Blowout Bar

I had a blowout scheduled for 9am a few weeks ago for graduation day. I booked this appointment a few days in advance because I wanted a morning to destress and be pampered before a long day.
I walked in at 8:50 and there was only one woman there, working with another girl. She motioned for me to sit and I did, and I waited. A few minutes later, a guy walked in, a bit flustered, and asked her if she was alone, and when she said yes, he asked if she had been alone yesterday too, to which she replied, rather frustrated, yes. In a bit of a huff of annoyance, he went into the back for a few minutes. Eventually he said ok I’ll take you.
He never told me where to go, so I stood a bit awkwardly at the front chair until he said to come back to get my shampoo. The shampoo was fine, but he spent the time telling me how understaffed they were, how bad traffic was and how he had forgotten his tools at home. Ok fine, but I’m here to relax so unloading your morning on me isn’t quite what I had in mind.
We eventually got back to the chair and he first said he had to go find a comb because he forgot his, and when he came back with a rather used looking comb (from what I assume was the bottom of his bag), he asked what I wanted done this morning. I showed him a photo of a girl with long wavy hair. My hair is naturally curly, but if you blow it out, you can add large barrel curls and loose them. I’ve done this before. I specifically asked for loose waves. He commented that I had curly hair, and I said, yes, but I want waves. I’ve had this done plenty of times at [other similar places] and my stylists chair, and they do a fantastic job. He said no problem, and we even agreed it was between two of the stock choices. Great, we’re on the same page.
Nope. Not even close. I ended up with tight bottom curls. I even told him when he first showed it to me that this wasn’t what I had shown him, and when I pulled the photo out again, he said, «I’ve seen your photo, I know what it looks like». What I ended up with was NOT EVEN CLOSE to the photo I showed him. He claimed was that because my hair was naturally curly.
As I paid, I mentioned that he should have used a larger round brush, after he said he used a medium and that the curls were in fact, too tight. At this point, I was running late and frustrated. I paid for something I wasn’t completely happy with, and would have asked for a manager, but it was obvious that there wasn’t one there.
I’ll also note that I was less than impressed by the bare shelves or the consistency of product use. It seemed like everyone used their own brand of products, which generally isn’t an issue, but the lack of brand cohesion was apparent.
Granted, I wasn’t harmed in the process. I was annoyed — and I immediately went home and ended up redoing my blowout myself to achieve the look that I had just paid for. I’m mostly annoyed that I haven’t heard a peep back from the company and that no one bothered to acknowledge an unhappy customer. Although from the looks of it, I’m not the only one who hasn’t been happy with this location.
BL: Avoid this place if you can.

The people at the blowout bar were nice and initially our group’s hair looked really nice but within 1 hour almost everyone’s hair fell flat. I think they need better hairspray or something. It’s just not worth the trouble if your hair looks like crap after just an hour.

Do not come here. I repeat, do not come here. I called the front desk to give a heads up that I was running 10 minutes late and the guy that answered the phone made it seem like a major inconvenience and that they wouldn’t be able to honor my appointment. I showed up 10 minutes after my scheduled time and ended up waiting ANOTHER 30 MINUTES to be taken. My stylist was nice, but my hair didn’t hold its curl for more than two hours. I was excited to give this place a try but I was super disappointed with the experience.

I’ve been to this Blowout Bar numerous times — the location is convenient and the price is good for this area. When it comes to the service, it hasn’t been outstanding, but it also hasn’t been horrific. You get what you pay for.
Unfortunately, I had a bad experience while booking online. First, I scheduled an appointment for yesterday evening and received an email confirmation. I was ready to go. A few minutes later I got three back-​to-​back calls, when I was finally able to answer, the person on the phone was abrupt and did not introduce himself. He went on to say he had to cancel my appointment because there was an emergency. I made a few appointments (nails, doctor) and was caught off guard and did not know where he was calling from. He wasn’t able to reschedule me today and asked me to go back online and make another appointment. I did. I am just getting beck from the Blowout Bar with no blow out because there wasn’t a stylist available to take care of me. I’d rather pay more for reliable service than to waste time and money on mediocre service.

Sigh. I was hoping that I would be one of the lucky ones and not have a problem after booking online. I booked it and arrived five minutes before my appointment time. There were only two people getting serviced but when I told one of the stylists that I had a noon appointment, he just looked at me, so I kind of awkwardly sat down while the two stylists looked at each other and the guy went «you can take her» then went on a diatribe about the online booking system, saying «it’s not on you…» Of course it’s not on me, dude. This seems to be a recurring problem with the place and the clients pay for your lack of communication and diligence.
If I weren’t adamant about getting my hair done today I would have cancelled immediately and walked out. I finally was seated at the shampoo sink 25 minutes after my appointment time. The girl who did my hair did work fast — I was done about 28 minutes start to finish, but, unfortunately, the tight curls I requested when finally seen have all but fallen out just 30 minutes after I left and (and being nearly late for a meeting wasn’t great either). She sprayed my hair with something called «helmet head» by the Chi brand, but she didn’t spray enough for it to do much of anything. My hair does look nice for now, but I doubt it will hold up past my flight home tonight, which was my reason for going there in the first place. I’m disappointed by this place and will gladly pay the extra $ 15+ elsewhere to get a real salon’s blowout in the future.

I looked forward to getting my hair professionally styled for NYE but unfortunately my experience at Blowout Bar was extremely disappointing. I arrived about 3 minutes late for my 5:45pm appointment due to lack of available parking near the salon. I was given champagne while I waited, I was the only person waiting when I walked in so I assumed I would be seen next. My friend and I both had 5:45pm appointments. We were told the stylists were finishing up their previous clients but we continued to wait until almost 6:30pm before we were taken back to have our hair washed. One of the owners washed my hair and told me they had taken clients without appointments that evening because they thought they could «squeeze them in» but that of course caused people like me who had appointments to start very late. Once I was seen by the stylist I hoped to salvage the rest of the appointment but due to a disgruntled other customer who was extremely rude to the staff and causing a scene my stylist was distracted and rushed my blowout leaving my hair very staticky, curls were loose and fell out before I made it back to my car, and flyaway hair was not tamed with spray. The stylist finished my style and rushed over to help the other woman causing problems and really did not do a good job with my service. Extremely disappointed in the whole experience, I would not go back.

Everyone believe the horrible reviews!!! I didn’t and I thought I would give them the benefit of the doubt. BIG MISTAKE!!! They were running so far behind and clearly knew it and didn’t tell ANYONE. And when I asked about it, the asshole at the front desk gave me attitude. I’m sorry but I had PLANS for the night and booked my appointment in time to MAKE those plans. So instead, I had to leave and now still might be late for my event because they don’t even have the courtesy to call people to let them know they are running late. I can’t speak for the actual stylists but the front guy is rude and they clearly have no concept of time or obligations. That’s why APPOINTMENTS, especially on NEW YEAR’S EVE exist. Do not waste your time. Go to a good blow dry bar, even if it’s not as close by. Don’t make the mistake I did!

There are many negative reviews, but my experience overall was positive. I stopped in to make an appointment the day before and they fit me in. Besides walking in to the complete fog of hairspray, everything else was good. Not the best blowout I’ve ever gotten, but not the worst.

Appointments mean nothing here. Isn’t one of the main benefits of a blow dry bar supposedly convenience? I made a 7:30 am appointment online (thinking I could squeeze it in before a big work day) and when I walked in a few minutes before that, the only woman working here basically asked me to sit down and wait my turn. It was as if I didn’t have an appointment. She had JUST started someone else’s hair and just wanted me to sit and wait for 20 or 30 minutes. Would not return.

All I wanted was a blow-​dry and style because I am in the middle of a hectic work load and spending 1 – 2 hours to style it myself was not in the cards this week. This is DC, so most people who come in during the day are typically taking time away from work to do so, and need to adhere to a tight schedule.
I had scheduled my appointment for 12:00 pm originally, but when something came up at my office that would place me a few minutes late (i called well-​before my appt.), to try and re-​schedule for 12:30 pm or later. When I called, the receptionist said they could do 12:15 pm, but not anything later. This forced me to take a cab so that I would make it on time to my appt. I arrived promptly at 12:16 pm.
The girl asked if I had an appt. and I informed her that my appt. was for 12:15 pm. As I was taking off my coat she said it would be 15 – 20 minutes. I was upset to say the least. The girl said that it was only her and another person and she started washing the other girls hair. I explained that I specifically asked the receptionist for a 12:30 pm appt and they said that was not possible, and now the stylist is saying she cannot see me until after 12:30?
To make matters worse, the stylist just stood there continuing to do the girls hair and did not offer to rectify the problem in any acceptable fashion. She also could not tell me who managed the receptionist desk so that we can understand why this occurred. She looked at me as if it was my problem, and said that I could wait or come back. Seeing how I just came all the way to metro center to get to the salon, I was not going to waste my time by coming back. The staff was extremely rude and clearly lacked the requisite skills to handle the situation tactfully. I informed the hairstylist that I would not pay any fees for cancelling the appointment and I would not be returning.
I had been to the salon on another occasion, and the hairstyle was fine, but nothing worth $ 35. I came back because they were offering a special price, but I will not be returning to this establishment after my experience today. I wish I would have read the other Unilocal reviews because the reviews are spot on with their analysis on the management and the treatment of customers. I have seen the business attempt to address the unfavorable reviews, but no additional response by this business can possibly rectify what so many other people have witnessed — «a poorly managed salon that needs to get a reality check on how a business should be ran.»
My recommendation is to find someplace else in the city to get your hair done, even if it costs more it will be worth the cost to be treated properly.

I would give them no stars if I could.
Made an appointment and when I did make my appointment I made it clear I was going to a black tie event and was on a tight schedule. I got to my appointment 30 min. early and they asked me to come back at my appointment time. When I did return it took another 10 minutes for them to come and ask me if I even had an appointment and then another 25 minutes from there for them to even bother helping me.
Seeing as how I didn’t live there I had very few options of any where else to go. It took me being in tears before they would even bother to help me and because they took so long to help me they didn’t even wash my hair. They literally just curled it. This is something I could have done in my hotel room by myself.
I would strongly suggest making an appointment elsewhere. Here at the blowout bar they do not respect your time and it is not a warm environment at all a very cold place to be. And if you’re on a time schedule of any kind don’t bother because they don’t care.

Worst blow dry bar to work at and go to. Unprofessional owner, there is no one managing the salon, there is no training, all of the stylist are not licensed to even do hair. There is no order in the salon, no receptionist. The owner is only out for money and greed. The owner overbooks, and under staffs, that is the reason that the guest is waiting for a period of time, which is such bad business and makes the stylist look bad. I have never worked for a company where I have had bounced checks, short checks, and got paid on Saturdays after 5 but told to wait until Tuesday to cash the check, except here at the blowout bar. There are barely any products in the salon so it forces you to purchase your own products. The shampoo and the conditioner is falsely advertised with some cheap stuff in a expensive looking keratin bottle, along with the Moroccan oil bottles, they are really filled with bio silk. I was so over the blow out bar and the owner’s scam and fraudulent ways. I had to quit, and reveal the truth. DO NOT GO HERE, go to dry bar instead! Its corporate, much more order, and professionalism. Don’t waste your money or time. I will never work for a private owned company again.

I have been to quite a few blowout bars but this one was pretty bad. The two girls working there made no attempt to speak to us. Barely asked what sort of style we were looking for, did not introduce themselves, offer a beverage or attempt to make any small talk. Very awkward! Hair turned out OK but a most unpleasant experience! They clearly did not want to be there and did not want to work on our hair!

There are a lot of poor reviews on here, but my experience was great. I booked my appointment before reading reviews and then was super nervous. I booked a 7 AM appointment today (Thursday) the day before (Wednesday). There were plenty of openings.
When I arrived (around 6:50 AM, ugh), I was the only customer there, but there were two women (one receptionist and one stylist) already there. They were nice to me and looked and acted very professional. The receptionist got me water immediately which was nice. (I think maybe you can get other drinks, but that’s what I wanted.)
The stylist did a great job. The wash was good. She paid more attention (asked questions about where I prefer my part) than many stylists I’ve had in the past. My hair looks terrific.
They said usually they are busier, but I was literally the only person there through 7:30. (My hair is easy for people who know about hair.) They also didn’t seem upset that they had to be there for just one person, which was good b/​c if my job started at 7, I’d be annoyed if there was subsequently no work to be done until 8 or later.
Finally, in at least one review, a person guessed that they are giving bribes for 5-​star reviews. I was not offered a bribe. I just thought it was great!
TL;DR — Great job — kind, professional, great hours; will be going back

Geez. What can I say about this salon. It is just so… inconsistent? Sometimes I have my appointment and get in and out no problem. Other times it a complete nightmare.
Front desk staff ranges from slow/​rude to friendly/​sweet so it depends on the day or the phase of the moon or whatever.
I once had a stylist try to charge me extra because I have hair extensions. I declined since that extra price is not listed anywhere on the website or on the service menu and I wasn’t told prior to my service that there would be an extra charge. She asked to take down my credit card number and name until she called the manager. Yeah right. I told her I refused to do that and they could not charge me for a service that is not listed. I would be happy to pay the price when they have the surcharge listed on the menu or on their website. Deuces.
That being said the stylists here have it rough and I feel for them I really do. A lot of the problems Blow Out Bar has are scheduling and management issues that are completely out of their control and they end up paying the price. I also know for a fact that they get payed very poorly and the salon is basically just glammed up employee abuse. I have to admit my hair my hair is long and tough to manage. I am patient and kind to the stylists because I appreciate the time and effort that it takes and I am more than happy to reflect that in my tip (I tip about 30−40% in cash). Tipping well and in cash has somewhat warmed the staff up to me in my subsequent visits.
Pro Tip: Show up with your hair already washed and partially dry for the express blow out. Definitely worth the saved time, 5 bucks, and I think the stylists appreciate it. I keep coming because it is really convenient to my office, opens at 7am (!) and I have a pretty high tolerance for nonsense. But I would not recommend all things considered. Be warned.

I have only been once but I was very happy with my experience and can’t wait for an excuse to go back soon! When I visited, they knew I was on a time crunch and were able to fit me in without comprising quality. I was really happy with my blowout– and the hair wash/​scalp massage felt amazing! I can imagine that when it’s crowded it may not feel as relaxing or there may be a longer wait but from my first impressions, they seem to be really efficient and accommodating.

I was in the salon saturday and I did not have a pleasant experience at all.
1 — I arrived promptly at 2:45. I did not start services until 3:05. I had to remind them that my appt was before the group that walked in and was about to get served before me
2 — the stylists were literally arguing about who had to take me. like I was a less desirable client than another. it was embarrassing
3 — I asked for waves and I walked out with tight Shirley temple curls. it was horrible. the stylist blamed ME for having hair that was too short. I’ve had many other stylist and myself be very successful with this style with my hair.
I will never ever step foot in that place again.
after running home I was able to shower and get that horrid style out and do it all myself and thankfully make it to my friend’s wedding on time.

I rarely write negative reviews of businesses, but the Blowout Bar deserves it!
I live in the DC area and am attending a wedding today in NYC. As I had work-​related travel this week and my husband’s parents live in the NY area, he took our kids up two days ago and I planned to take a 9:30 am train so that I could join them. I wanted to have my hair done for the wedding and the only way that would work would be to have it done before I left.
I booked a 7:15 am appointment to make sure I would have enough time. When I arrived at 7:10, I was surprised to find that the salon (which was supposed to open at 7) was empty and the door was locked. Another customer, who had a 7 am appointment, was also waiting outside. A few minutes later, an obviously drunk man appeared in front of the store and began mumbling to us. At that point, I felt unsafe and considered leaving. However, the incredibly kind other customer offered to let me wait in her car.
We waited together for about half an hour, commiserating about how unprofessional the salon is and trying (unsuccessfully) to find another salon that could take us. At 7:55, the other customer had to leave. I decided that I would wait for 5 more minutes. Two other customers then arrived for their 8 a.m. appointments and also waited outside.
Finally, a few minutes after 8, the salon opened. When I explained that I had been waiting for 45 minutes, she said that the salon didn’t open until 8 am on Saturdays. I explained that 1.) I had booked a 7:15 appointment online and had it confirmed by email and 2.) the sign on the door says they open at 7. She did my hair and did a very nice job (which is the only reason I’m giving this place 2 stars instead of 1). Still, I had to race to the train station and almost missed my train!
This salon has some talented stylists, but is clearly very poorly managed! If you look at some of the other reviews, you’ll see that this has happened before! Find another salon that is more professional and values their customers’ time!

Being on time is important. And when I leave my job early and fight I Street traffic for 30 minutes to ensure that I am on time for an appointment, I expect that I will be seen on time. That’s the point of making an appointment right?
Not so important at Blowout Bar. I came on time for a 5pm appointment. My hair wash didn’t start until 5:35. Then I had to wait another 10 minutes, perched awkwardly in blowout purgatory with wet hair, for the blowout. I had somewhere I was supposed to be at 6 (hence the 5pm appointment time) — even with the stylist clearly rushing (frustrating that he had to do that because again, I was on time), I didn’t get out until 6:15.
I would have given 1 star because I was SO. SO. FRUSTRATED., but the staff was very nice. It’s easy to make appointment online, which I appreciate. They offer champagne and wine. And I was happy with the finished product, which is important (Syed was my stylist, btw).
This salon has great potential, and I just wish they’d do a better job with appointment management. In reading the other reviews, I can see I’m not the only one who had a problem with this.

I was desperate.
So… I was in town for my linesister’s wedding. I had gotten my hair done the week prior, but between working out and the heat, my (natural) hair was not keeping my (Hair Rules) blowout. I literally searched «blow bar» on my Unilocal app, found this place and immediately called. Luckily, they were able to take me immediately, so I went.
On my way there, I actually read the reviews and got a little anxious. I saw that some stylists were way better than others, but I decided to roll the dice. Luckily, the woman who did my hair was Renee.
Overall, it was a positive experience. Renee was very quick and did a solid job. I was in and out in 30 minutes and it cost about $ 35 (plus tip). However, I was a little taken a back for two reasons.
First, the shampoo they used was sudsy, like super-​sized suds. I have not washed my hair with anything like that in ages, I either exclusively go to Hair Rules or I bring my own products (sulfate-​free, paraben-​free, etc.) elsewhere. Half way through, I started to panic, but my hair turned out fine product wise.
Second, in being time efficient, Renee is extremely heavy-​handed, bordering on rough. She said something to the effect of. .. «If I’m too much for you, let me know.» So when she got a bit too rough, I made a comment and she basically got an attitude and said someone else could do my hair.. .. Um, Okay.
I didn’t love the way my hair looked when I walked out, but I was able to run my fingers through it and make it work.
If you have hair that’s relatively easy to style and need a quick fix, I’d recommend Blowout Bar.