Are blow out lounges the new Pinkberry? Remember when we reported last year on the burgeoning trend of the down and dirty blow out scene in L.A.? Well, now the competition is getting hotter and hotter with a new crop of blow dry bars popping up in L.A. and Orange County. And they are armed with big names, big amenities and big plans for blow out domination. We’re excited, but also left shaking our heads as to why so many are going the route of Pinkberry imitators (Kiwiberry, Berrigood etc.) with names and logos that are all one phone call shy of a cease-and-desist. (Kudos to drybar, for choosing an original name!) But before we blow any more hot air, check out some of the latest openings:
First up is Sally Hershberger’s new spot at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles. The coiffeuse to some of Hollywood’s most notable manes is entering the blow-dry game, and she’s pulling out the big guns. Philippe-Starck designed the quickie salon, and though Hershberger won’t be there herself to administer the blowdrys and updos (the only two choices on the salon’s menu), there will be plenty of sightseeing thanks to the location alone. But, like any star-worthy salon, the prices don’t come cheap: $85 for a blow out ($50 more than the $35 standard at most blow dry-only salons); and $150 for the updo. For the bicoastal crowd, Sally says there’s a Miami location in the works, so your locks can look South Beach sexy. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles 310.247.0400
Further south in Orange County, Blo Out Lounge opened its doors, inviting women to relax while they get their blow outs. With romcoms looped on their flatscreens, iPod docks and spots to charge phones, this is the ultimate place to go all-out girly. With a host of different treatments available, from traditional blow outs to “out on the town updos,” deep conditioning treatments, makeup applications and more, the offerings are well, dare we say it: mind-blowing. But actually, not as mind-blowing as the plans for world domination that Blo Nation, the company that owns Blo-Out lounge, has planned: 125 locations by the end of 2011 and 2000 by 2018. Is there even enough hair to go around? 3930 South Bristol, Costa Mesa 714.662.1300
Drybar Los Angeles has opened its first Orange County outpost. We’re big fans of drybar, not only for their original take on a growing trend, but for great services and sporting a tight little marketing schtick that is to blowouts as Sprinkles is to cupcakes. We love that they can deliver beach-ready hair in no time. And they’ve got enough space for a party, so get some friends together for a bestie blow-out session. In a rush? No problem. No time to stop in? They’ll come to you. Now, that’s what we’d call a full service salon. The pièce de résistance though, is what they call a “floater,” (It’s a bar, get it?): A quick ten-minute scalp massage that’s enough to make you come back for a double. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Dr. 949.298.4676
