The Doux Launches My Salon Empire on Roblox to Celebrate Hair Diversity

The gaming industry is embracing a much-needed wave of inclusivity with the launch of The Doux's new game, My Salon Empire, on Roblox. Co-founder Maya Smith aims to transform the virtual landscape of hair care by offering a space where players can explore a myriad of hairstyles that reflect diverse hair textures.

My Salon Empire invites users to step into the shoes of a salon owner, managing operations, consulting with clients, and styling hair using The Doux's own product line. As players progress, they can upgrade their salons and even expand their businesses to multiple locations, all while interacting with other players' creations.

Smith described the game as not just a simulation but a genuine representation of salon life, filled with challenges like managing customer expectations. "It really is a real-life, fun Roblox simulation of what salon life is," she said, emphasizing the game's unique commitment to showcasing a wide array of hairstyles, particularly those for coily and kinky hair types—often overlooked in gaming.

In a deliberate move to fill the gap in hair representation, My Salon Empire features a rich assortment of hairstyles including fades, afros, braids, and protective styles. Smith stated, "It was very important to me to make sure that the people who were playing it would see themselves represented in the game." The game also includes avatars of diverse backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity across the board.

Beyond representation, Smith has crafted the game to serve as an educational platform. Players learn about the appropriate products for different styles and how to care for textured hair. For instance, a player styling a twist-out will receive guidance on the best products to use, with an option to purchase The Doux products directly through Roblox.

The journey to create My Salon Empire began nearly a year ago as a light-hearted joke among Smith and her gaming family. It evolved into reality when Roblox partnered with Smith and her team. "Every single hairstyle, the salon journey, every color, every tile—none of it was plug-and-play," she explained, highlighting the hands-on approach taken to ensure every detail was authentic.

Despite the challenges of translating diverse hairstyles into digital formats, Smith expressed pride in the final product and her team's collaborative effort. She remains optimistic about the game's future, envisioning expansion beyond Roblox into other platforms. "I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish," she said, hinting at exciting possibilities ahead.

Source: fashionista.com