Blow dry. Blow wave. Blow out. Wherever you hail from, and whatever you call it, one thing's for sure – it's the secret to a killer do. Swishy, bouncy, glossy, full-bodied hair may not technically stop traffic, but it will put a confident twinkle in your eye and a decided pep in your step. So what are you waiting for my limp-locked lovelies?
Here's our selection of hairdressers in the running for the title of Melbourne's best blow dry.
UVA SALON
If there's one thing WAGs know, it's good hair. Exhibits A and B: Rebecca Judd and Nadia Bartel. Owners of quite possibly the shiniest, bounciest hair we've ever laid our eyes upon, these football-frequenting fillies can thank Prahran's most fabulous new hair salon, UVA, for their glorious strands.
Owner and Creative Director Marie Uva has a swag of industry awards, and she and her team work absolute magic with a blow dryer and a round brush. Whoever you book in with, you're guaranteed a stellar result but we can't go past Marie herself!
UVA Salon | 175 Greville Street in Prahran
UNICO HAIR
With three locations across Melbourne (Fitzroy, Little Collins & Degraves Street), Sofia Basile's UNICO Hair salons are renowned for their slick interiors, great service and swooshy results. The best bit? Before your blow dry, they'll treat your hair with the gorgeous range of eco-friendly UNICO Formulations products – created, made and packaged right here in Melbourne. While the Brunswick Street salon's the biggest, Degraves is our pick due to the elegantly gritty recent makeover.
UNICO Hair | Various Locations (Fitzroy & CBD)
CONRAD MACE
As a friend said to me, "If there's one thing the good people of Toorak Road know, it's a brilliant blow dry." Touché. So where do they go for said blow dry? Chances are, it's straight to the stellar team at Conrad Mace.
Whether you like it sleek or big and bouncy, you're guaranteed to walk out sat-is-fied. This blow dry gets bonus points for longevity, too.
Ask for Sarah, Rebecca, John or Delia (they're equally fab), or request Greg Conrad himself.
Conrad Mace | Shop 5, Como Centre, Toorak Road in South Yarra
THE BLOWOUT BAR
If you're looking for Melbourne's best blow dry, it makes sense to go to a salon that specialises in, err, blow-drying. The Blowout Bar in Toorak does just that – they wash, blow dry and style for a reasonable $45.
The business here is strictly the blow dry – you'll have to look elsewhere for a cut or colour. Which is fine by us. Just think – no phaffing around reading an out of date copy of Italian Vogue while the client before you cries over cutting off her Dr Quinn Medicine Woman locks and eats into your lunch break. Bliss!
The Blowout Bar | Shop 4, 412 Toorak Road in Toorak
THE BLO BAR
If you're after waves worthy of a Victoria's Secret angel, The Blo Bar in Oakleigh dishes out the goods. Here you can get your hair did (blow dries and styling only), AND your makeup did. Result! Being equally untalented at both, Blo Bar is on my speed dial for my big Valentine's Day date (a girl can dream).
The Blo Bar | 22a Atherton Road in Oakleigh
THE POODLE BLOW DRY BAR
Further proof that the blow dry bar trend is taking off in Melbourne, another that comes highly recommended is the somewhat dauntingly named Poodle Blow Dry Bar on Toorak Road. No, they don't do poodle perms, but they'll happily tame your fro or amp up the volume in next to no time. What's more, there's a two-for-one deal on Fridays, so grab your Mum, your sister or your BFF for some pampering.
The Poodle Blow Dry Bar | 262 Toorak Road in South Yarra
JOEY SCANDIZZO SALON
For a banging blow dry that will last the distance, Joey Scandizzo is a TUL fave. While a session with the man himself will set you back more than your average blow dry, it's definitely worth indulging for a special occasion. We also can't speak highly enough of super styling Style Director, Hermiz, but the entire team are hair whisperers.
Joey Scandizzo Salon | 168 Toorak Road in South Yarra
REDROOM HAIR WORKSHOP
In true Smith Street style, Redroom Hair Workshop has a gritty, rock and roll vibe. Wood paneling, old school barber chairs and concert posters line the walls but the question remains…does this rock and roll haven come through with the goods when it comes to blow dries? Heck yes.
Any one of the Redroom team will have your hair whipped into shape, transforming your bedraggled strands into glossy, voluminous locks, all while you kick back and listen to the guitar solo playing in the background.
Redroom Hair Workshop | 91 Smith Street in Fitzroy
RAKIS ON COLLINS
Rakis has been one of Melbourne's best hair salons since it opened in 1983 and rounds out our best blow dry list. Tucked away in the CBD, it's the go-to for a quick post-work tszuj. With a friendly and energetic team and gorgeous, light-filled space, you'll leave at least an inch taller. Who are we to judge you for admiring yourself in the Collins Street shop windows on the way out?
Rakis on Collins | 178 Collins Street in Melbourne
Also great:
Three Blind Mice in Hawthorn
Falcone in Melbourne and Hawthorn (we hear Sally's super!)
Rokk Ebony in South Melbourne, Toorak & Mentone
Herr Blick in Melbourne
Rhubarb Hair in Brunswick East
Rubi Hair in Windsor
Anaka in Malvern (Nicole's amazing)
Image Credit: Fabsugar.co.uk