I had been curious about the blowout trend for a while. Salons have been opening all over the country offering a professional blow dry session, instead of a full haircut; there are no scissors involved. When I heard that yet another blowout salon was opening near New Orleans, I decided I needed to try it. I was wondering if a blowout was worth the money and if the trend could survive the New Orleans humidity, my hair’s nemesis.
I decided to get my first blowout at the brand-new Just Blow Dry, a blow dry bar located on the second floor of H2O Salon and Spa (441 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4377, H2OSalon-Spa.com). Appointments for the blow dry bar are not required, so I wandered in on my lunch break and was greeted by a receptionist, who offered me a robe and a changing room. I felt quite pampered, especially when I was offered a complimentary makeup touch-up while I waited for the stylist.
When it was time for my blowout, the stylist washed and conditioned my hair, and also gave me a scalp massage, which was wonderful. When we got to the styling station and my stylist started working with my hair, she explained what she was doing and asked me questions about my hair. She blew and brushed and moussed and sprayed, adding more steps to my usual morning routine.
When my blowout was over, I was extremely happy with the results. My hair was bouncy and soft, and it curled at all the right points. It also smelled wonderful, which isn’t a necessity for hair, but was a nice bonus.
When I went outside into the humidity, however, my hair depleted a bit on the walk from the salon to my car. I was disappointed that I had just paid $35 plus a $10 tip and my hair no longer looked perfect like it did in the salon. For the rest of the workday, I liked how my hair looked, but I felt like I could have styled it on my own for free.
That night I went to a Great Gatsby party, so I decided to put my hair in a bun to go with my flapper costume. “This will put my blowout to the test,” I thought. When I got home that night and took down my updo, I was surprised to find that my hair looked great. It had retained its bounce and it still smelled good, even after all the hairspray I had used.
The next morning my blowout still looked decent, especially after I applied some dry shampoo to freshen it up. That afternoon I flew from New Orleans to Nashville, Tenn., to visit some friends, who complimented me on my hair. At that moment I was happy I had spent $45 to have a professional make my hair look just a little bit better.
A blowout isn’t something I would pay for every week, but it’s worth it for a special occasion or any time you want to feel pampered. We can all achieve acceptable hair on our own, but making it last more than one day is an impressive feat, one that can only be accomplished by a professional.
New app guide for the birthplace of Civil Rights
Alabama.Travel
The Alabama Tourism Department has launched a new Alabama Civil Rights Trail smartphone application available free for Android and iPhone. The new app is part of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of some of the most significant events in the civil rights movement, many of which took place in Alabama. The app is an easy guide to some of the state’s most historic places. Download it at Alabama.travel, and check out the Alabama Road Trip Giveaway – there are four free vacations up for grabs in this culturally rich and naturally beautiful state.
– Mirella cameran
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center recognized for quality patient care
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, 602 N. Acadia Road, Thibodaux, (985) 447-5500, Thibodaux.com
Thibodaux Regional Medical Center has been awarded the Blue Distinction Center+ designation in spine surgery. The award is part of a national program run by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to recognize improved patient care, safety and efficiency. According to Blue Cross, Blue Distinction Centers+ demonstrate improved patient outcomes, lower risks of complications and reduced readmissions compared to their peers – plus they are 20 percent more efficient.
– M.C.
