We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
The best London blow-dry bars
These are the top styling spots in the city
A great blow-dry can transform your entire look – even a classic jeans and T-shirt combination feels instantly polished when paired with glossy, groomed hair.
In fact, the idea of booking into a salon simply for a blow-dry has become so popular that a legion of expert blow-dry bars has popped up across the capital. These specialised salons are filled with true experts in the art of blow-drying hair, delivering everything from classic sleek styles for every day to big, bouncy waves worthy of the most special events.
Here, see the Bazaar verdict on the best blow-dry bars in London.
For pure luxury
Nestled in the basement of The Ned – London's buzziest hotel and members' club – is Ned's Parlour, offering a selection of signature cuts, colours, blow-dries and styling for all occasions. For some additional pampering, the Philip Kingsley Complete Hair and Scalp Treatment is a relaxing two-part, 30-minute experience tailored to your individual scalp concerns and hair texture. Choose from one of four scalp masks, before having the cult classic Philip Kingsley Elasticizer applied to lengths and ends. Refreshing, stimulating and hydrating, you'll leave the parlour with impossibly glossy locks.
As a bonus, the boutique salon is almost entirely private, making it ideal for socially distanced appointments.
Philip Kingsley Complete Hair and Scalp treatment, £55, Thened.com
For cool-girl waves
Hershesons has a reputation for setting the season's key hair trends and was one of the first to roll out blow-dry bars across the UK. (With salons situated in Fitzrovia, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, they're some of the best-located in town too.)
The menu offers a wide range of looks, from smooth, glossy waves to poker-straight lengths and a stand-out chignon (ask for 'The Swank).
Hershesons Blow-Dry Bar, from £35, Hershesons.com
For signature styles
DryBy offers a capsule collection of five blow-dry styles that will take you across the globe – from a classic London look, to beach-ready Rio waves and back to the sleek and chic Upper East Side. Plus, it's located on Mortimer Street right next to spin studio Psycle, making it perfect for those post-workout emergencies.
DryBy Blow-dry, £37, Dryby.co.uk
For group bookings
With a party atmosphere, Prosecco bar and group styling table, Duck & Dry's salons (there are five across London) are perfect for a girl's night. There are plenty of signature blow-dry styles on the menu, along with treatment add-ons, intricate braids and event-worthy up-dos. They even open at 7:30am during the week for a pre-work quick fix.
Duck & Dry Signature Blow-Dry Styles, from £35, Duckanddry.com
For expert twists and cornrows
Mimi Koné struggled to find a textured-hair salon that delivered a luxury edge, so she opened one herself. Situated in the heart of Notting Hill, Mimi et Mina is the destination for afro blow-dries, sleek curls and precise cornrows. They also stock a line of sublime custom lace wigs.
For hair conditioning
While heat tools aren't often praised for their impact on your hair's health, at Hare & Bone you can choose to have an equally speedy treatment added into your express blow-dry, so you will leave with bouncy and, more importantly, nourished locks in around thirty minutes.
Hare & Bone Express Blow-dry, from £45, Hareandbone.com
For an A-list edge
Neville's is a fave with the likes of the Delevingne sisters, and we can see why. With everything from speedy options to braiding, afro styling and and intricate up-dos, there's something for everyone. All you have to do is decide between the Belgravia salon (complete with hair therapy bar) or the concept within the luxury Bulgari spa. Tough choice.
Neville's blow-dry, from £45, Nevillehairandbeauty.net
For textured hair
The talented textured-hair specialists at Holborn's Aveda Institute will make sure you leave the salon satisfied, with a wide range of looks to choose from, including twist-outs, wraps and rollers. Add on one of the brand's conditioning treatments for the full pampering experience.
The Aveda Institute Textured Hair Styling, From £54, aveda.co.uk
For style and substance
With four salons (and a late-night option), Hari's is becoming the go-to hair destination in West London. What we love most is the lack of pretentious air - the atmosphere is laid-back and low-key, yet the service and styling is second to none. We recommend trying one of the juices on offer while you're having your hair done.
Hari's Salon blow-dry, from £30, Harissalon.com
For the newest technology
Climb the stairs of the Dyson Demo Store, situated on Oxford St, and you'l find the Beauty Lab: an innovative space where you can experience the tech innovator's game-changing hair tools for yourself. Book your 45 minute appointment online, and choose from seven styles for all hair types – kinks and curls included.
Dyson Beauty Lab Blow-dry, £35, Dyson.co.uk
For the time-poor
Blow Ltd believes that looking good doesn't have to take forever or cost a fortune – and we couldn't agree more. The brand's Covent Garden-based beauty bar is the ultimate destination for a no-messing makeover, from the perfect blow-dry to manicures and make-up application too.
Blow Ltd Blow-dry, from £25, Blowltd.com
For a self-care saturday
When hairstylist Florence Bellas joined forces with sister and pilates instructor Chloe, the two created one of South Kensington's chicest wellness destinations.
Comprising a pilates studio and a salon, Clo&Flo is the perfect destination for a self-care day. Book in for a reinvigorating class, then enjoy a fresh juice while having your hair styled.
Clo & Flo Blow Dry, from £45, cloandflo.com
For practical pampering
This salon-come-social hub is the perfect place to enjoy a treatment with friends, or book in for a blow-dry while clearing your emails. With everything from phone-charging portals and workspaces to a premium drinks menu (and a coffee bar to unwind in afterwards) founder Ricky Walters truly has revolutionised the salon concept.
Salon64 Blow-dry, from £55, Salon64.co.uk
For early birds
Whether you're looking for glam and voluminous or sleek and chic, Jo Hansford's expert stylists always deliver. The salon is open from 8:30 AM, so you can make an appointment before that morning meeting.
Jo Hansford Blow-dry, from £57, Johansford.com
For socialising
Either get in the mood for a night out or just have a mini one at Blade Soho with its in-house cocktail bar and excellent soundtrack – the salon calls it 'hairclubbing'. Have a cocktail alongside your blow dry (or even go for a haircut or dye), while listening to jazz sounds in a lively, friendly atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and talented – these are blow dries that really last. When you've been satisfactorily pampered, head to the bar and enjoy another cocktail. This is the ideal place to come for pampering with friends.
Blade Soho blow-dry, £57, bladesoho.co.uk
The 7 best lymphatic drainage treatments in London
Pampering spa treatments every new mum deserves
The best UK spa hotels to visit now
The rise of "cellular health"
