Drybar – Penn Quarter

I hate choosing between my body and my hair. As a Black woman, my harsh reality is, I’ve made that choice more often than I’d like. Sweat and my hair don’t mix and it can take me hours to wash, blow-​dry and style my own hair. So most days I wear my hair in an easy bun. But when work and social events arise, like any other female, I want my hair to look nice. I could go for a run but sabotage my time-​consuming style or skip the gym to avoid a potentially bad hair day but miss out on all the muscle-​toning, calorie-​burning, health-​boosting benefits of a workout.
That’s where Drybar comes in to save the day. I booked my appointment by phone and described my hair thickness and wavy texture to the receptionist so she’d pair me with the appropriate stylist. She told me I’d be in and out in less than an hour. Hmph! Yeah, ok (insert sarcasm here).
I arrived 5 minutes after my 7am appointment and the receptionist offered me a glass of water while I waited 5 more minutes for my stylist to come get me. Here are the pros and cons of my experience.
Cons:
— Cold water wash. They need to get the water situation fixed. The water got hot for a millisecond but was cold for the duration. My stylist apologized but it was quite awakening.
— My wash was just okay. I think I’m used to someone using a bit more umph when washing my hair. I could of been more clear that I like scrubbing as opposed to gentle touch.
Pros:
— Location was fun. Music pumped from the stereo and a movie played with subtitles on both TV monitors embedded in the wall of product display.
— Packed. The place filled with patrons within minutes of my arrival which tells me folks are repeat customers.
— My stylist was friendly, but not over-​talkative. We didn’t engage in much small talk as she could see I was reviewing some work documents.
— Efficient. The absolute best part of this experience was my stylist washed, blow-​dried and flat-​ironed curls into my hair in under 50 minutes. Whoa nelly… MY thick hair in less than an hour!
— Cost. Only $ 40.
I was so pleased with my hair that I made 3 more appointments before leaving. This location is one block away from my office so no longer will I contemplate an evening social event over a sweaty workout because I can schedule a quick hair appointment in between. Just don’t tell my co-​workers about that «private» appointment at 4pm on my Outlook calendar.

I wish I could give 0 stars. In town for a business trip and my boss and I headed over for a blow out.
I’ll give you the bullet pointed summary of the experience:
. Kept us waiting nearly an hour.
. The stylist that took care of us was EXTREMELY rough. He put me in the shampoo sink with scalding hot water. Then turned it to extreme cold. There was no happy medium.
My boss actually has broken hair and we both had headaches from the pulled and yanking.
. Service was constantly interrupted as he would walk away to take care of someone or something else.
This isn’t my first visit to a drybar. I frequent one in San Diego and OC. This was by far an experience lacking.
Styling needs to be retrained and store in general needs some management.

WOW, I have been to two other Drybar locations (Dallas and San Fransisco) and the blowout I received here in Penn Quarter was the best one yet. Anne Marie was a phenomenal stylist; she took her time, really listened to what I wanted, and offered the perfect amount of stylist/​client conversation (she let me relax and zone out but also was engaging and friendly). The front desk staff was peppy and fun and the shampoo girl was inquisitive and knowledgeable about blowouts (ie adjusting my shampoo and conditioner based on the type of blowout I was going to get). I will be a repeat customer.

This was my first time at Drybar. I had an 8AM appointment that didn’t start on time, and that was a bit annoying because I had to get to work. However, the staff is very nice and Brittany did a good job with my hair. I got a cross between a Cosmo and a Straight Up. I will be back, but I will probably get a Manhattan next time, because i like my hair very straight.

I’ve heard about Drybar a lot, but haven’t had the chance to check one out. I was in town for an event this past weekend and was excited to find one close enough to try! I booked an appointment very easily, and liked the numerous reminders I received. I arrived a little late, but only waited about 5 minutes before my stylist got me. Joanna was so nice and explained everything to me. She gave me a great wash — even shampooing twice so the style would last a few days — and explained all her products (all Drybar brand). She listened to what I wanted and gave me an awesome blow-​out. She didn’t try and push any products my way, and let me relax! I had some water while I was there and enjoyed the Breakfast Club on the TV in front of me. Plus they even have a USB outlet if you want to check your phone! Total was $ 40 and you can leave a tip on your card (they recommend $ 10 if you’re happy). It was a fun, indulgent experience!

I’ve been to the Drybar in Georgetown. Has parking in lot behind it, parking maybe 2 – 3 hrs max, so that’s great, clarify this with the attendant.
I was going to the Convention center, so tried the Penn Quarter location. Took metro, it is 1 block from Metro Center. Made appt online.
Had stylist Darie. Quite personable. Took my own products I like to use on my hair. I am concerned about detangling my long thick wavy hair, but she did a great job. Did not tug or pull on hair or try to detangle in the sink, like some stylists. Got the tight curl style, she did it with ease .Hair looked great, got compliments. 1 hour. Clean and bright. TV to watch.
No mimosas here either, seems like the only location in this area that serves them is Bethesda, MD. That’s ok I enjoy the water.
Had time to go to Cosi next door for a quick snack, and across the street to Starbucks.
I will be back, maybe this weekend when I go to the Travel and adventure expo at the convention center.

Customer service was lacking because they were so busy, but my stylist was talented so I left happy. I realize this location is new, so there are still a few kinks to work out.
I waited for about 35 minutes past my appointment time. Eventually I was taken to get shampooed and met my stylist who was energetic and assured me she would catch up on lost time. She worked fast, but thorough. I left with an amazing blowout and hope to come back and have her again!
Drybar also offers amazing products that smell delicious. You can buy all of them here, and get some good advice about what would work best for your hair.

I’m currently smitten by Dry Bar. The location is perfect and extremely easy for me to get to which was a major bonus and the driving factor behind me wanting to give the place a try. This review comes after my second visit.
The design of the place is absolutely gorgeous. The colors and bright and vibrant, the salon is kept clean and looks spotless always. This time I saw Justin– and he was amazing. I got the Manhattan this time, and the mudslide deep conditioner since he felt my hair was lacking protein. The entire service was excellent, he made conversation and was very personable and sweet. He gave me hair tips, finished the blowout and sent me on my way. After day two my hair still looks very straight and sleek, after a weekend of rain and humidity which causes major frizz. Keep up the great work!

Nice new location near the Chinatown metro. The appointments are easy to book and they take walk ins. Blow outs start at $ 40 and include complementary mimosas and a movie is always playing. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Perfect addition to that area :)

I usually patronize the Dry Bar in Bethesda but was excited to see that a new location had opened up minutes from my job!
Initially, it was the typical Dry Bar experience. Very accommodating staff in a pristine setting.
Atypical to my usual Dry Bar experience, I didn’t get the same result I usually get when I request the Cosmo-​Tai. Also, the stylist (don’t remember her name) was a bit heavy on the heat (burning both my scalp and herself a couple times) and I didn’t leave with that «Money Maker» scent I’m used to. My hair smells burnt. :-/​
For the sake of convenience, I may end up giving this location another shot, albeit with another stylist. For now, I’ll be sticking with the tried & true location at Bethesda.