Isabis Beauty Train- All Aboard!

This weekend I decided to turn an every weekend outing into something special. I went to one of my favorite Dominican hair salons to have a hair experience!As you can see, I definitely needed it:

My Hot Mess Hair

And of course I had to bring you ladies back the juicy details not only because I find it useful but also because I know there are many women out there that would love to get their beauty questions answered from professionals. So follow me on this ‘beauty road trip’ as I go salon to salon asking all types of questions and bringing back a detailed summary of the salon’s service,look, and best of all, tips and tricks from stylists themselves. Post a comment/question and let me do all of the work for you..I’ll report to you with answers to your most burning beauty/haircare questions. Jump aboard the Isabis Beauty Train!

Our first stop is Star Hair Design in Rockville, MD (http://starhairdesign.com/index.php).  This salon is owned by a very nice husband and wife team. The owner, Edwin, is a barber and past co-worker of mine from D’Franco Family Hair Salon(Dominican salon) in Hyattsville. Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty!

I found ample parking next to Star Hair Design on Sunday morning as I prepared myself for a hair experience. I was immediately greeted and welcomed to sign-in at the front desk in order for them to process my request. I signed up for a simple Wash/Set/Blowdry and I was escorted to a reclining shampoo chair..oh yes..I could definitely get used to this. Velkis shampooed my hair with Silicon Mix Bambu Shampoo this time but she also recommends shampoos from Alter Ego. Velkis was both firm and gentle on my scalp and revealed to me that what makes Dominican style shampoos so special simply stems from the fact that it’s so darn hot in Dominican Republic (DR) that stylists learn early on the importance of a thorough shampoo. “Most girls in the DR learn by the age of 12yrs from the women in the family how to give a great shampoo massage..”, said Velkis as she reminded me why I always feel like going to the hair salon every time I’m stressed!

One of the best conditioners out there!

While other stylists enjoyed the rhythms of merengue(see picture) beside me,

Enjoying Dominican rhythms

Vivianna (receptionist) gave me a beauty tip: women with dry/damaged hair should make sure to do  deep conditioners under the dryer at home. Using a dryer hood is non-negotiable ladies! Some great deep conditioners are carried by Maxima, Alter Ego(Garlic Treatment), Silicon Mix(Intensive Hair Deep Treatment), and Crece Pelo. I guess I was lucky because I signed up for a regular conditioner but when Velkis saw how processed my hair was, she massaged Crece Pelo into my hair and placed me under the dryer for 10mins. Ever wonder what secret potion they put in your hair before starting your roller set? Well I do..since my hair is highlighted/processed, Velkis put Kuz Straightening Finishing Wax (Cera Finitura e Lisciante) followed by Sebastian Potion 9 for a perfect roller-set. One hour after the dryer, my hair was already looking brand new! My stylist put It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-in into my hair and turned my roots into silk in no time(see picture)! I must admit, no matter how many times I go to the Dominicans, somehow I am never prepared for my edges to be blow-dried..but that comes with the beauty territory doesn’t it ladies? 

Thanks for riding along the Isabis Beauty Train! Don’t forget to watch the video, enjoy the pics, and post your questions.

Here is a summary:

Salon/Location: Star Hair Design/12222 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

Arrival date/time: Sunday @10:30am

People ahead of me: 5

Wait time: 0mins

Ambiance: Clean, friendly,festive

Customer Service: great, efficient

Service: Wash/Set/Blow-dry

Price: $40

Shampoo experience: ahhh..heavenly

Time in dryer:  50mins with coarse hair

Featured Products: Crece Pelo Deep Treatment Conditioner, Sebastian Potion 9 Wearable Styling Treatment (for color-processed hair)

Isabis Beauty Tips:

1. The trick to perfect roller sets Dominican style is keeping a firm grip on the hair while it is straightened around the roller..this is a sure way to avoid a frizzy mess!

2. Maintain your fresh blowed-out roots at home by wrapping your hair EVERY night with hair pins, a round brush, and a satin scarf!

The End Product!

 

Featured: 

Dominican Blowdry @ 1:13

Stylist mini-interview @ 4:33

Isabis Beauty Rating @ 6:22