When presented with the opportunity to review a local beauty salon, I couldn’t type quick enough to respond. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to get their glam on? Driving to my appointment at Flow Blow Dry & Beauty Bar in Reston, I was giddy with excitement. My two boys were home with daddy, and I was about to have two hours of pampering.
Since opening in January 2013, Flow has received several accolades from other local magazines. The first salon of its kind in the D.C. area, Flow specializes in blowouts and styling (no cuts or color), make up, manicures, lashes and threading for the busy woman.
Arriving at the salon, I was greeted warmly and offered a drink. The salon is very feminine with modern furniture and minimal decorations. Within minutes, the salon manager, Esma, came to escort me to my first service. For a second I thought I was getting special treatment because I was there to write a review; then I realized that Esma was the staff member doing the threading!
Though I wasn’t sporting a unibrow, my brows haven’t been professionally done since the last waxing left me red and swollen. Because I often have reactions to waxing, threading had been suggested as an option, but I had no idea what it entailed. Threading is actually an ancient technique where hair is removed using cotton thread (similar to sewing thread). It is a natural way to remove hair with precise, practically pain-free results. Esma used a gentle touch to shape my brows perfectly. I did not experience any redness or swelling and could not be more pleased with the results. I would definitely recommend threading as an alternative to waxing, especially for someone with sensitive skin.
Next, I was introduced to Nia, who would be doing my blowout. After a brief consultation, I was led to the shampoo chair for a wash and scalp massage. Surprisingly, I found the chair to be comfortable enough to relax and enjoy the massage. For my blowout, I decided to go with the signature style, F.L.O.W. (which stands for Flowing Locks of Winsomeness) and was not disappointed. My hair was frizz-free and shiny with just the right amount of bounce and curl. During my blowout, I learned more about Flow’s client base, as well as plans for expansion with a new location to open in Ashburn this spring.
Make-up application was my last service with Esma. Trusting her completely to create a fresh-faced look, I did not peek until she was finished. My reveal was a bit shocking because I am not used to wearing eye liner inside my lower lid. It really made my eyes look dramatic! However, once I got used to my new appearance, I was pleased with the look and felt very glamorous.
Upon returning home, my two-year old greeted me at the door and asked to see and feel my hair. My husband said I looked sultry, and while on Skype with my mom, she exclaimed, “I can’t believe it’s you!” The real test of the longevity of my blowout came the next morning, when I was able to finger comb, spritz with hair spray and look just as fabulous as the day before!
Flow Blow Dry & Beauty Bar provides great services at reasonable prices with a friendly and professional staff. It is easy to see why many clients visit for a weekly blowout. Flow also offers on-location services. Now who wouldn’t want to get a blowout at home?
Flow Blow Dry & Beauty Bar
Website: flowblowdrybar.com
| Convenient Location | 3 |
| Customer Service | 5 |
| Decor | 4 |
| Services |
4 |
| Price/Affordability | 4 |
| Cleanliness | 5 |
| Overall Rating |
4 |
All ratings on a scale of 1 (low) to 5 (high).
Meet the Reviewer!
Wendy is a mother of two boys (2 and 4 years). An educator-turned-SAH-mom, Wendy has enjoyed teaching and coaching at the elementary level for almost 15 years. One of her favorite family activities is taking nature walks through the woods behind her Fairfax home. Originally from Michigan, she and her husband of 16 years have called Virginia home since 2008.
