Blow Dry Bars: London’s New Post-Workout Secret Weapon

Let’s face it – performing a slick, office-ready blow dry on yourself in a steamy change room post-Barry’s, is no mean feat. It’s no surprise that like so many cult movements in the US, blow dry bar culture is finally taking off in the UK. We’re not talking cuts or colours; this is about in and out blow dries and updo’s in less than 30 minutes.

Hitting up an early class with an important client meeting to follow? Or sneaking a HIIT class in between work and dinner? London’s new wave (sorry) of blow dry bars are about to become your post-workout secret weapon.

Get on your way with fabulous, never-touch-your-blow-dryer again looking hair with 6 of London’s best:

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Duck & Dry

Founder, Yulia Rorstrom just completely gets the blow dry culture. She left the corporate world after seeing an opportunity to introduce London’s affluent South West to the art of the expert express blow dry – knowing that eventually it will take off in a big way right across the city. “Duck & Dry been really well received,” she says – with clients that come daily, weekly and on occasion.

“It’s about doing something small to make yourself feel good and feel beautiful,” she says.

Choose from 8 blow dry styles or 8 updo styles; from Classic Duck to Brazen Braid. The signature styles, loved by many a Made in Chelsea star, will leave you feeling flawless and ready to strut your stuff around the streets of Chelsea – and anywhere else for that matter.

Cost: Blow from £28, Duck, Dry and Do from £35

Perfect for post-workout at: Lomax Bespoke Fitness

335-337 King’s Rd, London SW3 5ES

www.duckandry.com

Specialised blow dry at Duck and Dry in Chelsea
Image: via Instagram @duckanddry

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Blo Blow Dry Bar

With Gwyneth Paltrow putting all her steam behind the originally American franchise, us Londoners are very excited to see Blo opening in the British capital. Right in the heart of Covent Garden, we can get our hair done promptly before (or after) dining at Le Pain Quotidian. It brings all of the great do’s our American friends have been rocking and more.

With 7 classic styles, it’s super easy for those of us who are bad at making decisions where our hair is concerned. The friendly staff are more than willing to chat to you about what would suit you best for your occasion, and adapt any of their styles. With all-natural products, and a specialised ‘braid menu’ for Summer we’ve got one more thing to thank Gwynny for!

Cost: Blows from £28, Up-do from £45

Perfect for post-workout at: Triyoga’s Covent Garden Studio

34 The Market (Covent Garden – lower courtyard), The Piazza, London WC2E 8RE

www.blomedry.com

Blo Blow Dry Bar in Covent Garden incredible updo
Image: via Ingtagram @bloheartsyou

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Blow Bar

Shopping? Blow dry? We’ll take both please. Blow Bar has now opened their flagship styling bar at French Connection on Regent Street, and we speak for everyone when we say it’s combining two great things. With a “walk in. blow out.” motto, Blow Bar promises you it doesn’t count as cheating on your hairdresser – it’s just “a quickie”.

A series of styles cater for everyone from the “Prim and Proper” to the “Total Beach Babe”. We promise it’s worth braving the Regent Street crowds – a revamped wardrobe and hair at the same time? We know you can’t say no.

Cost: Blow from £25

Perfect for post-workout at: TenPilates Mayfair

249-251 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EP

www.theblowbar.com

The Blow Bar London blow dry and updo

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Blow Ltd

Having just launched their brand new Fast Beauty App (available here) Blow Ltd is putting its best foot forward when it comes to efficiency. Co-founder Fiona McIntosh is a fast-beauty junkie herself; having balanced a busy life as editor of ELLE and Grazie she’s helped develop an app that lets you book all of your hair, makeup and nail needs in one go.

The Covent Garden based salon is as relaxing as its staff are efficient. Although you’ll have all of your magazine needs on an ipad for your pleasure you won’t need it for long – you’ll be in and out in 30 minutes flat (or under). They’re open from 7am for early-birds. With 8 brilliant looks you’ll need no more and no less, so get your iPhones out and get ready to be blown away (that’s the last pun, we promise).

Cost: Blow from £30, make-up from £20, nails from £15

Perfect for post-workout at: Covent Garden Nike Run Club #WeRunLondon

8 Slingsby Place, St Martin’s Courtyard, London WC2E 9AB

www.blowltd.com

A Blow Ltd Updo
Image: via Instagram @blowltd

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Clo & Flo at Bellissima

Hairdressing with a history is what you get at Clo & Flo. It all started with founders Chloe and Florence’s father, a mini cooper, and a dream to get serious about hairdressing. Now it’s a chic salon in the heart of South Kensington with all of the style and grace of the two sisters, and the legacy of their father, hence the “Bellissima” in their name – from Bellas, their last name.

Clo & Flo is a full serviced salon with a focus on blow drying and styling to make everyone that walks in feel fabulous. “Never underestimate the power of a good blowdry to help you look and feel amazing”. The team ranges from junior hairdressers in training to Art Directors that take your hair as seriously as its possible to take it. Rest assured that whoever tames your mane is well-deserved of their place at Clo & Flo and you’ll be treated accordingly.

What we love about Clo & Flo is that they’re the whole deal, along with their superb hair services they’ve developed a range of cold pressed juices available at Lomax Bespoke Fitness. They’re loaded with ingredients to boost nail and hair growth and overall health, so pop on by, juice in hand, and leave the rest to them.

Price: Blow dry from £30

Perfect for post-workout at: Lomax

55 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3JS

www.cloandflo.com

Clo & Flo up do
Image: via Instagram @cloandflo

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Priv

What’s more convenient than being able to pop in and out of a blow dry bar in under 30 minutes? Ahm, having said blow dry bar come to you?! That’s exactly what Priv does, labelling themselves as a “one-stop destination for all your beauty and wellness needs”. With the only stop being wherever you want it to be.

With options for the girls – a manicure or a blowout, and for the guys – a straight shave and style, plus fitness classes for everyone – from yoga to boxing. Having options like these delivered right to your front door there really is very little need to step outside your living room to get all dolled up. You can order one service at a time or a whole smorgasbord of services if you’re hosting an event. And keep your eyes peeled – new services are added regularly!

Cost: Blow dry and style from £38, dry styling from £25

Perfect for post-workout at: Anywhere from New York to London

www.gopriv.com

Go priv blow dry
Image: via Instagram @gopriv

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