One of my favorite solutions for looking put-together while juggling a hectic schedule is the style-only hair salon (aka blowout bar). Yes, your regular salon likely offers a simple blowout, but getting an appointment can sometimes be a hassle, or the price might hurt your wallet. So, I’ve tested out many of these quick-serve blowout salons around New York City, and found the two leading players are Dreamdry and Drybar. Both offer a convenient app for booking appointments and are competitively priced. Still, one stands out as the better choice to us. Here is how they stack up:
Dry Bar (winner-up)
I first experienced the convenience of the 45-minute wash and blowout at a Dry Bar in California a couple of years ago. They have since opened multiple locations in several metropolitan cities around the country, and have just launched a “come to you” service.
Pros:
- The advantage of booking an appointment here is the amount of locations (there are currently 10 scattered across NYC). Some locations book up faster than others, but you can typically get in on the same day – surfing locations and available appointments is easy using their app.
Cons:
- As the company has scaled, styling satisfaction has decreased. Specific grievances include: stylists do not always achieve the lookbook styles (some curly styles end up looking outdated), stylists don’t seem to be able to deviate from the branded lookbook styles (are limited in direction taking), and the excessive heat used on hair ends causes damage (more so when you go often).
- While the overall experience within the salon has stayed the same (friendly service, ample magazines, drink selections and clean atmosphere), the level of skill per stylist can now vary.
- I find their styling products dry out my hair (but the product names are super cute tho!). On the other hand, their styling equipment (curling irons, brushes and blow dryer) are amazing.
- Recently the prices have gone up (in NYC it went from $40 to $45 for a regular blow out).
Conclusion:
- If you’re looking to have your hair blown out straight and don’t use heat often, Dry Bar is a good option. On the flip side, if you’re in need of the latest hair trend or are always stressing about the level of damage your hair has, you may want to only book here when in a pinch.
Website: www.thedrybar.com
Dreamdry (winner, winner, chicken dinner)
As the brainchild of Rachel Zoe, the Dreamdry motto is: “We believe you should make every day glamorous and it all begins with your hair.” This totes makes sense, right?
Pros:
- As a newer brand created by a fashion designer, the looks are fresher and updos/braids are on-trend.
- Stylists try to prevent damage by using less heat on ends through using longer cold blasts. Also, instead of using a curling iron, stylists will often clip-up curls, allowing them to sit, which also makes the style last longer.
- The salon exclusively uses products from the luxe hair care line Oribe.
Cons:
- There are only two locations in NYC, so it’s not always possible to get a day-of appointment.
- Prices have gone up (in NYC it went from $40 to $45 for a regular blow out).
Conclusion:
- If you’re seeking fresh styles and are someone who is always worried about protecting your hair, Dreamdry may be the better choice. You may have to book your appointment a day in advance, but their app makes that simple.
Website: www.dreamdry.com
Below are images of a standard Dreamdry blowout:
Stay tuned for our review on eyebrow extensions!