There are some parts of Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle we can't get on board with (dairy, gluten, soy, sugar, alcohol, caffeiene, and er, potato free detox, anyone?) but we have to give a gal credit when credit is due: her hair always looks really really nice. On which note the macrobiotic yoga queen is bringing her chain of blow dry bars to London, and you can bet your bottom dollar we'll be first in line. Impossibly glossy, healthy-looking, well-styled hair? Sign us up.
The A lister’s chain, Blo, evolved from a pop-up in the gym of Gwyneth's trainer, Tracey Anderson, so that her A-List clientele could leave the gym looking paparrazzi-ready, rather than frazzled and sweaty like mere mortals. Gwyneth teamed up with her stylist (and indeed, half of Hollywood's) David Babaii for the concept, and then paired with Blo, the biggest chain of blow dry bars in North America as ambassadors and investors. The pair are set to help expand Blo's empire by bringing the salon, and their 'wash, blow and go' mantra to the UK.
Blow dry bars have quickly been picking up speed in UK city centres - unlike a regular salon, no cut or colour services are offered, just a hair wash and style, normally from a menu of looks. Prices tend to be more reasonable than a normal salon blow dry, and most boast under half an hour's time in the chair, making it perfect for time-pressed ladies with somewhere to be after work. Blo has now opened in Covent Garden's Piazza, and is available for walk-ins and bookings. Here are some of our other faves...
One of the first to launch in the UK, this salon boasts a selection of hair up and hair down 'dos that change seasonally (though classic favourites remain) as well as offering makeovers and nails. You can also shop for the products used in salon and on line - our favourite is the Blow'n'Braid, which features tumbling curls and a waterfall braid. Prices from £20.
Hersheson's Blow Dry Bar, Topshop Oxford Circus, Selfridge's, One New Change
These guys excel at the styles on your Pinterest board - think Bardot beehives, milkmaid braids and loose, textured waves. Friendly, super-quick services and exceptionally good results. Booking advised, but walk-ins welcome. From £25.00.
A super-fun salon that features manicures (you get to take the polish home with you!) as well as makeup and a 'Selfie Studio' with professional photography equipment for the perfect post-blow dry snap, getting ready has never been so fun. The blow dries were created by stylist extraordinaire, Josh Wood. Hair only at Shoreditch, prices from £20.
****With a menu of cool, edgy looks that start at £28, this UK-wide chain offers top-quality 'dos in a flash. The salon also offer cut and colour services, but their blow dry menu is perfect for ladies in rush.