What used to be just coastal-city staples in New York and L.A. have at last found their Chicago-area niche.
Forget overpaying for a blowout at a salon and say goodbye to frizzy hair thanks to these favorite Chicago blow-dry bars. At just $40 or less, you can achieve fabulous hair at one of these specialty storefronts where you’ll get a wash and a smooth, bouncy blowout.
We’ve rounded up our favorite blow-dry bars across the Windy City to provide you with the best blowouts and beyond.
The Chicago Veteran
Having arrived on the Chicago beauty scene in summer 2012, Blowtique calls itself Chicago’s first blowout-only salon. It has since been featured in the pages of Vogue, InStyle and more! This Gold Coast hot spot wants Chicagoans to get it in their heads that a blowout can be both as accessible and routine as a polish change at the nail salon. With four blow-out styles to choose from, they have a look that is sure to fit your preferred style. 1 E. Huron St., Chicago, 312-280-2400
Better Than the Movies
While mother-daughter duo Julie and Katie Gagnon were living on separate coasts (Julie in California and Katie in New York), they both experienced a concept that Chicago lacked: a blow-dry bar. Their brainchild, now an Oak Street hot spot, features a menu of cinematically themed ‘dos, such as the Femme Fatale and the Scene Stealer. Each service comes with a complimentary glass of wine or bubbly that customers can enjoy while watching a favorite rom-com or classic film on one of the shop’s several flat-screen TVs. They even offer on-location styling parties—perfect for bachelorette or birthday parties. 67 E. Oak St., 3rd Floor, Chicago, 312-867-0332
Celebrity Treatment in the Suburbs
Owner Vivian Arpino knows how to give her customers the celebrity treatment. As the former lead hairstylist for The Oprah Winfrey Show, Arpino has tussled the tresses of the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Hilary Clinton, Robert Pattison and more. Now, her high-end styling skills are available on the North Shore. A celebrity-inspired menu and “look book” provide ideas and examples for your ‘do. The shop offers oil scalp massages and L’Oreal Power Shot containers to make sure your mane is properly moisturized for its blowout. 1872 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, 847-681-9180
Early Riser
Trixie Girl’s philosophy is “believe in beauty.” As a certified cosmetologist and mother of five, owner Cheryl Brewster opened the shop to provide busy women a quick way to look glamorous. In need of a total makeover? They also offer polish changes, lashes and makeup application. Doors open at 6 a.m. during the week, so customers can pop in on their way to the office. 837 W Diversey Parkway, Chicago, 773-698-8499
The Original
The first chain of blow-dry bars, Drybar has the blowout down to a science. The business got its start back in 2008 as a private-home service in L.A. and has evolved into a nationwide chain. With more than 35 locations sprinkled across California, New York, Texas and beyond, Drybar has now finally found a home in Chicago, too. Drybar even has their own line of styling products and tools (in the spot’s signature sunny yellow hue) so customers can recreate their blowouts at home. 1611 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, 312-288-3087
Blow-Dry Bar Breakdown
