Wash + Blowdry: What Happens in the Chair
By Bella Garcia · · 5 min read
The wash + blowdry is the service we do more than almost anything else, and it's also the one people know the least about before they sit down. You know you'll leave with clean, styled hair. What you might not know is what actually happens in that hour, why the extensions version is booked separately, or which finishes fall outside the base price. Here's the whole thing, start to finish, so you can walk in knowing what to ask for.
Two versions of the same service
There are two ways to book it, and the difference comes down to what's on your head:
- Wash + blowdry (no extensions): $65, about 1 hr.
- Wash + blowdry (with extensions): $85, about 1 hr 30 mins.
Both are our signature wash and blowdry. The steps are the same. What changes is how much hair there is to work through and how carefully it has to be handled.
Step by step: your appointment from the bowl to the mirror
1. A quick check-in
Before anything gets wet, your stylist will look at your hair dry and ask what you want to leave with. This is the moment to mention anything that affects the plan: a fresh color appointment, a scalp that gets itchy, a cowlick that never behaves, or an event later in the day.
2. The wash
Your hair is shampooed and conditioned at the bowl. If your scalp tends to build up or your ends feel dry, say so here, because it changes where the conditioner goes and how thoroughly the roots get cleansed. Some guests add a scalp treatment ($35) at this stage, which brings in pre-wash conditioning, steam, a massage, and a custom mask.
3. Rough dry and sectioning
Most of the water comes out first with a looser dry. Once your hair is mostly dry, it gets clipped into sections. Smaller sections take longer but give a smoother, longer-lasting result, especially on thick or coarse hair.
4. Brush work
This is where the shape happens. Each section is dried with tension and direction so the cuticle lies flat and the roots get lift where you want it. Volume at the crown, a bend at the ends, a flat sleek finish: it's all decided in this step.
5. Finishing
Depending on the look, your stylist might add curls or waves with a hot tool, smooth the surface, or set the shape and let it cool. Then a final check in the mirror, and small tweaks if something isn't sitting quite right.
What "any style" can look like
The service is built around the style you want, so it isn't one fixed look. A few finishes guests ask for often:
- Sleek and straight: flat, glossy, with the ends polished under or left blunt.
- Big and bouncy: lots of root lift and a rounded, voluminous shape through the lengths.
- Soft curled ends: mostly smooth, with movement only at the bottom few inches.
- Loose, undone waves: relaxed bends that look lived-in rather than set.
- Face-framing flip: pieces around the face turned away to open it up, the rest kept simple.
Bring a photo if you have one. "Bouncy" means something different to everyone, and a picture saves a lot of back and forth.
What costs extra
Two finishes are outside the base service, and the salon's own description says so plainly: Hollywood waves and updo styling are an additional charge.
- Hollywood waves are the sculpted, glossy, uniform S-waves you see on red carpets. They take precise setting, pinning, and brushing out, which is more time and skill than a standard curled finish.
- Updos and half-updos are a different service. If that's your plan, book updo styling ($100, about 1 hr 20 mins), which includes a wash and accessory installation like bows, clips, or a tiara. Our checklist for getting ready for an event updo covers what to bring.
If you aren't sure whether the look you have in mind counts as Hollywood waves or a regular curled style, ask before your appointment. Pricing for those extras isn't fixed on the menu, so the team will tell you directly.
Why extensions take longer and cost more
The extensions version isn't a markup for the sake of it. A few things genuinely change once extensions are involved:
- More hair. Extensions can add a lot of density, which means more sections and more drying time.
- Gentler washing. Attachment points need to be cleansed without tangling or stressing the bonds, tapes, or wefts.
- Drying the base fully. Damp hair near the attachments is a problem, so the roots and bonds get dried completely before styling.
- Blending. Your natural hair and the extensions often have different textures. Part of the job is styling them so they move together and the line between them disappears.
That extra care is why the extensions booking runs 1 hr 30 mins instead of 1 hr. Booking the right version also keeps your stylist from running behind for the next guest. For washing and brushing between visits, see our tips on looking after extensions at home.
How to prep before you come in
- Come with hair as it is. No need to wash first, since washing is part of the service.
- Detangle gently if your hair is long or prone to knots. It saves time at the bowl.
- Skip heavy oils the night before. They take extra shampooing to remove and can weigh down the finish.
- Book the extensions version if you have any extensions in, even a few pieces.
- Plan your timing. If you have an event, book close enough that the style is fresh but with a buffer in case traffic is bad.
What to tell your stylist
The best appointments start with a clear picture. Mention:
- The finish you want, ideally with a photo.
- How long you want it to last and what you'll be doing (sitting at a desk, dancing, outdoors in heat).
- Anything recent: new color, a keratin treatment, or a fresh cut.
- Your sensitivities, like a tender scalp or heat-sensitive ends.
- How you usually part your hair, and whether you want to change it.
If you'd rather skip the wash and come in with hair already wet or dry, the quickdry is the shorter option. You can compare everything on our full list of services and current prices.
Still unsure which booking fits your hair? Send the team a question before you reserve.
FAQ
Do I need to book the extensions version for clip-ins?
If you plan to wear clip-ins for the style, mention them when you book and ask the team which version to choose. Any extensions that stay in your hair during the wash should be booked under the extensions version so there's enough time.
Can I ask for curls in a regular wash + blowdry?
Yes. Curled ends, loose waves, and bouncy curls are all part of choosing your style. Only sculpted Hollywood waves and updos are charged separately.
Should I wash my hair at home before a wash + blowdry?
No. Your hair is shampooed and conditioned at the start of the appointment, so come in as you are. Just avoid heavy oils right before.
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