Tipping a hairdresser 15% to 20% is a good guideline if you are happy with the service. Consider tipping more for services that take several hours, like hair coloring, or if the stylist went above and beyond or squeezed you in for a last-minute appointment.

Most Dominican salons are known for their "Dominican blowout" which produces silky smooth, straight hair using tension and heat from a blow dryer and flat iron. Even though many salons use this technique without harsh chemicals, the extended high heat and tension on the hair can be quite harmful to black hair over time.

A Dominican blowout typically lasts 1 to 3 weeks and may be OK for black hair on occasion. For a more long-term strategy, ask the salon for a style that uses low heat, minimal tension, and natural ingredients.

Many salons can do black hair. The important factor to determine if a salon can work with natural or textured hair is to confirm whether the hair stylists have had specialized education and training. While not yet standardized across the country, some states now include textured hair education in their required licensing curriculum.

Follow these guidelines to help you choose a black hair salon:

• Browse their reviews on Fash and Google.
• Ask local friends or family members for recommendations.
• Check out customer photos on their website or Facebook page.
• Ask for a free consultation to discuss your needs with the stylist and confirm they understand what you're looking for. You can also confirm the cleanliness of the salon at the same time.
• Choose a salon that uses high quality, natural products.
• Confirm the salon has one or more stylists who specialize in natural or textured hair.
• Never pay in full until you are completely satisfied.

Consider asking these questions when choosing a black hair salon near you:

• How long have you been a hair stylist?
• What training and certifications do you have?
• Do you specialize in natural and textured hair?
• What products do you use in the salon?
• Do you have a portfolio of previous customers?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• Are you running any promotions or specials?
• Do offer package deals if I purchase more than one service?
• What other services do you offers at the salon?
• How long will this style take?