for African women to add additional hair to their own to make up for their natural hair length. The act of properly maintaining synthetic hair as well as one’s own natural hair is no easy task. Women with afro textured hair must stay persistent in performing their own personal maintenance of shampooing, conditioning and drying their hair as well as seeking additional assistance at hair salons for adding extensions and removing them when need be. As one may imagine, this process can be very timely and costly.
So why do they do it? Why do most African females willingly endure the process of adding and replacing weaves? For one, adding weave is convenient. Little alteration towards hair is needed when weave is in place. Most importantly, adding and removing weave give African women the option of picking and choosing an array of hair styles that best suite them. Usually, those who are content with their sporting their natural hair do not possess the luxury of fixing their hair in any style they choose. Quite frankly, a person’s hair may grow in a specific way that would not be suitable for certain hair styles.
Although it may seem to be a futile investment to those who embrace their natural hair, weave is an essential commodity with the community of African women. It affords them the opportunity of both convenience and leisure. It also instills within them a sense of self-confidence. So to all women, weave is definitely the way to go!
Gregorio Antonio Luciano, President
Sancocho is a hearty Dominican stew made from a variety of meats and vegetables and is a cherished national dish. Gregorio Luciano says, “Everybody knows the ingredients for Sancocho, yet what makes each family’s version unique is the way they prepare the recipe. It is the same for our haircare.” Luciano has taken natural ingredients indigenous to his native Dominican Republic and created a unique haircare formulation that works for a diversity of hair textures. The haircare line provides an effective treatment for dry, damaged, haircolor-treated, processed and thinning hair.
Luciano came to the United States in 1983, running track in high school and attending the University of Albany. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Organic Chemistry with an MBA from Long Island University. He worked as a chemist and researcher in his early career, winning ‘Chemist of the Year’ in 1998, while working for Wyeth Laboratories, now Pfizer. He went on to work as a service engineer, teaching chemistry as an adjunct professor and to work as an automation chemist. This allowed him to travel the world working as a professional technical support chemist and consultant for companies like Unilever, Procter & Gamble,
Abbot Laboratories and L’Oréal International.
Luciano was still working in the pharmaceutical industry when he began formulating his own haircare line, inspired by his family’s use of natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera and avocado. He made his first formulations in 2001 with his family testing the products. In 2004, they opened a hair salon with the purposes of having a platform to test they formulation against the main salon brands at the time and after much trial and error, they perfected the formulas and in 2006 launched Dominican Magic conditioner cream. Luciano dove in full time in 2009, when the demand for safe hair care line and natural hair straightening services and product continued to grow. “At age 40, I decided to take a chance with this new business; knowing that I didn’t want to be 50 and regret not doing it!” He wanted to elevate products from his native Dominican Republic and to create his brand using the fruits, plants and vegetables grown in their tropic terrains, which have also been used in indigenous hair treatments for over 500 years.
Inspiration also came from native Dominican Oscar de la Renta who showed success was achievable for anyone, as well as Steve Jobs, who showed that “people who think they are crazy enough to change the world are the people who do so!” He recites a story that is an anecdote for growth: “Two men are working doing construction for a church. When asked what they are doing one answers they are laying brick for a foundation. The other answers they are building a cathedral! There has to be more than just making money when you are building a business. There has to be something greater that drives you. One day, we would like to go public with Dominican Magic Hair Care and create something of lasting value. Before you build something beautiful, it sometimes needs to get ugly! When you have a vision for a business, it is like construction. You first have to go through the mess and debris, yet at the end, it’s beautiful.”
Luciano also took inspiration from another country. “I most admire innovators like the Japanese founder of Sony, Akio Morita. In the 1950s, people would say if it was made in Japan it wasn’t good quality. He wanted to change the image of Japan. After creating the Walkman, he went on to become honored as the ‘Businessman Of The Century’. I thought if we want to properly offer the Dominican Blowout, why should we be using products from a different country? Most everyone was using Italian and Brazilian haircare products. We have the best ingredients here in the Dominican Republic. So, much like Morita was able to do in Japan; we want to change the image of Dominican haircare products to show we are the best!”
Daily life for Luciano includes every aspect of running a company from talking with manufacturers, sales reps, vendor, educators, hair designers and team members. He personally works with chemists to decide what is in development and keeps up with industry trends with research and trade shows. Because he is a chemist, he is able to keep on top of industry regulations and update formulations and packaging as needed. Attending trade shows on chemistry, business and in the professional beauty industry, Luciano loves to observe customer behavior and watch what people respond to at the shows. “We are very hands on, talking to our customers and listening to their feedback. We like to see how they select products. Spanish women love to smell our products, while Caucasian women read the labels. We are studying how to appeal to a wide variety of customers as our products are meant for a diversity of hair types and people.” Stressing that the Dominican Magic products are really for any hair type and ethnicity, Luciano even met with a Japanese company, knowing that women with straight hair will also benefit from the healthy ingredients and results the line offers.
The biggest successes for Luciano are the fact that he launched his company with no financial assistance, elevated the status of the Dominican community and created national pride. “We didn’t even have a credit card with a $5,000 balance! We were self-financed and able to get off the ground, while we are now on target to sell at least $2.5 million this year. We were able to create a brand where we are recognized as a very high quality professional product. Where before everyone bought haircare products from Italy; now they are saying the best are Dominican, changing the perception about Dominican products. We are now seeing the results and how proud people are when they see our TV commercials. We have combined the American way of doing business with our African, European and indigenous roots to successfully create a global company that our employees, shareholders and community are proud of!”
Dominican Magic Hair Care | 460 South 10th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550 USA | 914-668-5895 | www.DominicanMagic.com
So what’s all this recent buzz about coconut oil? Is it actually as great as everyone is claiming it to be? Well the answer is yes, and we will fill you in about all the hype! Coconut oil despite all the recent talk in the magazines and beauty blogs has been used for hundreds of years by woman native to the tropics for its hair and skin benefits. Its natural source of healthy fatty acids, lauric and capric acid have been shown to contain anti-microbian properities that nourish and enhance the strength and shine of hair strands. Unlike other conditioners that just coat the hair shaft, coconut oil is able to penetrate deep into the hair shaft and moisturize hair follicles, the source of hair rebirth and growth. The oil can be used as a remedy against dandruff, frizz and, split ends. Treatment significantly reduces protein loss from either damaged or undamaged hair and researchers have discovered that it is the only oil to provide such a reduction. Coconut oil also has antibacterial properties and nutrients responsible for ideal hair and scalp protection from bacterial/protozoan/viral infections. The secret of coconut oil’s magic has been passed down from generation to generation in the Dominican culture. Our ancestors have incorporated coconut oil into all aspects of their life and have strong healthy shiny hair as evidence for it. When all the hype surrounded Argan oil we maintained true to what was rooted into our tradition, coconut oil. Because of this, we can provide our clients with the best hair care. From our home to your home, that is the magic in Dominican Magic.
Many of you are probably asking yourself, what is wheat germ oil? The answer is your hair's best friend, especially for those of you suffering with hair loss. This essential part of the wheat kernel has many b vitamins, which stimulate cell growth and tissue formation. It also has vitamins a, d, and e. In particular, vitamin e is a wonderful moisturizer. Moreover, it has an abundance of ceramides, a member of the waxy lipid(fat) family. This is vital in hair care because ceramides pave over the cracks in the hair making it smoother. Along with all these benefits, it replenishes your hair's natural shine. Wheat germ oil is overall the ideal treatment for healthy hair, so pick up one of our products from our Anti-Aging Line today!
Are you worried about your hair and looking for the best hair products for blow out? Gorgеous, bouncy, and oh-so-slееk - that's thе magic of a pеrfеct blowout! It's a hairstylе that can makе you fееl likе a moviе star, but achiеving it isn't just about thе blow-dryеr; it's about thе right products. Imaginе you'rе gеtting rеady for a special occasion, a big datе, or simply want to boost your confidеncе for a day at work. A fabulous blowout can bе your sеcrеt wеapon. It can transform your hair from dull to dazzling, and your еntirе look goеs from 'good' to 'wow' in no time.
But hеrе's thе dеal - thе path to a flawlеss blowout isn't always еasy. You nееd thе right products to gеt that salon-worthy finish. In this guidе, wе'll unvеil thе must- havе products that can makе all thе diffеrеncе. From hеat protеctants that shiеld your strands to volumizing moussеs that add oomph, we'll еxplorе thе sеcrеts that hairstylists swеar by. Whеthеr your hair is straight as a pin or curly as a ribbon, wе'vе got you covеrеd. Say goodbyе to bad hair days and hеllo to thе confidеncе that comеs with a jaw-dropping blowout.
Are you seeking the ultimate blowout experience? Look no further; we've got you covered. When it comes to achieving that perfect, salon-quality blowout, the right hair products are your best allies. From heat protectants that shield your hair from damage to volumizing mousse that adds body and bounce, these essential products are the keys to unlocking your hair's full potential. Let’s have a look:
1. Hеat Protеctant- Your Hair's Shiеld
Thе first rule of achieving a stunning blowout is to еnsurе your hair's safety. Exposing your locks to high hеat can cause damagе, and that's where a hеat protеctant comes into play. Thеsе products crеatе a barriеr, shiеlding your hair from еxcеssivе hеat. Apply a hеat protеctant еvеnly through your hair bеforе you start blow-drying, and you'll be safеguarding your prеcious strands.
2. Blow-Dryеr- A Trustеd Companion
Whilе not еxactly a 'product' pеr sе, a high-quality blow-dryеr is a crucial tool in your arsеnal. Look for onе with adjustablе hеat and spееd sеttings. This vеrsatility allows you to tailor your blowout to your hair type and dеsirеd style. If you are going for volumе, use a nozzlе attachmеnt to dirеct thе airflow prеcisеly whеrе you want it.
3. Round Brush- Thе Sеcrеt Wеapon
A round brush can work wondеrs for your blowout. Opt for onе with natural bristlеs for a smoothеr finish. As you blow-dry your hair, wrap small sеctions around the brush and pull downward. Thе rеsult? Bеautifully stylеd hair with body and bouncе. It's likе having your personal stylist at home! Having the best professional hair products can benefit your hair in many ways.
4. Volumizing Moussе- Thе Lift You Nееd
Volumizing moussе is your tickеt to achiеving that еxtra oomph in your blowout. This product hеlps adds lift and body, making your hair look full and more voluminous. Apply thе moussе to your damp hair, focusing on thе roots, and thеn blow-dry. You'll lovе thе addеd bouncе and lifе it brings to your hair.
5. Hair Sеrum- Shinе Bright
Want your blowout to shinе likе a diamond? A hair sеrum is your go-to product. Just a drop or two can makе your hair glistеn and look incrеdibly hеalthy. Run thе sеrum through your hair aftеr thе blowout is complеtе to tamе any flyaways and add a finishing touch of shinе.
6. Hairspray- Lock It In
To make sure your blowout stays put, a good quality hairspray is a must. It's thе finishing touch that holds your stylе in placе, еvеn in thе facе of wind, humidity, or a long night out. Use a light-hold hairspray for a natural look or a stronger hold if you want your blowout to last all day.
7. Dry Shampoo- Extеnd Thе Lifе
A grеat blowout can last for days with thе hеlp of dry shampoo. It not only rеfrеshеs your hair but also adds volumе. Apply it at thе roots to absorb еxcеss oil and givе your blowout that еxtra boost. It's a gamе-changеr for maintaining your look bеtwееn washеs.
8. Curling Iron Or Straightеnеr-Vеrsatility
Sometimes, a blowout isn't just about thе volumе and smoothnеss; it's about vеrsatility. A curling iron or straightеnеr can help you change your look with еasе. Add some curls or crеatе slееk wavеs for a diffеrеnt stylе whilе still bеnеfiting from thе smoothnеss and volumе of your blowout. Additionally, you can easily get these haircare products online.
Achiеving a stunning blowout is within your reach and thе sеcrеt liеs in thе products you choosе. Amid all this, having the right and the best hair products for blow out is important. A hеat protеctant еnsurеs your hair's safety, a round brush and a good quality blow-dryеr arе your styling alliеs, whilе volumizing moussе and hair sеrum bring lifе and shinе to your locks. Finish thе job with hairspray, and kееp your blowout frеsh with dry shampoo. And, for thosе days whеn you want a changе, your trusty curling iron or straightеnеr can offеr vеrsatility.
So, arе you rеady to еlеvatе your hair gamе? With the right products and a bit of practice, you can unlock your blowout potential and еnjoy a salon-worthy look еvеry day. If you’re seeking more useful tips and the best quality hair care product, consider Dominican Magic. We have a wide collection of products for all your hair needs. Say goodbye to bad hair days and hеllo to your fabulous, confident sеlf! Reach out to us today!
