We’re under the dryer at the Portmore Mall where salon directors Carletta Kettle-Brown and Kareen Kettle have been operating for over 18 years. Hair Impressions was started more than three decades ago by their mum Joyce Kettle, who is now retired. The one-stop salon offers spa services as well as haircare and make-up application. Here’s what transpired in-between sips of the delightful Mango Caliente cocktails.

Photos: Jermaine Barnaby

Invisible Cornrows – courtesy of Stacy-Ann Nelson

Marcia Wilson

Having been her salon of choice for over 18 years, Marcia Wilson popped in to get a ‘do for a special occasion. While she is accustomed to having her hair done in twists, she decided to opt for some stylish invisible cornrows.

Procedure:

* Wash with Optimum Care Replenishing Shampoo

* Condition with Optimum Care Fortifying Conditioner

* Blow-dry

* Twist with Sweetest Girl braid

* Curl ends of braids

Marcia’s Take:

I love the new look, and it will last for awhile. I’ve been at this salon for 18 years and I’ve never been disappointed.

Convenient Combo – courtesy of Carletta Kettle-Brown

Marsha-Lee Patrick — Student

As a busy university student, Marsha-Lee is always on the go and with a psychology mid-semester exam to complete, she stopped by with her mum Opal for what she calls the ‘convenient combo’ — treat, colour, set, wrap and go.

Procedure:

* Apply Optimum Advance relaxer to hair

* Rinse with Optimum Keratin Neutralising Shampoo and Keratin Leave-in Conditioner

* Avlon Affirm MoisturColor Hair Color System (mixture of red and brown colours)

* Rinse

* Roller-set

* Sit under the dryer for 15 minutes

* Style, pin-up and go.

Marsha-Lee’s take:

I’m always on the go and so for regular hair treatment I usually get the convenient combo. It keeps my hair healthy, and allows me to meet my deadlines. Fifteen years after my first visit to the salon, I remain a satisfied customer.

Fierce Flips – courtesy of Kareen Kettle

Opal Patrick — Insurance Advisor, Scotia Insurance

A loyal customer of Hair Impressions, Opal has been a customer at the salon since it opened at the Portmore Mall 18 years ago. Usually she would just cut and colour, and while she expected to do the same, Kareen had other plans for her.

Procedure:

* Apply Avlon Affirm MoisturColor Hair Color System (a special mix)

* Rinse

* Blow-dry

* Flip curl

Opal’s take:

The colour job is awesome at this salon. Kareen has a signature mix that gives me a lovely red colour. I was expecting to have my hair cut and coloured today, but she opted to trim, colour and flip. Now I feel like a movie star.

A World of Curls – courtesy of Samantha Foxe

Sophia Beckford-Dayes

Sophia Beckford was making one of her regular trips to Hair Impressions to have her hair done in straw curls. Not one to repeat the same look she informed Under The Dryer that the straw curls was just one of her many style options.

Procedure:

* Shampoo with Optimum Advance Keratin Neutralising Shampoo

* Apply lottabody setting lotion

* Set with straws

* Sit under the dryer for about 10 – 15 minutes

* Style

Sophia’s take:

I’ve been coming here since ‘forever’. When I’m here it may be large curls, combed down and curl and even the straw curl. This is just one of my many looks. The team here takes care of my hair and I always get personal treatment, so I keep coming back.

S Curls – courtesy of Carletta Kettle-Brown

Garfield Brown — Customer Service Supervisor

Garfield made the trip to Hair Impressions for his monthly ‘touch-up’. Between work and all the other tasks he has to complete on a daily basis, he assured us that the monthly styling is most convenient.

Procedure:

* Apply Luster’s S-Curls Texturizer Wave & Curl Crème

* Comb to form waves

* Leave for eight minutes

* Shampoo with Optimum Advance Keratin Neutralising Shampoo

* Apply S-Curl 3-in-1 wave lotion for maintenance

* Apply S-Curl styling gel

* Style with Motions oil sheen

* Procedure is repeated every four weeks

Garfield’s take:

The experience continues to be an awesome one. I’m one of the earliest customers here at Portmore Mall and the personal service I receive is great every time.

Fancy Feet – courtesy of Marie Lewis

Cutie Dennis

Another loyal customer of Hair Impressions, Cutie Dennis, who has experienced all the services at the salon came in this time for a pedicure.

Procedure:

* Clean toes

* Remove polish with non-acetone polish remover

* Apply cuticle softener

* Soak feet for 10 minutes in a solution of water, foot soap, rock salt and baking soda

* Remove cuticles

* Buff nails

* Scrub feet

* Massage feet

* Polish nails

Cutie’s take:

After having this salon cater to my needs for 18 years, there are no complaints. I can assure you the service here is excellent and the team courteous.

Sleek Brows – courtesy of Peter-Gaye Lambert-Rose

Nicole Hutchinson — Corporate Communications Manager, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority

Ticking off the tasks on her to do list, Nicole stopped by the salon to have her eyebrows waxed. With the ease and convenience she receives, she explains that it’s all about excellent service on the go.

Procedure:

* Cleanse brows with alcohol

* Apply a thin layer of GiGi Wax Off over areas to be waxed

* Place calico waxing strip over waxed area

* Leave for five seconds

* Gently remove calico strips

* Apply GiGi after-wax cooling gel

Nicole’s take:

Peter-Gaye does a great job. It’s quick and easy, and can be done in a moment’s notice.

Members of the Hair Impressions team are hard at work styling their clients.

Hair Impressions

Shop2 #13 – #14b

Block B

Portmore Mall

Tel: 1-876-988-8755