I wait and have mine done in the DR. The funnest place near Samana city was neecie's salon in Los Cacoas (sp?) If you're a local - can you correct me? I went with locals and was treated very well.
It is an experience. Also, to be nice - bring magazines to leave with them. Bring any about french braiding black hair or any black hair magazines, any fashion magazines. They eat it up as those are hard to afford if you're charging beans for a mani. You will feel better for it (your donation).