The Power of a Blowout
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What is it about stepping out of the salon with a fresh blowout that has me humming the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song every time? It’s not that I don’t love my curls-well, maybe not in August. But a top notch professional blowout is more than the sum of its parts: in other words, it’s not just pretty hair. A great blowout leaves me feeling powerful, put together and even bullet-proof.
My friends, and a few stylists, confirm that I’m not alone: the transformative power of a blowout is no secret. However, we all have different criteria when deciding to go pro. Here are a few…
The Job Interview/Big Meeting
If you think your perfectly tailored suit will be all you need to get by on an interview – think again. “When you really need to pull your look together, a blow dry can be a key element,” says Brant Mayfield, a top Los Angeles stylist. “If your hair is frizzy and out of control, it can register as sloppy, as opposed to neat and professional. It’s subliminal – but it counts.” Brant works with some of the most powerful women in entertainment, who have been known to pick him up via private jet if they are, say, in Aspen having a bad hair day. “A very wealthy woman once told me that if your hair and accessories look great you can wear a cheap black outfit and everyone will think that you spent a million bucks. She was right. A blowout is part of taking things to the next level.”
The Confidence Booster
My friend Liz says, “I know it sounds ridiculous, but if my jeans feel a little too tight I’ll get my hair blown out. I look and feel better right away. It’s instant – and, the weird thing is, it’s strangely slimming.”
The Camouflage
My girlfriend Cheyann is a bit of a mogul and gets her hair blown out regularly. But at a time you might not expect? “If I look a little rundown, I’ll make sure to get a blowout before I go visit my mother – I hate hearing ‘Oh, honey, you look so tired.’ When I get one she never says that!” Another friend does the same thing when her skin is not-so-hot. Maybe it’s a placebo effect, but she says with smooth, shiny hair – her complexion imperfections seem to disappear.
Where to Go?
Here’s an insider’s tip: it’s the person, not the place. You don’t necessarily have to go to a top dollar salon for the perfect blowout. Brant Mayfield sends two of his high powered clients to Fantastic Sam’s in Brentwood where a blowout costs only $20. “They go horseback riding on Saturday and need their hair done on Sunday when I’m not available,” explains Brant. “There’s a girl there who really knows what she’s doing.”
Recommendations
New York
Stroll on in to Blow Styling Salon, the blow-dry-only salon that offers basic blowouts starting at $40. Extras like flat ironing are, well-extra. No appointment needed. Website: www.blowstylingsalon.com 342 West 14th Street, NYC. Phone: (212) 989-6282
My personal fave is Silvia Cincotta-who gives me blowouts so amazing they are impervious to humidity (the Holy Grail for curly girls). She works out of her namesake salon in the East Village with a cozy, speakeasy vibe. It’s the best $65 you’ll ever spend, and it’ll last until you (reluctantly) wash it out. By appointment only. Phone: (917) 328-4513
For super savings (how does free sound?) you can sign up to be a model at the Antonio Prieto Salon. Blow-dry classes are held Thursdays at 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. There is no cost, though the waiting list is sometimes long. By appointment only. Location: 127 W. 20th St., NYC. Phone: (212) 255-3741
Dallas
Visit the Jean Philippe Salon, where Jean himself will teach you how to do your own salon-quality blowout and assess your current product regimen. You will leave with everything you’ll need for DIY glamour. The cost? Zilch. Though, to be honest, service like this demands a fat tip. Website: www.jeanphilippesalon.com
Los Angeles
For true pampering you can’t do better than Brant Mayfield at the Chris McMillan Salon. Brant’s blowouts run about $85 (prices vary slightly depending on how much styling is required) and have inspired a religious following of blowout-addicted Southern Californians. Location: 8944 Burton Way, LA. Phone: (310) 285-0088
For the frugal Angelino, Fantastic Sam’s in Brentwood gives a mean blow dry for a measly $20. Location: 6730 Lone Tree Way # 5, Brentwood. Phone: (925) 513-0823