Blow dry bars are about to make waves in Detroit’s hair care industry

low-dry bars are popping up nationwide as an affordable, no-frills alternative to traditional hair care. But don’t you dare call them salons. Blow-dry bars typically skip the cut, color and weaving. Instead, hair is washed and conditioned, set with rollers and then blown out into the desired style. This easy-peasy process allows for shorter visits and cheaper prices.

Paralee Boyd Salon

Now, before you say this trend isn’t for our hair, you should get to know Paralee Boyd Salon in Southfield. Owner Dana White and staff specialize in textured hair and place a special emphasis on health, thickening and growth. They use Dominican products, which have healthier ingredients and a lower alcohol content. Paralee Boyd’s “Blow & Go” option does introduce flat irons, and they will “do relaxers responsibly,” but you won’t find a pressing comb on site.

“I’ve seen so many other things evolve,” White says. “But the hair care for women with thick and curly hair hasn’t.”

Clients are greeted at the door on a walk-in-only basis, then taken from station to station, assembly line-style. Efficient? Absolutely. Guests average between 35 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes inside the bar. Impersonal? No way. First-time guests can expect a checkup call from a staff member within 72 hours of their visit. Paralee Boyd will be opening its second location in Midtown on Woodward Avenue this fall.

29555 Northwestern Highway, Southfield
paraleeboyd.com

Detroit Blows

Co-owners Nia Batts and Katy Cockrel plan to open Detroit Blows around late August. With a promise of commitment to female empowerment and entrepreneurship, Detroit Blows is slated to open on the ground floor of The Z parking garage downtown.

1232 Library St., Detroit
detroitblows.co

Blo Blow Dry Bar

International chain Blo Blow Dry Bar will also be throwing its round brush in the ring. The Blo franchise boasts 86 locations in three countries, including one in Birmingham.

1500 Washington Blvd., Detroit
blomedry.com