I used to wash my hair every day.
When I was much younger, I could dry it quickly and it would come out naturally straight and silky. It made me feel so good, it acted almost like a superhero cape, giving me the super power of confidence. I loved running my fingers through it and, if I take a deep breath now, I can still get a whiff of my beloved Herbal Essence shampoo.
To get that same straight, silky hair now, I – well, I can’t. Not by myself.
My hairdresser, Laura Pruden, who I love dearly, can get it for me but it takes time, her professional touch with the flat iron and the right combination of product. Because, unfortunately, she doesn’t live with me and I don’t have the patience or talent to do what she does, I usually throw my hair into a ponytail and forget about it.
I only wash it every few days because, unless Laura is working her magic on it, my hair actually looks better “dirty” now. What is that about?
It takes forever to blow it dry so I end up with half of it dry, half of it wet and none of it looking particularly good.
I’ve noticed lately that a lot of blow dry bars are opening around my neighborhood. This is kind of reassuring because it means I’m not the only one who can’t do it herself. I was dying to try one but was having trouble rationalizing the $35 and the feeling that I was somehow cheating on Laura. So when Blo sent me an invitation for a free blo-out to celebrate their new Carlsbad location, I immediately made an appointment.
Blo is North America’s original blow dry bar. They created the whole no cuts, no color, just “Wash. Blow. Go.” concept and have been around since 2007. This is their 31st location, and they’re probably coming to your city soon if they’re not there already.
To really put them to the test, I decided to go right after Jazzercise when my hair was a birds nest-y, frizzy, sweaty mess. Usually, I just go on with my day like that and if I run into people I know, I laughingly apologize for my hair while I’m hugging them although, the truth is, I’m only sorry that I don’t care more about making it presentable.
Samantha, my stylist, was unfazed. She washed my hair – if I could give myself a scalp massage that felt as good as the pros do, I just might keep washing my hair every day – and got to work.
Blo features a really cute Hair Menu so you can choose a style that’s sleek and edgy or dripping with curls. This would be a great place to go before a big event and, in fact, they even offer a Blo On The Go service, where they’ll come to you instead. I basically gave Samantha carte blanche and settled in to my cushy chair to take in the vibe.
Blo has a nice feel to it, with music in the background, chick flicks playing on the TV and lots of hot pink and white everywhere.
They laid out quite a spread, which didn’t influence my opinion at all because I stuck to my Jenny Craig and didn’t even take a bite of any of these gorgeous-looking treats. I did bring home a beautiful box of toffee from The Toffee Box, which my husband assured me was delicious. The empty box in my kitchen cabinet proves he’s telling the truth.
I left Blo with hair that felt so much better – literally. It fell vertically instead of spreading out horizontally, and even had a That Girl kind of flip gracing my shoulders that gave me a little bounce in my step. The texture was smooth and soft, and my bangs were combed to the side, taking a point of view rather than hanging haphazardly. Best part? When I ran into a friend later that afternoon, instead of feeling the need to say, “Sorry,” I was given an opportunity to say, “Thank you.”
I’ve often wondered about those places! Wouldn’t it be nice to always look like you do coming out of the salon?!! You look fabulous!
Thank you! Yes, it would be nice if that professional styling would last permanently!
You look wonderful! My hair is super short now, but going to the salon and getting a blow dry was always a treat! My hair never looked as good as walking out of a salon.
Thanks, and agree that it’s impossible to keep that just-came-out-of-the-salon look!
I love getting my hair done at a salon, but it has been years. Your hair looks great!
Thanks! This was such a treat!
My hair used to dry straight and nice, too! When I turned 30 I developed some crazy, kinky waves! Your hair looks great!!!
Thanks! Hair is not something that seems to improve with age!
I’ve never heard of a place like that… but I can totally see my daughter loving it – she has really long hair that can sometimes be a pain but she doesn’t want to cut it. She loves the wash/blow out that she gets at the hairdresser though.. hopefully Blo will open a location in Charleston. SC someday 🙂
I see they have one in North Carolina but they do keep opening new ones. Your daughter would love this!
I love this concept! Sometimes I just want someone else to do my (long, thick) hair!
I always want someone else to do my hair! Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen!
I took my curly haired granddaughter to one. First time she ever had stick straight hair. She wore it for one day and then didn’t feel like herself and didn’t want to go to school with straight so she washed it and those magical curls came back.
It’s good to try new things but better if you’re happy with your natural look!
Your hair looks amazing. Love getting my hair done.
Thanks, Shari! I do, too!
I first went to blow dry bar when I was visiting Beverly Hills (ooh la la!) about 5 years ago; it’s a great way to pamper yourself. Lois, I love the way your hair came out!
Lois, how do I get a photo to show up with my comments on your blog?
Pamela, try this: http://en.gravatar.com/
Thank you! Any pampering is a good thing!
Oh wow, the before and after difference is crazy. You look great!
Thank you! I think I should move in with them!
I’ve never heard of these places an its a great idea. Uhmmmm wonder what they could do with my hair?
You never know! They are very creative and it’s a fun thing to try!
Your post Blo dry hair looks amazing! I’m the same way and can only wash my hair every other day. My hair seems to get dryer as I get older.
Thanks so much! My hair used to be so easy. Forget it now!
I’ve never heard of this! But wow, you look so cute!
Thank you so much! A nice treat!
Your hair looks fabulous! I wonder if there are any locations near me?
Thank you! I think the closest one to you is in Manhattan but you can check their website. New ones popping up all the time!
Wow. You look fabuuuuulous. I’ve never heard of a Blo and Go place around here. Are they on Long Island?
Thank you! There’s one on East 64 Street in the city and one on Glen Cove Road in Greenvale. You hair always looks great, though!
You look great, but how about those truffles?! 🙂
Ha! Those look even better!
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Can u see this photo! This is from my local hairdressers shop! I LOVE this idea. When I turned 49 I decided to enter my 50’s with no more highlighting my hair. I am not used to the darkness as the grey is not full tilt but it is still fun to be oh naturale. I LOVE when people straighten my hair and professionals always blow me better:)) xo