Indianapolis – On the bustling west side of the city, 2626 W. Washington St. is home to DBO Hair Studios, a salon that has become a destination for residents seeking the Dominican blowout – a technique that adds volume and straightens hair without harsh chemical relaxers.
Family roots and a passion for styling
Owner and lead stylist Evelyn Estevez grew up watching her mother, Maria, run a small hair salon in Brooklyn after the family emigrated from the Dominican Republic. When the family relocated to Indianapolis in the early 2000s, Maria restarted the business from the basement of their home, babysitting clients’ children and selling homemade food to make ends meet.
“I helped my mother wash hair and do little tasks after school and on weekends,” Estevez recalls. “It was natural for me – I was always doing my cousin’s hair for proms.”
In 2010, after her mother fell ill, Evelyn purchased the salon with a $5,000 down payment, expanded the space, and eventually rebranded it as DBO Hair Studios, highlighting its signature Dominican blowout service.
What makes the Dominican blowout different?
The technique, popularized in the Dominican Republic, uses a combination of heat and tension to create smooth, bouncy hair without the need for chemical relaxers. Clients appreciate the quick turnaround and the ability to achieve a polished look that lasts several days.
“Sometimes women are afraid to take off their hat because of what’s going on under there,” Estevez says. “I tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid, because that’s what you’re here for.’ We help each client look and feel beautiful.”
A multicultural salon for a diverse community
Estevez emphasizes that DBO Hair Studios welcomes all ethnicities and hair types. “I think that as a hairstylist, we should be able to deal with any culture, ethnicity or hair type,” she explains. The salon’s open‑door policy has attracted customers from across Indianapolis and even from neighboring states.
Long‑time client Sandy Pineyro, a Speedway resident, says she has been coming for eight years because the stylists understand her hair’s needs. “They know how I like my hair styled perfectly,” she told the outlet in Spanish.
Northside resident Deyonce Hunt, who previously cut her own hair, now visits DBO regularly. “It’s affordable and fast,” Hunt notes. “It takes a little drive, but it’s definitely worth it.”
Growth and community focus
Since its expansion, the salon has hired several stylists and modernized its facilities, aiming to make every visitor feel at home. “To me, it’s very important to make people comfortable here. I want them to feel like they’re home,” Estevez says.
DBO Hair Studios operates Tuesday through Saturday, accepting appointments online or by phone at (317) 822‑4783, and welcomes walk‑ins.
Supporting local entrepreneurship
Estevez’s story reflects the broader narrative of immigrant families building successful businesses in Indianapolis. From a basement operation to a thriving downtown salon, DBO Hair Studios illustrates how hard work, family support, and a commitment to serving a diverse clientele can create lasting community value.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
