East Indonesian Signature Curly Hair: From Challenge to Captivating Crown with Salwa Salon's Touch

Hello, Beauty Besties! I’m Fatmawati, a Senior Beauty Educator & Stylist with 15 years of experience at Salwa Salon. Honestly, have you ever felt that your beautiful curly hair can sometimes be incredibly “stubborn”? Or maybe you wake up with hair that feels like a lion just out of its den? We all know the struggle to achieve soft, straight, and manageable hair, especially for those of you with the characteristic curly hair type from East Indonesia.

Hair is our crown, isn’t it? And when that crown isn’t as we wish, our self-confidence can sometimes wane. I often meet many incredible women who feel frustrated with their hair texture, which tends to be frizzy or tightly coiled, especially those from East and West Nusa Tenggara. This hair has unique characteristics: the strands are often thicker, stronger, and beautifully curved, but they also require extra careful handling to truly “submit” and look stunning.

One of the most memorable stories for me is that of Sister Sherly. She traveled all the way from Kupang to Makassar to accompany her husband for his studies. Not only that, her main goal was also singular: to entrust her hair to us at Salwa Salon. Sister Sherly had heard many stories from her friends who had undergone smoothing here and were never disappointed. And from my perspective, with 15 years of experience in hair, I can say that the results always succeed in bringing a wide smile to our clients’ faces.

Understanding the Uniqueness of East Indonesian Characteristic Frizzy Hair: Why Is It Different?

Beauty Besties, you might be wondering, “Is there really a difference between regular curly hair and frizzy hair from the Eastern regions?” The answer is, yes, a significant difference! From my experience and our in-depth analysis at Salwa Salon, authentic curly hair from regions like Kupang or NTB has a unique structure. The strand diameter tends to be thicker, and the curl pattern is very tight, forming strong coils from root to tip. For analogy, if straight hair is like a single thread, this frizzy curly hair is like a more robust and elastic rope.

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These characteristics make the hair more resilient to changes, but also mean it requires very specific products and treatment techniques. Improper smoothing can actually damage the hair structure and make it look stiff, unnatural, or even broken. This is where expertise and experience become key. We don’t just straighten; we deeply understand the anatomy of your hair.

The Salwa Salon Touch: Smoothing Process

Sister Sherly herself is a loyal client. After two years, she decided to undergo smoothing again. At that time, more than half of her hair was new, naturally grown hair with a strong, frizzy curly texture. So, here’s the challenge: how to make that new, natural hair as straight and soft as the hair that had already been smoothed, without causing damage or noticeable texture differences?

We call it the Retouching & Blending technique. This process is not just about applying cream. It is an art and a science that we master:

• In-Depth Analysis & Consultation

  Before starting, we will analyze your hair’s condition in detail: the level of damage, strand thickness, and curl pattern. This is crucial for determining the correct cream formulation.

  We also discuss to understand your desires. Natural straight hair or super straight? We will help you achieve it with the best results.

• Special Cream Formulation: Normal & Strong Combination

  For cases like Sister Sherly’s, where there is strong new hair and previously smoothed hair, we use a two-cream application method.

  Cream Step 1 (Normal & Strong Mix): This is the key. We mix relaxer creams of different strengths to apply to different areas of the hair. The root area with stronger new hair will receive a “stronger” mixture to loosen the disulfide bonds (the cause of curls). Meanwhile, the middle to ends, which have already been smoothed, will use a more “normal” formula to prevent over-processing. The sensation of this cream will feel cool on the scalp, with a distinctive aroma indicating that the transformation process is underway.

  This process allows us to create an even result between untreated hair and treated hair. It’s like rebuilding the foundation of a house; we ensure all parts are strong and stable.

• Precise Flat Ironing Process

  After the first cream has worked and been rinsed, the flat ironing process begins. This is not just about straightening with heat, but also reshaping the hair bonds.

  Each strand of hair is flat ironed with the correct temperature and pressure, ensuring even straightness without making it look stiff or “broken.” The result will feel smooth to the touch, as if each hair strand is dancing.

• Cream Step 2 (Normal Neutralizer)

  This is the stage to “lock in” the new straight shape. This neutralizer cream works to restore the hair’s pH and reform the disulfide bonds into a straight configuration.

  The sensation is like providing additional nourishment; the hair will feel softer and more elastic.

• Intensive Hair Treatment & Mask

  To conclude, we apply a high-quality hair mask. This is to restore moisture and nutrients that may have been depleted during the chemical process.

  You will feel your hair instantly heavier, hydrated, and incredibly soft, as if it had just been pampered with a luxurious hair spa. The mask’s scent is also soothing, making the experience even more perfect.

The entire process, for hair as strong as Sister Sherly’s, can take between 5 to 6 hours. Yes, it’s a long time, Beauty Besties! But remember, this is an investment in your beautiful hair. We work very meticulously, strand by strand, to ensure optimal and natural results.

Pro Tips from a Senior Stylist: “Many people think all smoothing is the same. But it’s not! The key to success lies in analyzing hair type, selecting the right products, and precise application techniques. At Salwa Salon, we don’t just straighten; we also ‘listen’ to your hair’s needs.”

Final Result: Beautiful, Soft, and Confident Hair

And the result? Sister Sherly was very satisfied and looked more confident! Her hair now looks softer and straighter, yet still with a natural texture, not stiff like a broom. This is the result we are proud of: hair that is not only straight but also healthy, well-maintained, and radiates your natural beauty.

Imagine, from hair that was difficult to manage, you can now comb it easily, style it as desired, and no longer worry about unexpected humidity or frizz. This is not just a change in appearance; it’s an improvement in quality of life, an increase in self-confidence to face your days with your best smile.

Hair Care After Smoothing: A Long-Term Investment

The smoothing process at Salwa Salon is the beginning of your beautiful hair journey. To maintain optimal and long-lasting results, there are several things you can do at home:

• Use Special Shampoo and Conditioner: Choose products formulated for smoothed or color-treated hair (sulfate-free). This will help maintain hair moisture and strength.
• Weekly Hair Mask: Apply a hair mask at least once a week to nourish and maintain hair elasticity.
• Avoid Excessive Heat: Reduce the use of hot styling tools. If you must use them, always apply heat protectant first.
• Don’t Tie Hair Too Tightly: Especially in the first few weeks after smoothing, avoid tying your hair too tightly or using clips that can leave marks.
• Regular Consultation: Don’t hesitate to consult with us again at Salwa Salon if you have any questions or concerns about your hair care.

At Salwa Salon, we believe that every woman deserves to have her dream hair. We don’t promise instant miracles, but we do promise expertise, 15 years of experience, and a commitment to providing the best treatment tailored to your unique hair needs. Entrust your hair to us, and let’s create hair that is not only beautiful to behold but also comfortable and a source of pride for you every day.

So, Beauty Besties, if you feel your hair needs an expert touch, want to change your look, or simply want to pamper yourself, don’t hesitate to come to Salwa Salon. My team and I are ready to help you. See you at the salon!