Shopping, and beautifying all under one roof?! Yes, that’s right earlier this year the Islington based salon named the Blow Bar, teamed up with Regent Streets French connection in London. Genius. Blow Bars are a thing of the norm over in NYC; if theres a Starbucks there’s bound to be a a blow bar close by! But they haven’t really made a stamp on the UK as of yet. But I think we can all agree that a bit of mid-retail therapy pampering is much appreciated! So when I received an email inviting me down to the Blow Bar at French Connection, I couldn’t say no.
You can pop in, or book online for a speedy, somewhat luxurious treatment. There is an easy blow dry menu with all the blow dries listed. There are 8 signature blow dries to choose from, for just £25 (30mins), ranging from your classic big round brush blow, to a braided bun. Or, you can make your own "bespoke” do, for only £40 (45mins). They even offer mini makeovers with Lord and Berry makeup for £20 (20mins) and a manicures for £15 (15mins). Or, if your feeling very self indulgent, you can have all three services, for a very reasonable price of £50. It’s also worth mentioning that they also offer pre taped hair extensions. You can see the full menu here.
After doing a spot of shopping I found my way to French Connection on Regent Street. In all honesty I didn’t know what to expect, maybe the sound of multiple hair dryers and moody stylists (I haven’t had the best experience in Salons), but I was totally surprised when I arrived at the Blow Bar. I was greeted by two friendly stylists Aieasha and Miffy and loved the look and feel of the Blow Bar, it was clean, white, bright and really pretty and I instantly felt welcomed. Oh, and how funky is the massive hair dryer in the window!?
Aieasha got straight to washing my hair and the shampoo, conditioner and treatment she used smelt lush! I felt so relaxed and I must also mention that I received possibly one of the nicest head massages ever, whilst she wash my hair. It was bliss, I didn’t want her to stop! Once my hair was wrapped up in a head towel (I looked ever so attractive!) we headed over to the bar and I opted for the ‘Total Beach Babe' blow dry, which is described as a laid-back wavy look. I initially thought this blow dry would involve the use of a big round brush, but what do I know! Aiesha blow dried my hair and then curled my it with a styling wand, finishing with some hair spray. I really liked the finish and my hair felt light, soft and bouncy and it smelt amazing - although I could have done with a little more volume on the top (this is where my CW texturing spray would of come in handy!).
Whilst I sat back and had my hair done and my sister snapped away on my camera (thank you Rachel!), Miffy gave me a manicure and I was overwhelmed with the choice of nail polish, all of which was by OPI. But after being a little indecisive, I went for an orange from the new OPI Brazil collection and it was called 'Where did Suzi’s Man-go?’ - you’ve got to love a good nail polish name! Whilst having both my hair and nails done Myself, Miffy, Aiesha and Rachel chatted, oh and lets not forget the complimentary glass of prosecco! I was offered loose tea, but the champagne won me over.
The finished look (I do have a neck, but apparently not in this picture!)
My verdict? A simple concept. But a brilliant one, whether your on a lunch break, hen do, night out, shopping spree, or as a birthday treat, I really recommend popping in for a bit of TLC! I will certainly be heading back and taking a few of my friends along! It was a great experience and a much needed one, as I have been extremely busy recently, so it was nice to take some time out for myself. And I just want to thank all the girls once again for inviting me down, making me feel so welcome and doing such a fab job! You can book a Blow Bar appointment here.
Have you visited the Blow Bar at French Connection yet?