I never schedule hair appointments while on vacation. It takes way too long and I’d much rather spend that time exploring the city. However, sometimes a situation will arise and you are forced to take the appropriate measures to have it fixed .
The good news is, if that situation occurs (or if your hair is just in need of a little refreshing) while you’re in Chicago there is a fabulous salon located on the oh so luxurious Michigan Avenue that can help you in very little time.
& blowdry is a brand new salon (they just opened their doors this month) that caters to the glamorous woman on the go. Owners Leslie and Dana recognize that time is of the essence for most women, and although they don’t want to sacrifice good service, women also don’t want to sit in a salon all day long. For that reason, the salon is open from 7am-9pm and most blowouts can be completed in about an hour. And to help that time pass just a little more quickly, they provide bottomless mimosas with a sweet edible hibiscus flower or white wine to all guests (of age, of course)! The salon specializes in natural hair, but is fully equipped to handle processed hair (like mine), as well as the hair of all other ethnicities.
& blowdry offers much more than just blowdrys, however. (hence the &) They offer manicures and pedicures, facial/leg/& armpit waxing, lash extensions, and soon they’ll add hair extensions to the list!
The salon itself is as glamorous as its clientele. Immediately upon walking in you are greeted by a beautiful chandelier! There are comfortable, chic sofas located in the center of the salon, for you to lounge on while you wait for your stylist…or for you to continue chatting with a friend if you finish up first. Everything in there is either pink, white, or fully sparkled…so I felt right at home. The mani/pedi area was equipped with plush pink sofas, hidden outlets to charge your phone while you relax, and even mounted Paragon dryers for women who want a roller set and their nails done in one appointment (killing two birds with one stone, see…they really do care about your time)!
But, salons are really only as good as their stylists and their products. & blowdry has the best of both. My stylist Latayvea was extremely friendly. Even more importantly, she was knowledgeable. She gave me the run down on every single product she used in my hair and that made me trust her. She also answered every single question I threw out at her and if she didn’t have the the answer, she asked someone. (I definitely recommend booking her if you make an appointment at the salon) I also LOVE that & blowdry only uses Oribe products, as they are the Rolls Royce of hair products. They are super gentle, pure, moisturizing, and they smell heavenly. I was introduced to Oribe about two years ago and loved them so much that I actually still use their shampoo, conditioner, and Gold Lust hair oil. I was quite surprised and extremely excited when I walked in and saw only Oribe products on the shelf as I had never had a professional use them on me. I’ve only ever used them on my own. But I am so happy that Latayvea that was that first professional because as she explained the products she gave me a few tricks on how to use the products I already have at home.
This salon made having to get my hair done on vacation not only a great experience, but a memorable part of the trip. I’ll definitely be back!
If you are planning on visiting Chicago be sure to book an appointment! & let them know I sent you! xo
