NYC has always been full of hot air, but now it’s even more so thanks to a recent proliferation of specialized blowout bars catering to the busy New York woman who wants to look good but doesn’t have hours to spend (so, pretty much everyone). The newest kid on the block is DreamDry, owned by Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe. Situated in the Flatiron District, you can choose from a number of celebrity-themed blowout styles for $40, including the Brigitte (as in Bardot), the Ali (as in McGraw), and the Sophia (Loren, of course), among others. So, how did it stack up against the competition?
Before (left) and after (r), at DryBar. (Brian Zak/NY Post)
Before (left) and after (right) at Jean Louis David. (Anne Wermie/NY Post)
DREAMDRY
35 W. 21st St.; 212-886-5194
Cost: $40 for a standard blowout
Services offered: Blowouts, “express” blowouts ($30 for a quick refresher blowout sans shampoo), braids, updos, “Little Ones” blowouts for kids 10 and under
The vibe: Super-sophisticated business-as-usual; swipe through fashion magazines on an iPad (they’re at every station) while Lady Gaga and Jay-Z play overhead.
The Post tested: The Sophia — plenty of glam, with lots of body
It took: 40 minutes
It looked: Awesome. The look was sleek and sophisticated with extra body and even a little side flip, an effect you’d normally only get at an expensive salon after a haircut.
It stood up under: Rain, wind, my 7-month-old son pulling on it and a Bikram yoga class
Lasted: 5 days
Rating: 4
DRYBAR
Le Parker Meridien Hotel, 119 W. 56th St.; 212-561-5392 (plus four other NYC locations)
Cost: $40 for a standard blowout
Services offered: Blowouts (for $95, they’ll send a stylist to give you a blowout at home), updos, “Shirley Temple” blowouts for the 10-and-under set
The vibe: Like a giant adult female slumber party, you can sip free mimosas while romantic comedies like “Pretty Woman” and “When Harry Met Sally” play on a loop on the flatscreen TVs.
The Post tested: The Straight Up — straight and sleek with a little bit of volume
It took: 45 minutes
It looked: At first it was a little too pouffy “GOP candidate wife,” but by the second day it had calmed down and I was digging it.
It stood up under: Two snow days, misty rain and another Bikram yoga class
Lasted: 5 ¹/₂ days
Rating: 3
JEAN LOUIS DAVID
1180 Sixth Ave.; 212-944-7389 (plus four other NYC locations)
Cost: $27 for a standard blowout
Services offered: Blowouts, haircuts
The vibe: No frills. No mimosas. This is the place you go when you don’t care about atmosphere and you didn’t have time to make an appointment — you just need a blowout. Fast.
The Post tested: What, you think Jean Louis David has time for cutesy style names? He does not. I asked for it “straight,” and that’s what I got.
It took: 25 minutes
It looked: Nothing fancy, but about 100 percent better than my hair usually looks (please refer to: 7-month-old son)
I
t stood up under: Meh, just a Bikram yoga class
Lasted: 3 days
Rating: 2
Rating guide
1: This blows
2: A bit of hot air
3: Hair raising
4: Blew us away!
