The Best Blow Dry Bars And Blow Dries London Has To Offer

Party hair, don't care

Unless you're a dab hand with the old vented brush, blow dry bars are pretty essential to have in one's little black book of beauty.

Whether it's a big night out, New Year's Eve party or wedding that you're attending, a good blow dry is just the ticket every single time. From cool girl beach waves, big bouncy K-Middy vibes or a volumised straight 'do, these blow dry spots covers all bases.

So without further ado, let's run through the best blow dries London has to offer for a spot of pampering in the capital. You and your hair deserve it.

Windle and Moodie

Tucked just off the West End is this absolute gem of a salon and its cracking blow dries. The team is lovely (Paul Windle himself is one of the nicest people I've ever met), down-to-earth and hard working. All of the stylists are incredibly good at their craft and will spend as long on your hair as necessary to make sure that it's nothing short of perfect when you leave the salon. They've thought of every little detail here – having your hair washed in a dimly lit, spa-like room makes a head massage all the more relaxing, and you'll be offered a hot towel for your neck if a conditioning treatment is applied. Every time I've been my style lasted two or three days, and that's what I call a great blow dry.

How much is it?

From £45, dependent on stylist

Location

Just a stone's throw from Covent Garden at 41-45 Shorts Gardens, Seven Dials, WC2H 9AP

Hershesons

Legendary Luke Hersheson himself is one of our 2019 Hair Award Winners, so you can expect big things from a visit to the flagship salon on Berners Street in the heart of Fitzrovia. Blow dry styling is available in 15-45 minute options, depending on the thickness of your hair and whether you want it washed beforehand, and you're spoilt for choice with style options. As well as their excellent hair services, under the Hershesons roof you'll also find Sunday Riley facials, Ministry of Wax and DryBy nails. So while you're there you can get your new year's party mani sorted, too.

How much is it?

From £34 (express wash-free is £17)

Locations

The Berners flagship has captured our hearts, but you'll also find a Hershesons salon in Harvey Nichols, as well as blow dry bars in Topshop Oxford Circus, One New Change and Harvey Nichols Beauty Lounge in London, and Selfridges in both London and Birmingham.

29-32 Berners Street, Fitzrovia W1T 3LR

Daniel Galvin

Wind your way through the third floor of Selfridges and you'll come face to face with one of Daniel Galvin's chicest spots. Wash stations are complete with foot rests, so you can literally put your feet up while having your hair done, and it's tucked out of the way enough that you forget you're in the middle of one of the capitals biggest department stores. Whether you want big and bouncy or soft and understated, they've got it all covered – I can personally recommend Dan for an ace blow dry that's styled perfectly for your face shape and lasts (as well as a cut beforehand, if you're in need).

How much is it?

From £35, dependent on stylist

Locations

Marylebone is home to their flagship salon, as well as operating out of Selfridges London (above), Kensington and at the Corinthia Hotel, home to one of the best London spas.

3rd floor, Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB

Duck & Dry

When it comes to blow dry bars with Instagrammable decors, Duck & Dry is the top of the London hit list. The bars are relaxing surroundings are great spaces to chill out in – think pink interiors offset with teal accessories and a whole lot of plants – and the blow dries are rather good too. Choose from their menu of styles for a speedy service, whether you're in need of beach waves or a vintage 'Va Va Voom', or try one of their updos for something even more sophis. This one's a great choice for a social too; get the gals together and sip on prosecco while you have your hair done with one of their group packages.

How much is it?

From £30, dependent on style

Locations

Those Instagrammable stairs can be found in the Oxford Circus bar, with Duck & Dry locations also in Chelsea, Spitalfields and Soho.

28 Market Place, Fitzrovia, W1W 8AW

Lucy is a freelance beauty editor and contributor at Marie Claire, and has also written for titles including Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, Glamour and woman&home. She was previously Marie Claire’s junior beauty editor. During her career, she’s covered everything from backstage beauty at fashion week to interviews with famous faces like Drag Race royalty and Little Mix. As for her beauty ethos, she’s a big advocate for not having to spend a fortune on beauty products to get good results. When she’s not got beauty on the brain you’ll probably find her reading or Netflix-ing.