Is there a better feeling than a fresh blow-dry? I’m not sure there is. As a result, I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time and money schlepping around London salons in search of the city’s best blowouts.
There are plenty out there, whether you want something big, bouncy and classic or a more relaxed style that you might feasibly be able to recreate at home. So here are the best blow-dry spots in London to book now.
Best for long-lasting looks
Neville Hair & Beauty
If you’re after a big, bouncy blow-dry, you’re unlikely to find a better provider than Neville Hair & Beauty. On a prime spot on Pont Street, it’s frequented by impeccably groomed Chelsea types, and has the price tags to match. But honestly, it’s worth it. Especially if you’re seeing Liz, a stylist who can deftly handle even the most unruly of hair, whipping it into shape with blow-dries that last days and days (I once made one last for a week).
Best for bobs
Hershesons
If you spot a particularly chic bob in the capital, there’s a high chance the proud owner is a Hershesons client. Elliot Bute has made a name for himself as a master of bobs, lobs, pixie and ‘bixie’ cuts in recent years, and you can find him in the Fitzrovia branch of Hersheons. But whichever stylist you see here, expect them to make full use of Luke Hershesons’ brilliant styling products and tools. Think tonged, beachy waves over classic brushed blow-dries.
Best for brushed blow-dries
HARI’s
From buzzy King’s Road to a quiet corner of Clapham, HARI’s has outposts all over west and southwest London. The best of its blow-dry offering can be found in the lovely little Notting Hill branch, where Jess is the name to know. Happily, she also happens to be one of the most affordable stylists on the price list, though you’d never guess from her brush-wielding expertise.
Best for textured hair
.jpeg)
Hair Lounge by Charlotte Mensah
Charlotte Mensah’s Portobello Road salon has gained a reputation as one of the leading salons for Afro and curly hair not just in London, but in the whole of the UK. Hair Lounge has built up a loyal fan base over the years, and it’s also a great place to pick up products from Charlotte’s beauty brand, Manketti.
Best for naturally powered products
GA Salons
Visiting any one of GA’s west London salons (South Kensington, Notting Hill, Wimbledon and Chelsea) is a deeply relaxing experience. The welcome is warm and the spaces are light-filled and beautiful, but the best part is the glossy, healthy results delivered by divinely scented eco-conscious Oway products and the skilled stylists who wield them. You’ll leave glowing.
Best for effortless waves
George Northwood
George Northwood might as well have trademarked the concept of cool-girl waves (though it’s a title he would have to share with Sam McKnight). After all, this is the man behind Alexa Chung’s covetably ‘done yet undone’ hairdos. That elusive look is up for grabs for anyone who heads to one of his three salons, which can be found across London from W1 to E2.
Best for classic haircare
Jo Hansford
With more than 30 years in the business, there must be very little Jo Hansford doesn’t know about hair. She’s translated all this expertise into her Mayfair salon and the crack team of stylists who work their magic there. From sleek, straight looks to flowing curls and pixie crops, they can do it all.
Best for a central London appointment
.jpeg)
Arkive By Adam Reed
This Covent Garden salon opened in 2020, an independent venture from Adam Reed, who made his name co-founding the haircare brand Percy & Reed. He refers to the stylish yet homely space as a ‘creative hub rather than a traditional hair salon’, but don’t be put off if all you’re after is a brilliant blow-dry.
