HOT OFF THE PRESS

Dallas-based salon glides into Houston with silky blowouts for textured hair

Columbia and Harvard Business School graduate Piersten Gaines noticed a market gap for women with highly textured hair. She wanted to transform the salon experience by making an establishment dedicated to women of color, focusing on saving women money, time, and effort.

“I had a lot of really terrible salon experiences throughout my life,” said Gaines, in an interview with Fortune. “We (Black women) spend a lot of money, a lot of time in salons, and the level of services just do not match the money we’re spending. My goal is to make quality hair care accessible.”

After positive feedback from the likes of Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank" fame, the idea for Pressed Roots, a luxurious salon boasting exquisite design and specializing in natural, silky blowouts for textured hair, came to fruition. Gaines started by hosting pop-up events in cities like Boston and Atlanta. However, her Texas roots drew her to establish the first brick-and-mortar outpost in Dallas' Trinity Grove neighborhood in 2020.

Pressed Roots' first Houston location will open May 9 in the Centre at Post Oak. Photo via Pressed Roots/Instagram

Following the success of her initial venture, Gaines expanded, opening two more salons in the Dallas area before turning her attention to Houston. Pressed Roots' first location outside of Dallas will open on May 9 in the Centre at Post Oak shopping center.

On the salon's website, Gaines writes a letter to fellow "highly-textured girls" stating that she wants Pressed Roots to be the place "that can consistently press your beautiful tresses in a fast, yet healthy way." She goes on to say that her stylists have each successfully completed the "Pressed Roots boot camp, where they have perfected the art of the blowout and know what's right for every hair type."

The nearly 2,000-square-foot salon boasts 50 stylists and a beautiful aesthetic featuring muted tones of pink and brown. The decor is feminine, with rounded edges and natural materials. All of the stylists at Pressed Roots will be trained under the salon's proprietary program, ensuring a quality experience for every customer.

Pressed Roots offers a range of services, including the signature silk blowout in various styles such as silky straight, loose curls, or beach waves, along with additional services. Pressed Roots clients can expect an online hair quiz when they book their appointment to note their curl pattern, hair porosity, and desired style. At the time of their appointment, a stylist will go into even further detail regarding the results of the online quiz to determine the exact services. The goal is to complete washing, conditioning, and styling within 120 minutes.

The Galleria area salon also provides VIP stations for private experiences upon request. Clients can browse through a carefully curated collection of Pressed Roots stylist-approved wholesale products and tools, ensuring their hair is maintained between services.

Pressed Roots, 5000 Westheimer Rd, Suite 118, Houston, TX 77056

Photo courtesy of Pressed Roots

Pressed Roots founder Piersten Gaines.

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LAUNDRY LOWDOWN

Houston dermatologist's guide to doing laundry for healthier summer skin

Photo by Averie Woodard

Houston's heat and humidity can increase sweat buildup on clothing, towels, bedding, and accessories. A dermatologist shares how often to wash common summer essentials to help prevent skin irritation, breakouts, and other seasonal skin concerns.

Houstonians are familiar with Texas's unofficial fifth season – sweaty season. Rising temperatures, humidity, sunscreen, and the occasional visit to the pool or the beach create the perfect storm for skin irritation. A few extra loads of laundry might not be anyone's idea of summer fun, but healthier skin could make it worth the effort.

Most people know to toss sweaty workout clothes straight into the laundry hamper, but many everyday items don't get the attention they deserve. According to Dr. Radhika Shah of Westlake Dermatology, skipping laundry day could quickly show up on a person's skin.

"Sweat can mix with bacteria and other debris from the skin when it accumulates on clothing, which can lead to odors, skin irritation, and sometimes, infection," Shah tells CultureMap.

The combination of sweat, heat, and moisture can create an environment where several common skin conditions thrive. Shah says she frequently sees issues including acne, folliculitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and yeast-related rashes such as intertrigo and tinea versicolor.

Not all fabrics handle summer heat equally

"People should look for cotton and linen (natural fabrics) over polyester and nylon (synthetic fabrics), as natural fabrics breathe better and tend to release sweat and odors more easily," Shah says.

Many might think that warm weather causes clothing fibers to trap moisture and bacteria more quickly, but Shah explains that how a fabric reacts is heavily dependent on the fabric itself. That means material can make a noticeable difference during Houston's long stretch of heat and humidity.

Laundry routines are important

Summer laundry habits can affect skin health just as much as skincare products. Shah recommends avoiding heavily fragranced detergents whenever possible and skipping fabric softeners altogether.

"Detergents with fragrance can irritate the skin further, especially in those with sensitive skin or eczema," she says. "In addition, I would try to avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fabrics and trap sweat and other skin debris."

While everyone knows to wash underwear and gym clothes on repeat, Shah says there are two commonly overlooked items that deserve more attention.

"Change your pillowcase and your hat," she says. Her recommendation is to wash pillowcases every two to four days and hats after every three to four wears.

The summer washing guide for healthy skin

Not sure how often to wash your favorite warm-weather essentials? Shah offers these guidelines for summer's hottest months.

Swimwear: After every wear. Chlorine, saltwater, sweat, and sunscreen residue can all linger in fabric and irritate skin.
Workout clothes: After every wear. This is non-negotiable during hot summers.
Bras: Every two to three wears.
Sleepwear: Every two to three wears.
Shorts and pants: Every two to three wears.
Dresses: Every two to three wears.
Jeans: Every three to four wears.
Bath towels: After three to four uses.
Beach towels: After every use.
Sheets: Weekly.
Pillowcases: Every two to four days.

Don't forget your beauty tools

Regular maintenance of beauty tools is also important for healthy skin, especially during the summer when sweat and sunscreen use increase. Makeup brushes, especially those used for foundation, concealer, and cream products, can accumulate oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and product buildup. Dermatologists recommend washing foundation and concealer brushes weekly, while powder brushes can typically be cleaned every 1 to 2 weeks.

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