Got a special event? Maybe a shindig, hot date, dinner plans? Or maybe you want to live like those dames of yore who got a pro blow-out every week? I had a boss like that once. Got her hair did at least twice per week; you knew appointment day was close when she did the ponytail thing. And in four years she never got my name right. (Nothing to do with the blowdry habit, I’m sure.)
The blowdry bar concept’s been hot in New York City for several years already. Nice to see it’s cropped up in Vancouver and Toronto. It’s a handy service for the urban girl on the go, especially when rebellious hair and achey arms make a pro-finish tough to get at home.
According to Ritual2 stylist Robyn Hancock (above right — photogenic, yes?), appointments run about 45 minutes, less if you have shorter hair, or perhaps 10 minutes more if you have an extra long ’do. Cleverly, the salon provides a booklet of Hollywood-hottie styles you can reference to make sure you and your stylist are on the same page. “The most popular is a combo between what we call ‘Pretty at the Premiere’ (long glossy curls) and ‘Big Bold and Beautiful’ (va-va-volume),” says Hancock.
I did an unusual thing. Went in with short-ish wavy hair and asked for a wavy style. I guess folks with stubborn, wavy hair my length generally go straight when they have a pro to help, but I wanted to see how Hancock would work my texture (which isn’t quite right for a “Diffuse the Situation” style). She admits a curling iron might have helped some, but the Blow ’n’ Go is all about the blowdry, so we decided to see what we’d get.
And look what we got: soft, pretty waves and insane shine, which lasted until my next shampoo a couple of days later. Bonus: I also got lots of compliments at a press thingy later that afternoon.
A Blow ’n’ Go appointment is about $35 at Ritual2. Book now if you’re thinking all Valentine’s Day-like.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
OH WOW!!! I call that HOT HOT HOT look! I love the hair!!! I love the way it was blowdryed! You look so natural, like you were born with it!!!! Love it Janine!!! Perfect for Valentines!
Aww Nikki, you’re so sweet to me, thank you! Now all I have to do is find a date… sheesh!
A+ for “got her hair did“
Awesome — thanks for the appreciation on that, S!
You look FABULOUS in these photos. Well, you look fabulous anytime really, but you look especially fab!
Thanks so much, lovely Ellen :-) Hey, we’re way overdue for coffee and a catch-up! Let’s make a plan!
Yes we are way overdue for coffee. It seems like months since I last saw you! I’ll email you right now.
Ciao!
With the way you look and with shiny super “HOT” hair like that?? I’m sure you can find a date in NO TIME!!! :D
Ritual 2 is right near my office! Your hair looked awesome. I too am a fan of making my curly hair not uber straight. I love what she did with it! I’ll definately be making an appt. soon!
Robyn’s so nice. She mixed styling paste and volumizing mousse to create flexible hold substantial enough to control my somewhat unruly hair. Could feel the product in my hair afterward, but it wasn’t off-putting at all, and not obvious in any way. Looked freshly washed in fact. Very pleased. If you go, take a photo so I can see what your hair looks like post appointment!
Aha ha ha! I’ll keep ya posted :-)