Tried and Tested: Duck & Dry

I used to consider having a blow dry in London justifiable before a friend’s wedding, a little ritual to make up for my lack of feathery hair apparel (I’m a renown facihater).  However, more and more so, I am enjoying a blow dry, well, just ‘cos!  Like a quick pick-me-up mani/pedi, that now you can enjoy on most street corners, a blow dry in London can now be deemed a mere pre-night out, pre-meeting, pre-nothing-really treat, with several, affordable blow dry bars popping up around London – so very New York of us!

My favourite of aforementioned, more affordable blow dry bars is, without doubt, the newly opened Duck & Dry.  Duck & Dry, a light and bright, distinctly cool yet accessible, salon on the King’s Road in Chelsea, allows you to choose from a menu (above) of 8 signature styles of blow dry and 8 signature updo’s, the subsequent creations twisted and tousled to your desired preference, all whilst flicking through the latest and mags enjoying a glass or two of bubbly or a coffee.  This could become worryingly habitual... 

I was invited by the founders, former management consultant Yulia Rorstrom and celebrated hair stylish Snowden Hill, to Duck & Dry and sweetly treated to a (purposefully) disheveled braided style (below) before a night out with friends, which I LOVED.  I can, from this experience, definitely recommend you all visit the amazing Duck & Dry stylists; in 30 minutes they (in their Emilia Wickstead designed uniforms no less!) will send you glossily on your way for an unusually reasonable fixed price of £25.00 for a blow dry, and £35.00 for an updo, regardless of your length or hair type.  Blown away. 

Duck & Dry:  333-337 King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5ES (0203 4899370)
(Open: Mon to Fri 7.30am-7.30pm, Sat 8.30am-7.30pm, Sun 10am-5pm)

Hari's Hairdressers, Brompton Road

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I was recently asked to the launch night of Mode, London’s newest and hottest night spot, coincidentally and conveniently on the same day I was due to visit expert hair stylist, the more than a bit divine Benjamin, at Hari’s Salon on the Brompton Road.  How was THAT for some perfect party planning?!  The decadently decorated salon, known for it’s bustling atmosphere and host of characters, is the ideal place to go for a little pre-party pampering; the music is loud, the energy is high and the delicious fresh smoothies you can order upon your arrival certainly provide you with the much needed dose of health and goodness before any impending wild night on the toon!  After my hair had been cut (nothing too dramatic, just some much needed shape) and blow-dried, I was whisked upstairs to have my makeup professionally applied by Andrea.  This is just one of several beauty additions you can book alongside your hair appointment, making getting ready for any event or party utterly breezy.  ​Feeling oh-so-glossy and fresh as a daisy I went forth toMode (below left), for what turned out to be around six hours of non-stop dancing and hair swishing with friends.  Two enthusiastic thumbs up all round!  Thank you Hari's! xx