Shopping: Drybar expanding into Studio City
Thirty-five dollars isn’t chump change for most people these days. But what if it could buy you a day’s worth of confidence? That’s the idea behind Drybar, the rapidly expanding “blow-out bar” based in Los Angeles.
The hair salon, which opened its first location in Brentwood in February, is a pioneer in the new styling-only salon concept in Southern California. And the response has been so feverish, the company plans to open a second outpost in Studio City on Thursday, a third location in West Hollywood in October and a fourth in Pacific Palisades next year.
“Prior to Drybar, women had two not-so-great choices when it came to getting a blowout — pay $50 to $100 at the regular salon or endure a discount chain,” said Alli Webb, who founded the company with her brother, Michael Landau, after running a mobile blow-drying business and has recently gained actress Rose McGowan, who is also a client, as a partner and investor in the businesses. “We felt there was a big hole in the market, and that if we were able to create a beautiful and fun atmosphere but still provide a discounted price, women from both sides of the market would come running.”
The concept is simple — for $35 you get a wash and a style. The salon doesn’t offer cuts or color, but instead has a list of blow-out options that reads like a cocktail menu.
Straight up, the signature blow-out, leaves you with straight-but-bouncy tresses; the Mai Tai offers sexy, beachy waves; Southern Comfort is all about polished volume (think back-combing and rounded curls); Cosmopolitan offers loose, movie-star curls; and the Manhattan gives you a Gwyneth Paltrow-style flat-ironed mane.
“Basically, you can get whatever you want for $35,” said Webb. And even though most salons will charge more for uber-long or super-curly hair, length and texture don’t dictate price at Drybar.
“Obviously, some hair falls out of the $35 price range, but we figure it all evens out,” said Webb. “As a person with long curly hair, it was always so annoying to me to be charged more.”
Studio City: 13019 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Brentwood: 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. For appointments at either, call (310) 442-6084. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
EVENTS
Nordstrom Beauty on Location Saturday: Sample the newest makeup, skin care and fragrance releases and receive a complimentary personalized makeup or skin-care consultation at this one-day beauty event. Book your appointment at any beauty counter at the Nordstrom Westside Pavilion store.
Nordstrom Westside Pavilion, 10830 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 470-6155. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stephen Webster at Neiman Marcus Wednesday: Jewelry designer Stephen Webster — whose collections are as varied as rocker-gothic and ladylike — will present his latest collection. Prices range from around $200 for non-precious pieces to more than $16,000 for diamond-laced fine jewelry.
Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 550-5900. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Precious Jewels Salon, Level 1.
OPENING
Vieve: Shop hip, boutique-label accessories brands under one roof at this new shop in WeHo, launched by fashion veteran Genavieve Lynch. Find jewelry, handbags, eyewear, hats, scarves, belts and watches from under-the-radar brands including Pamela Love, Litter, Unearthen, Iosselliani, Candace Ang, Wendy Nichol, Super Sunglasses and Sunday’s Best.
8908 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. (310) 550-1850. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. https://www.vieveboutique.com
Petit Bateau: The iconic French brand has launched its first West Coast boutique, bringing its premium tees and luxe basics to Beverly Hills. Founded in 1893, the brand has long had a cult following among fashion editors and style-setters. The new store carries the full spectrum of Petit Bateau’s collection, including casual looks for men, women, children and babies as well as its famous “marinière” navy-striped shirt.
9661 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 888-8822. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
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