The best blow dry bars in London, tried & tested

Sometimes all you need is a good beauty refresh, and luckily London is home to a host of the world's best blow dry bars. 

The salon's sole purpose is to get you washed, in and out and back to your glam self in a matter of faff-free moments.

How to achieve the perfect blow dry

Contrary to popular belief, there is actually no sorcery involved. Instead, the pros are all about pure skill when it comes to nailing a blow-dry. 

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Want to brush up on your own hair styling tips? According to global hairstylist Nicky Lazou, the key is to partially dry your hair before you begin.   

"The secret to the perfect blowout is making sure the hair is slightly damp, not wet, before you start. I suggest that you towel dry or let your hair air dry to get about 80% of the moisture out. Starting with slightly damp hair will get the hold and a good finish that lasts," Nicky explains.

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"Another top tip for achieving a hold is to apply a holding mousse throughout your hair and let that set for a minute or two before starting the blow-drying process. This is particularly important if you’re going outside after your blow dry to prevent the weather from causing any loss of volume and bounce!

"I'd also recommend blow drying your hair in sections using a large barrel brush and high heat to create the bounce and shape, then roll up each section using a roller or secure in place using a clip and allow the hair to cool which will set the shape and prevent any frizz."

Whether it’s to get you festival ready, wedding guest chic or make sure you’re looking your best on a daily basis - these are the London blow-dry bars to have on speed dial.

How we chose: 

• Performance and personal testimony: The salons we've selected are renowned among beauty editors for their world-class stylists and superlative techniques, the majority of which have been personally tested by a member of the Hello! Fashion team. 
• Location: All our salon picks are situated in London, perfect if you live in or near the capital.

Hello! Fashion shares the best blow dry bars in London:

Hershesons

© Hershesons

Credited with bringing the blow dry bar trend over from New York and straight into London’s open arms, Hershesons is a staple. They offer a blow dry 'menu' which allows you to pick from six options, making for a fuss free blow dry experience. There are three locations including one inside Selfridges.

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DryBy

© Instagram / @drybylondon

Conveniently located on Mortimer Street, DryBy’s upscale interiors remind you of anything but a salon. They also offer a ‘menu’ to pick from, meaning you can make sure your blow dry is perfectly suited to your tastes. Pop down Regent Street straight after for some retail therapy and you’re all set.

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Duck & Dry

© Instagram / @duckanddry

Duck & Dry offers the perfect setting to glam up with the girls, the salon boasts it’s own Prosecco bar for the ultimate pampering experience. They also offer up-dos to make sure you are party ready. We love it for hen-dos and birthdays.

Mimi et Mina

© Instagram / @mimi_et_mina

This Notting Hill salon is a hidden gem, founded by Mimi Koné after she struggled to find a luxury salon that catered to textured and afro hair. Of course the entrepreneur set up her own and Mimi et Mina has been delighting residents ever since.

Hari’s

© Instagram / @harishair

Hari’s own blow dry bar has been perfecting the fast blowdry for 45 years. Before blow dry bars were even ‘a thing’ they have been tending to the locks on London’s trendiest residents. They also offer braids and updo’s for those special occasions. Heading to a festival this summer? Try their feather add-ons - which will allow you to lace your blow dry with plumes for that Glastonbury-chic look.

Clo & Flo

© Instagram / @cloandflo

Based in the heart of London’s trendy South Kensington sisters Florence and Chloe jointly run Clo & Flo. Their hairstylists are tried, tested and the rumour is once you start going to Clo & Flo, you never want to try anywhere else again. Fans include manifesting expert Roxie Nafousi who has said, “I not only love their blow drys, but I love the family feel in the salon.”

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