Blow Bar — Local services in Barrington Township

Update: I emailed the owner per the reply I received on this review Monday 4/28 at 10:32am. As of 3:50pm 5/3, I have not received a reply... tried to post what I sent but it's too long. In short, I disagreed with their perception of the timeline and went into further detail about other frustrating things I didn't originally list. I asked for a refund. Clearly, they don't care.

I had a very negative experience here. I booked a 10am half up-half down style. I got here at 9:50 and the places was closed. I had an 11am bridal shower so time was critical here but I booked a 30 minute service so figured I had plenty of time. Someone came to unlock the door at 9:59. I followed her in and told her I have an 11am shower I need to get to. She told me my stylist would be here soon.

I believe 4-5 minutes later, two gals walk in and put their stuff down and start checking the computer. I think I got called back at 10:06. I told them I had called yesterday at 1:45 (they close at 3) and I left a vm bc I had some questions about if I should wash my hair the night before and the timing. They never called back.

I had some reference pictures I showed the stylist (that were simple and half up- half down). She told me they were updos (they were not) and we wouldn't have time. I said we don't even have to curl my hair but I'm looking for volume. She suggested a blow out. I asked if that would get me the volume because my hair is fine and she said yes.

She washed my hair (without touching the crown of my hair and with flat hands since she had very long nails and seemingly wouldn't scrub my scalp). Glad I washed my hair the night before.

I have straight, fine hair. After the almost 40 minutes it took to blow dry my hair (which dries in 5 mins or less at my house), I have normal looking hair. Nothing special. I had to redo my bangs because even though I told her how to dry them, she did not listen and told me "she's only drying them" indicating she'd come back to them to style them? She didn't so I had to try to fix them after they were already dry.

I was visibly anxious (and told her so) about the timing and no staff ever even offered an apology. It seemed I was an inconvenience to them.

When they checked me out, they asked if I was going to leave gratuity and I said no, not this time, and that I was incredibly frustrated. The same girl who lacked any customer service skills from the beginning when I walked in after her unlocking the door when my appt was supposed to start did not say a word. So I told her typically when a customer says they're frustrated, at least an apology would be expected. She gave me the biggest fake smile and said "I'm sorry" as cloyingly patronizing as she could. I said thank you and left.

Long story short, they were unprofessional and severely lacking in customer service. I would hope a blow dry bar 1) answers their phones and return voicemails and 2) they know the difference between updos and half up half down styles 3) when a timeline is clearly communicated to two different staff, some communication or respect should be shown to make sure everyone is on the same page. I'll never set foot in here again. I just spent an hour & $45 for something I could've done better at home but now I also get to be late to my commitment.

Edited to add the photo for reference I showed the stylist who told me it was an updo. I even said don't worry about curling my hair, I just want some volume. She said there was no time for this but time for a full blow out? I also needed to ask for Mousse or something for lift bc she added no product to my scalp for anything to...

Last Friday, I was at a nearby hotel getting my hair/makeup done with the rest of the bridesmaids for my friend's wedding and my hair came out AWFUL! Like I actually had to choke back tears kind of awful.

After I panicked...I had to pivot and quickly! So i googled salons nearby and Blow Bar came up! I checked the website and they had open appointments...so I called just to check on time frames so I knew when to book for. The girl who answered the phone was kind and booked me quickly.

When I got there I was sat with Michael, who aside from being a talented stylist, was also an amazing human! He recognized how upset I was and listened empathetically while also doing a great job gently shifting the conversation so that I could relax and calm down.

He immediately got down to business using my original reference photo for my hair. Michael was professional and transparent, especially when he told me it would cost more because he needed to wash all the product out. At that point I would do ANYTHING to fix the original disaster because he is such a sincere person I 100% trusted his process.

I felt confident in his skill, experience and expertise every step of the way. He saved the day for me and I can't thank him enough! I felt like myself again (only fancier!) leaving Blow Bar!

Michael is an absolute GEM of a stylist! If you are lucky enough to book with him, you are in amazing hands! I would highly recommend ths...

My first time at Blow Bar will be my last. I went on Friday at 3pm to get a blow & style for a party at 6pm. When I arrived a girl greeted me and said ‘I’ll shampoo you for Micheal’. After the wash she put me in a stylist chair and told me to wait. About 15 minutes went by and she asked Micheal ‘do you want me to blow her out’ and he said yes. When the blowout was done she asked me to wait. Another ten minutes went by and she said to Micheal ‘do you want me to style her’ and he said yes. I told her I wanted loose beach waves. She proceeded to curl my hair and when finished I told her it was too much curl. She then tried to straighten it but it ended up looking very odd. I was getting frustrated and told her I didn’t like it so she asked Micheal to come ‘fix’ it. He was very friendly and I believe he tried as best he could but when you have fine thin hair there’s only so much it can take before it just goes flat. I decided to cut my loses and leave. I paid for the service and left a small tip. Upon leaving Micheal said ‘hopefully next time I can do your hair’. I’m pretty sure that should have happened this time Micheal. I went home, washed and styled my hair with the little time I had left. I won’t be back and unfortunately cannot recommend...