Tag Archives: blow-dry

DryBy, Hair and Nail Studio

Posted on by

I am always on the lookout for stylish salons for pampering treatments. Recently, with wedding season in full swing, I’ve regularly needed a blow dry or pedicure, but it is tricky to find a place that offers great hair and nail services under the same roof. I’d seen pastel pictures of the DryBy studios pop up on my Instagram feed, and had an inkling it could be the perfect solution for pre-event makeovers.

DryBy

Located just off Regent Street, DryBy is ideal for those working or living centrally. The salon was started up by two visionary sisters, Krisztina van der Boom and Anita Puluczkai, who felt that London needed a venue to satisfy hair and nail needs. With the expert help of designers Studio KO they transformed a beautiful building into the sophisticated salon it is today.

DryByDryByDryBy

Inside everything is decorated in subtle shades of pink and rose gold, with a lovely marble table and luxe design furniture. The setting instantly relaxes you… with a cup of earl grey tea and magazines, I felt blissfully content. The hair menu is simple, offering five stable styles inspired by the most glamorous cities from round the world. London is the most popular, laid back bed-head waves to suit any occasion. I felt I had to be loyal to my home city style, but could easily have been tempted by slick straight New York look or the luscious wavy Rome hairstyle.

The sisters have carefully selected beauty brands to work with from all over the world. My hair was washed with the delicious smelling O&M, an organic company from Australia.

DryByDryBy

My lovely stylist was efficient with my hair, and within 30 minutes I felt ready for a red carpet event. It was an effortless look that I find impossible to master at home. Next I was taken downstairs for my first Shellac experience.

DryBy offers a variety of nail treatments, from mini manis and pedis to prescriptive hand and foot care, to address particularly problems. I couldn’t resist the gold foil nail art, which is applied to the end of the nail. The process was quiet and methodical; each coat of shellac is dried under the UV light, until the nails are complete. No drying time or worry of dents, I was ready to go and my nails felt more immaculate than ever before.

I can’t recommend DryBy highly enough, a stunning salon which ensures that every customer leaves feeling like the most glamorous version of themselves.

Blow-dry from £32

Manicure from £21

More information and book a treatment at DryBy here.

Duck & Dry, Chelsea

Posted on by

‘Blow outs’ have been a major beauty trend in NYC for a while, but it is only recently that London’s most glamorous ladies consider it an essential part of their pre-party prep… and that’s where Duck and Dry come in. This super stylish salon is conveniently located in Chelsea in a spacious venue which allows a gaggle of girls to enjoy treatments simultaneously (perfect for hen dos and birthday bashes).

The pretty turquoise salon opened last September and has quickly become a favourite with local trendsetters and celebrities. The project is the result of Yulia Rorstrom’s ambition and passion for beauty. This business-savvy lady has created an environment which is both sociable and stylish; I can imagine friends hanging out at the drinks bar, and regular clients laughing in their seats as they choose a dazzling new hairstyle.

A few weeks ago, before attending a sophisticated spring wedding, I visited Duck and Dry for a speedy hair makeover. I’d been feeling a bit low about my drastically short hair so I was hoping a bit of professional styling would freshen my look.

The first thing I noticed when I walked into the chic salon was their motto which is written in big pastel pink letters on the wall: ‘Fine feathers make fine birds’. In one corner the sinks and reclining chairs are found amongst the beautiful exotic tiles. There is also a little display of the carefully selected products which are available to buy, I spotted my favourite Davines haircare brand sitting amongst the collection.

My hair was done by the lovely Kirsty O’Brien, who washed my locks before chatting to me about what I wanted. At Duck and Dry they specialise in Blow-drys and Up-dos, and their glossy brochure illustrates the variety of styles available. I chose a mix of beach locks and low tide waves, loose movement which would add volume and character to my limp hairstyle. Using the hairdryer, thin tongs and a few rollers, Kirsty created an entirely new look for me that made me feel confident and proud of my hair! She backcombed a little at the back knowing that over the course of the day my waves were likely to loosen and drop a little. She’d thought of everything.

I highly recommend Duck and Dry, a heavenly place to get your hair in tip top shape and style ready for any big occasion. If I could afford it I’d be there everyday!

More information and book an appointment at Duck and Dry here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 195: Fashion Week Ready

Posted on by

For all those fashionistas out there in need of a beauty fix during Fashion Week, I have compiled a little black book of helpful contacts and beauty bars who will primp and preen you ready for another day of catwalks and couture chaos.

Blow dry – After back to back shows and after parties you will be feeling drab and drowsy. Blow dries are the perfect pick-me-up, a quick and glamorous solution to tired limp locks. Blow Bar in Islington is a lovely little boutique, closer to the catwalk try Hersheson blow dry bars in Westfield Shepherd’s Bush or New Change in the city.

Mani-Pedi – For stand-out nails, WAH Nails is the best of the bunch. Located downstairs in the Topshop flagship store on Oxford Street, here you can mimic the trends from the designers or select a design from the colourful Wah inspiration board. If you are hanging around the Notting Hill area I urge you to try Sophie Gass, this stylish salon will prettify your fingers and toes whilst you sip a cappuccino and browse on their ipads.

Speedy Facial – The Bliss brand is brilliant for quick and revitalising treatments. Visit the Sloane Avenue venue and try the 30 minute Oxygen Blast facial, which I found had amazingly relaxing and glowing effects.

Roots refresh – FOUR salon is just off Regent’s Street and specialises in hair colour treatments. The charming girls will lighten and brighten your roots, so you’ll be ready fabulously fast.

Mini massage– Stiff from carrying too many lookbooks and squeezing into uncomfortable heels? Treat yourself to an indulgent mini massage, best found at the Space NK Spa. I can recommend the 30 minute Reviving Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage.

Hopefully after these little luxuries you will look and feel like a supermodel, and will be ready to watch the pros strut down the runways all day long.