If you live in Boston and are a fan of frequent blowouts, rejoice: Drybar is officially opening its doors on Newbury Street this Friday, the first of two salon locations coming to the area.
If you’re foreign to the concept of a blowout salon, or think the practice is too indulgent for you, you should think again. Perhaps the influx of locally bred blow dry bars in the area haven’t done it for you yet—but let Drybar, the original blow dry salon, welcome you to the world of blowouts, and of course, fabulous hair.
“It’s an experience,” said Alli Webb, founder of Drybar, who opened the first location in LA in 2010. “It’s more than just getting a blowout. You walk in, and you walk out feeling amazing.”
Webb was a longtime hairstylist when she realized there was a hole in the market for a great, affordable blow dry in a great space. Regular, full service salons offered takes on the blowout, but the going rate was not affordable for women to frequent on a regular basis, only for special occasions. After borrowing money from her brother to start her business, Webb opened a little salon. They became so busy, they had to open more locations to meet demand, and it’s been on the trajectory ever since. The Drybar location opening in Boston this Friday will be the company’s 31st salon. Other blow dry salons have opened as well, emulating Webb’s model, but hers is the leading brand, and in fact, coined the term ‘blow dry bar.’
“There’s something about having great hair,” said Webb. “When your hair looks great, you feel great. You’re getting the confidence that comes with a great blowout.”
Webb was never concerned with adding more services to her salon, as full-service locations get “bogged down” with cuts and colors, leaving blowouts less attainable.
“I felt strongly about doing one thing and being the best at it,” said Webb. “We just wanted our focus to be on blowouts—the best possible blowouts we could do.”
So whether you’re in the mood for a Straight Up, the classic straight and bouncy blowout, a sleek Manhattan, a curly Cosmopolitan, or a beachy Mai Tai, Drybar stylists are all capable of the perfect coif for $40 a pop. UpTinis (updos) are also available for $80.
Drybar recently launched their official product and tool lines, so women can take their blowout experience into their own home, with special “Sauces” (products) and flat irons, clips, and curling irons. Even the Buttercup, the unique blow dryer used at all Drybars, is on sale—which, according to Webb, conditions and adds shine as it drys.
Bostonians will become familiar with Buttercup this week, when a mobile version of the yellow blow dryer takes a tour of the city, making lots of stops along the way to spread the word of the new salon and give out some prizes. Look out for the big blow dryer as it stops around town, and if you snap a picture and send it to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #DrybarBoston, you could be one of five to win a free blowout each day. You can also download the Drybar app, which makes appointment booking easier.
Here’s the Buttercup’s schedule:
Tuesday, October 8
9:30 – 12:30: Boston College
1:00 – 7:00: Copley SquareWednesday, October 9
9:30 – 12:30: Boston University
1:00 – 7:00: Newbury Street, Clarendon StreetThursday, October 10
9:30 – 12:30: Northeastern University
1:00 – 7:00: Financial DistrictFriday, October 11
9:30 – 12:30: Drybar Back Bay
1:00 – 7:00: Newbury Street, Clarendon StreetSaturday, October 12
9:30 – 12:30: Prudential Center
1:00 – 7:00: Arlington Street, Boylston StreetSunday, October 13
9:30 – 12:30: Boylston Street, Tremont Street
1:00 – 7:00: Drybar Back Bay
The first Boston Drybar will open at 234 Clarendon Street this Friday; appointments can be made here. The second location will be coming to Chestnut Hill in November.
See the Buttercup in action as it blew through New York City last winter:
All images courtesy of Drybar.
