Going to the hair and nail salon is a luxury that many women have had to scale back on during these tough economic times. While some salons have tried to alter their prices and services to better accommodate women on tight budgets, it can still cost a small fortune for the most basic services, such as a wash, style and haircut. However, the concept of the blow dry bar is beginning to change the way women tend to their beauty routine - and in a way that’s friendly on their wallets, too.

In case you haven’t heard already, blow dry bars are becoming quite the rage. Even though women in South America and Europe are already hip to this idea, what started off as a rare offering in the United States is quickly spreading like wildfire. Although blow dry bars can’t be found everywhere, some of the country’s biggest cities have become prime spots for these types of hair care services: Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Miami, Houston…you get the picture.

What makes blow dry bars different from traditional hair salons are two factors: the price and the types of services offered. Instead of spending between $30-$40 for a haircut or considerably more on other hair salon services, an appointment at a blow dry bar typically costs anywhere from $35-$40. What does that amount get you? A wash and blowout. Booking an appointment at a regular hair salon for each service would normally cost a woman $40+ per service. In addition to the amazing price point, blow dry bars only offer hair washing and blowout styling. That means no haircuts, dye jobs, extensions, braiding, etc, etc. But many do provide the option of getting a fancy up-do style. However, this is considered an additional service and may be a bit pricier.

Despite only offering a wash and blowout, this surprisingly simple concept has turned into booming business for the blow dry bars currently operating around the country. What these companies recognize is that times are hard for everyone but it shouldn’t mean sacrificing your beauty routine in the process. “Blow and go” salons allow women to stop in and get a quick pampering with everything they’d expect from a hair salon, minus the high price. Women that frequent blow dry bars often turn to these services when they need their tresses taken care of for a special occasion, such as a date or night out on the town, while others have managed to budget their finances so they can indulge in a blow and go at least once a week to maintain healthy and shiny hair.

To make customers more comfortable during their appointment, many blow dry bars provide small perks, such as refreshing beverages and snacks and even electrical outlets for women on the go who need their to charge their cell phones (have you ever had any luck trying to find an open outlet at a regular hair salon?). Others have no problem allowing their customers to bring in their own shampoo, conditioner and even brushes! In some locations, blow dry bars take the “bar” part of their name to heart by offering alcoholic beverages. However, this is not a standard practice at all blow dry bars.

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