No doubt this franchise initially was rigged for failure back when hundreds of drybars suddenly sprung up around the country. Pre-Covid and recession, it was a great idea that was challenged by the fact that the ownership and creators of the brand expected full blowouts to get done within half an hour (including shampooing).
Stylists of any value would leave within a few months; of course, your appointments always ran late, and yet you lost your appointment if you dared to be more than eight minutes late in Los Angeles traffic. It was upside down, and insane.
Where I’m going with this five star review is that of the few DryBar’s remaining in Southern California post Covid, you’ve either seen the new ownership step up and create LOVELY salon spaces still worth investing in, or they fail miserably.
This particular space remains a breath of fresh air, great stylists, caring management, and they actually communicate if for any reason they’re running a little bit behind.
In other words, they remember that customer business and loyalty is what a salon is about, and they treat you with respect.
About three months ago, I had been talked into signing up for their “barfly” program over in the Burbank location – one that I’ve already given negative reviews to due to their lack of courtesy.
After convincing me to sign up for this program, every single appointment I made was canceled out last minute, due to Stylists not showing up. Their manager (Luke) never returns calls, and the phone is never answered, so you really don’t have a shot at communicating with a human being if something goes awry. As it did often with this location.
I’ve since changed my loyalty to the awesome crew at the Topanga location (Adam is snr manager, Alejandra their phenom asst manager); and while it’s a 25 minute drive versus 5 minute drive, it’s become worth it for the quality of stylists and the consistency of service.
Also, parking is super easy as they have spaces all along the storefront. Definitely a plus in Southern California.
If you find yourself needing a great blowout in this post covid world, this is a great little salon.
