Is there anything better than a bouncy blow dry to make you feel a million dollars? We think not. And clearly we’re not alone, as the increasing demand for a post-work blow dry, a lunchtime hair zhuzh or relaxing weekend makeover has encouraged a number of spotless salons to pop up in the capital – and thankfully they’re here to stay. From the best treatments for sensitive scalps to those who can work magic with a hair dryer to achieve sleek styles, here are the best blow dry bars in London.
Blush and Blow, Parsons Green
Located on New King Road, Blush and Blow London is a luxurious and vibrant hair salon owned by sisters, Bridget and Justine. Offering an array of hair and beauty treatments, the family-run and dog-friendly parlour works alongside its sister clinic The Skin Studio next door catering to all aesthetic and skin needs – so you don’t have to move more than 10 steps during your well-deserved pamper day.
Headed by master colourist Siobhan Jones, Blush and Blow’s colour bar is on hand to help your hair, whether it needs a refresh, cut or blow-dry just in time for Christmas. The latter is our go-to when we’re in need of injecting some bounce into our locks, while we’d also recommend trying the reconstructive treatment if your ends are feeling dry, or the Kerasilk Keratin and hair botox options for a full hair transformation.
From £42, visit blushandblowlondon.com
GA Salons, across London
Focusing on using natural, curative products, Gennaro Dell’aquila (better known as GA) Salons have put an end to chemical treatments in favour of natural products your hair will love. All GA products are made by hand in the salon and only use fresh herbs and ingredients, perfect for those with sensitive scalps. After your bespoke hair treatment — with options ranging from Oway to Olaplex — revives your follicles, let the stylists do the work to boost your hair’s bounce with the hairdryer while you sit back in the golden-hued salon. With several locations across the capital, including in Chelsea, South Kensington, Notting Hill and Wimbledon, book at your convenience.
From £40, visit gennarodellaquila.co.uk
Clo & Flo, Borough
There’s a lot more to Clo & Flo than meets the eye. Founded by two sisters, the salon is adorned with living walls and boasts a Pilates studio, nail bar and hair salon. In the words of Clo and Flo themselves, they are “prompting wellbeing from the inside out”. After you’ve enjoyed a good stretch and toning class, followed by a green juice, rejuvenate sweat-tinged hair with a good blow dry so you can leave looking and feeling good.
From £27, visit cloandflo.com
Hare & Bone, Fitzrovia
If you’re in need of a speedy lunchtime or pre-date blow dry, look no further than Hare & Bone. The brightly-lit, monochrome-style salon can have you in and out of the styling chair within the hour, so it’s the perfect bar for those on the go. If time is on your side, however, incorporate a Kerasilk Bond Protection Treatment prior to your blow dry to give locks an extra layer of protection against the heat.
From £39, visit hareandbone.co.uk
Duck & Dry, across London
Duck & Dry now boasts not one, but five salons across London in Chelsea, Soho, Mayfair, Islington and the newly-opened Knightsbridge outpost. Swathed in signature aquamarine and blush hues, Duck & Dry serves quick-smart blow dries and up-dos, as well as catering for group gatherings and parties. Lucky for us, the salon isn’t gatekeeping its blow dry secrets either thanks to its workshops. Learn the tricks of the trade from a senior stylist in a one-to-one session so you can recreate your desired look at home. Fancy a full-on pamper? We recommend booking a gel manicure to rejuvenate your nails too.
From £35, visit duckanddry.com
Hari’s, across London
Trust your hair will be in the best hands at Hari’s, where its stylists have been perfecting the best blow dry for 45 years. Opt for the Signature Blow Dry+ to choose from a menu of add-on treatments, such as Masque and Olaplex treatments, to elevate the traditional blow dry experience. The esteemed hair salon also offers other intensive treatments including the Kerastase Hair Spa Rituals which aims to infuse moisture and strength into frazzled locks. You can choose festival-perfect feather or unique braiding look at the salon’s designated bars too. Book your appointment in various locations across London including Battersea, Chelsea, Notting Hill, South Kensington and Parsons Green.
From £30, visit harissalon.com
Salon Sloane, Chelsea
Take tired, frizzy hair to Salon Sloane on Pavilion Road. The chic salon has styled the locks of many international celebrities, including George and Amal Clooney, Bryan Adams and Lindsay Lohan — if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us. Opt for the Keratin Blow Dry which penetrates the hair with a protein-packed ointment, which strengthens and conditions before revealing a glossy finish once dried.
From £38, visit salonsloane.com
Hershesons, across London
Hershesons is London’s original blow dry bar and remains one of the best, with shiny flagship salons in Fitzrovia and Belgravia. It’s so passionate about the power of a blow dry that the brand has created its very-own hairdryer. The brand’s new, dedicated bar is nestled in Selfridges, where you will be presented with a blow-dry menu. Pick from smooth wavy, big and brushed or the quick zhuzh.
From £45, visit hershesons.com
Aer, Kensington
Aer in South Kensington should be your go-to for perfectly coiffed curls, voluminous waves and braids, set in bright and airy, gold-trimmed salon on Old Brompton Road. The team of stylists has been trained to the highest standard and only use premium products such as Kerastase, Oribe, Regincos, GHD and Parlux. The signature blow dry, providing you don’t have extensions, only takes 30 minutes so no time is wasted.
From £43, visit aerblowdrybar.com
Read more: Hair SPF: The best sun protection products for silky summer locks
