I used to walk past Duck & Dry Blow Dry bar every day when I worked in Chelsea and fell in love with its chic, bright, modern design that I used to stare at through the window. Every day I would think – I NEED to make an appointment, I need to make an appointment. So when I received an invitation to come in and try one of their blow dries – I was more than excited. I mean, who doesn’t love a blow dry? Seriously – who?
I can never ever get my hair to look like how it does when it has been professionally blow dried. I can spend hours sitting at home, with my hairdryer and my big round brush – (which I always get my hair tangled in) – trying to make my hair look like it does when I leave a hairdressers.
I am yet to achieve the big bouncy waves that look smooth and shiny. I just end up with hair that is dry – yes, but styled and fabulous – no. I just get really hot and flustered.
Normally you only get a blow dry when you visit a hairdresser for a cut or colour – but thanks to the CEO and founder of Duck & Dry, Yulia, I can now pop into her salon, just for a wash and blow dry whenever I please, and not just every time I need a trim. Fabulous.
So I booked an appointment and headed down to Duck & Dry (its on Kings Road, Chelsea) to have my feathers fluffed. I managed to book my appointment on the most humid, sticky, hot day of the year so far. As you can see below – my hair was extra large from the humidity and ridiculous heat of the tube – like Monica from Friends when they go to Barbados. As you can imagine, the last thing I wanted right then was someone blowing hot air on my head.
After my very warm tube journey, I arrived at their beautiful salon, (seriously, it oozes a Pinterest-worthy interior), I was met by Tess who would be doing my hair and swiftly taken over to my chair. I was instantly provided with water and magazines and the heat and trauma of the rush hour disappeared into happiness and excitement.
After a quick discussion of what I wanted to do with my hair (I opted for a classic wavy, but not curly, blow dry – my fav), I was taken over to the sinks for my hair to be washed and massaged.
I think the basin area was probably my favourite part of the salon – look at those gorgeous tiles – I felt like I stepped into Morocco. Also, say hello to my Steve Madden sandals.
So when I was clean (and massaged), I was whisked back to my seat.
Behold, their ‘Menu’ of blow dries. Picking hairstyles like food. Genius.
“What would you like today”
“Well, the Duck looks great, I will go for the Classic Duck please.”
Duck & Dry specialise in not only Blow Dry Styles (£28) but also Up Dos (£35). You can always add on extras such as hair treatments, and literal add ons with extensions (couldn’t help myself with than pun). You can also come in for an express blow dry/up do for a cheaper price (£25/30) with no washing involved – but you would miss out on the head massage my friends!
I got to meet to very VERY fabulous Yulia, who came over to speak to me about Duck & Dry. Yulia is the woman extraordinaire behind Duck & Dry. She believes that the right hairstyle can instantly transform your look and attitude (preach) but was frustrated by the lack of accessible every day hair styling solutions in London. So she quit her career in finance and decided to create one herself. And what a splendid job she has done!
There is always something going on in the salon, they have art all over the walls by and Mojoos shoes being sold there, plus their collaboration with Lock & Co. hatters for Ascot. It really is a lovely environment to go and chill, have a glass of Prosecco (guilty) and be glamourised.
I think that I could really pull off this look ..
I loved my hair, very classic and exactly what I asked for – but next time I am definitely going to go bigger – look at the ‘High Tide Waves’ or the ‘Va Va Voom’.
 |
| I think I want one of these chairs – writing blog posts sitting in one of these seems much more fun. |
The finished look.
One of the main things that I really loved about the salon, is not only how light it is, but that all the chairs face inwards towards the room. I know this may seem like such a weird feature to like – but in most hairdressers, you sit facing a wall (with a mirror on it – I don’t go to weird hairdressers where they make you stare at a wall) – but you are always facing away from the action. What I love about Duck & Dry is the atmosphere – you can see everyone, if you went with a group you could all talk to each other, and spy on each others hair whilst it is being done, rather than having to awkwardly turn your head slightly sideways to communicate.
Yulia was saying how they hold a lot of events and parties, such as hen do’s, where everyone comes in together for a blow dry experience. Personally, I couldn’t think of a nicer way to spend time with my girls than all sitting around, being pampered and sipping Prosecco. Might have to book myself a birthday party!
They do serve other drinks and nibbles, not just Prosecco!
So that was my first Duck & Dry experience and as you can see from the (slightly cheesy) smile, I am very happy with it. I am already booked in for my next appointment and I am going to try and up do or the ‘va va voom’ blow dry.
I really recommend popping in, maybe with some friends, perhaps before a night out, have a little drink and get your hair looking fabulous. Oh, and on that note of bringing friends – you can also get gift cards! I personally think that is such a unique present idea – certainly more original than a Topshop gift card – I am sure everyone has at least one of those neon pink cards in their purse somewhere!
If you have any questions, please ask away. My blow dry was complimentary but my review, though full of compliments, is all my own opinion – and trust me – I am very fussy with my hair!
Lots of Love
Cocoa Chelsea x