So I've been to several Drybar locations around the country including: LA, Dallas, and Las Vegas. I went in for the first time to this River North location in Chicago. Here's how I'd break it down: Reception: 2 Salon look: 2 Shampoo: 4 Actual blowout: 4 Stylist: 5 Some details: - If I'm going to pay to get my hair blown out at a Drybar a large part of that is due to the service and ambiance of the salon. - My stylist, Laura, was awesome. She was really kind and did an amazing job. My issues: - Note one person who worked at the salon had her hair styled. Um what?!? Presentation is everything in personal services. How can I feel confident about how you'll make me look if you don't care how you look. - It took awhile for the receptionist to come to the front and she did not do a great job managing my expectations about when my appointment would start. It started 15 minutes late. That's a pretty big issue when the whole point of this place is to be in and out. - It felt messy. I don't know exactly why, read more

DON'T GO TO THIS SALON Receptionist I have been to several Dry Bar location this one was the worst EVER The receptionists were so impolite, rude, unhelpful, and unprofessional. She is awful when It comes to management, appointment started 25 minutes late. -I ask her for a mimosa since I'm used to have at all other location, she told me to bring my own? She said the reason why is because there's a crystyan church across street? So what? So the clients of the salon can't have a drink because of a church? What if they are not crystians? - I paid her cash since I don't have a credit card, she started with the drama saying their don't accept cash. How am I suppose to know? If is the first time I went there and when I book my appointment throuht the app it didn't said anything about it She made me feel so bad, saying she will have to mail the money to the headquarters? So? How is it my problem? I am the client my method of payment is CASH if the salon don't accept cash or I can't have a mimosa like all other locations I'd go somewhere else. The reason why I come here is because of the atmosphere, mimosas and I can pay cash. The Hairstylist - The stylist washed my hair and didn't put a towel I got soak wet, I had to ask her for a towel? My curls didn't hold at all because she was in a such a rush Will never be back I Love other Drybar locations, but this location not so much. Extremely disappointing! If it start to happen at other locations I won't be expending my money on the dry bar salon. read more

SAVE your money and go to an actual salon! From the time you walk in the lady at the front desk looks like she rather be anywhere else but there. The lady that did my hair was somewhat friendly, however I told her I wanted very loose curls/beach wave and I received extremely tight curls to the root of my hair. I was embarrassed to walk outside! I did not ask her to fix because I felt like it was only going to get worse from there. She told me she got carried away with the volume because that's how she likes it....I don't know what the qualifications or training that is required to be a stylist here, but it need to be reevaluated. My hair was comical. If you're reading this, go somewhere else!!!!! read more

I had a lovely experience today with Tiffany! My hair turned out exactly as I'd hoped - and the whole process was efficient and on time. I was nervous to come here based on reviews but I'm so glad I did! read more

Worst blow out ever. I asked for a scalp massage -- and she "forgot." Then I told her the whole reason I was there was for her to blow out my bangs bc I have a cow lick on one side that any blowout can easily fix. Then the turned me around and when asked about it she said "you don't have bangs there. Which is a lie -- so I went home and fixed it myself. And they were 30 mins late for my appt. read more

Today I revisited the Drybar River North again. This time the staff did accommodate my brush set request. Everyone was very friendly. The stylist even said how much fun she had doing the brush set!! All is well that ends well! read more

Let me preface this by saying I have natural hair. Fairly long, kinky curly natural hair. I have been to SEVERAL different Drybar locations (back home in Texas) and had very positive experiences. I always disclose in the comments when I make my appointment about my hair type and have never had a problem at any location but this one. I first visited this location in June of 2016 for my birthday. I had my hair sectioned and detangled to make the process easier. The manager looked me up and down as I checked in and overall just had this very negative vibe about her when she was talking to me. I did not see her interact with anyone else so I cannot definitively say this was because of my hair or anything. What I did notice, was when the stylist was doing my hair (she did an okay job), the manager kept coming over and telling her to move faster and stop taking so much time to do my hair. The result was a partially completed frizzy hairstyle that I was unhappy with. I couldn't do anything about it at the time because I had to pick up my fiance from the airport. I didn't write a review or anything that time because I have had such positive experiences with the drybar before. HOWEVER. My experience last Saturday was so awful I feel I have to say something. I was early for my appointment but we did not start on time (it was relatively busy for a rainy Saturday morning). The stylist I had was so sweet and she had done natural hair before so I thought I was in good hands. The manager (the same one from before) came over as the stylist was detangling my hair and took her away to fuss at her for sectioning my hair. So the stylist came back and was very visibly rushed and started trying to move faster. The manager came over at least 4 more times and hissed in the stylist's ear basically telling her to rush my style. All the while she kept coming by and looking me up and down like I was an inconvenience to her. I felt so embarrassed and angry that I was PAYING to be treated that way. The poor girl was so frazzled and was trying to work so fast that my hair ended up frizzy and puffy again. I was so disappointed as I had a gala to attend that evening. I ended up going to the salon at Ulta to have it fixed. I understand that you want to get as many customers in as possible but I am still a customer. And if you feel like people with textured hair take too long, add an option to pay a little more for a longer time slot. I will definitely NOT be returning to this location. read more

Drybar - River North - This was the after of my blowout. Needless to say I was very unhappy. - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had called about 30 mins before walking over and the woman over the phone and said that location was available for walk ins and had two appointments at 8:15. We walked in an hour before close (website says blowouts take 45 mins, it was 8 they close at 9) and the desk lady said they had no stylists (???). Very disappointed we made the walk in the cold. Very poor customer service. Even called again after being turned away to check if the desk lady was serious but the woman over the phone said they were available to book two appts at 8:15. Seriously do not give this place the time of day. read more

I went to Drybar before my baby shower excited to get a blow dry, I saw Heaven. At the end of the blow dry my stylist was saying how great my hair looked after she turned me around so I could see in the mirror. Several pieces of my hair were flat and uncurled. When I brought it to her attention she curled them again and everything looked ok. By the time I got home my hair was flat, I mean completely FLAT, it looked horrible. I had to hurry up and curl my hair on my own as I didn't have time to go back. While I was curling my hair I called dry bar customer service, which is outside the US. The customer service rep told me there was nothing he could do for me unless I could go back today. I tried to explain that I had family in town and could not go back, he again told me there was nothing he could do, worst customer service ever. I stopped back in the salon later in the day even though I had family in town because I was so upset at the way customer service handled the call. The manager was extremely nice and told me they have had several complaints about the customer service. You would think corporate would catch a clue and do something about it...... but apparently they don't care. Anyways, the manager told me they could redo my hair for free the next morning and she was extremely nice. I went the next morning and the new stylist did a great job. I asked if they could put a 20% tip on my card for the new stylist. Come to find out they put $20 instead so I left a 44% tip. I called customer service again and they told me they do not do refunds, there is nothing they can do for me and that I authorized the $20 charge, which I did not. Needless to say I am done with Drybar and now have to contact my credit card company because someone does not know how to do math. read more

I was a little skeptical to try this location based on some of the other reviews but I had a fantastic first time experience here! Everything ran on time and my hair looked great! I have super thick hair and my stylist even spent extra time on my blow out to accommodate my curls. I will 100% be going back. Best $40 I've spent in a while. read more

I thought I made an appointment for 9am on a Sunday, but due to a misunderstanding (on my end) I never confirmed the appointment. The receptionist was very understanding of the situation and reassured me that they would still be able to fit me in. She washed my hair and then brought me over to meet my stylist. My stylist was very professional and checked in throughout the whole process taking note of my preferences and what I wanted my look to be. My event was later in the afternoon so she also gave me tips on how to make sure my curls stayed in as long as possible and told me how to take care of it the next day. Overall this was a great experience and I'll definitely be back. read more

Drybar - River North - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Don't go here. Today I drove 45 minutes to get my hair done. I couldn't find parking (I know.. it's Chicago). However, when I walked in 12 min after my appointment, I was smuggly told that since I was more than 10 minutes late i was marked as a "No Show." She could book me for 6:15. Poor customer service. read more

I had an appointment on Sunday at 5:30 pm and had changed it on line earlier in the day from 5 pm. They are not professional and very disorganized on Sunday's. When I checked in at 5:27 pm, I was told the wait would be 30-45 minutes late. This is unacceptable-if I walked in that late, I would not be accommodated. This place is full of amateurs who barely focus on their job. They run late and most of the stylists have very long nails-making it difficult for them to do their job. I have been a regular, loyal client, and do not like to be treated with disrespect -which is what running so late implies. I can be reached at igbluestein@aol.com. read more

IF your time is valuable, I don't recommend making appts here. I've tried 7 am appts (person that opens the store has been late at least 3 - 4 times to even OPEN the store, which puts the entire operation behind. So, when I've expected to make an 8:30 am, appt., I can't even do that. I have booked weekend appts that have started 25 and 40 minutes late (yes, and I'm not making this up or exaggerating). I do love a few of the stylists... they ARE talented, BUT the operation of the franchise is dismal. read more

I love Drybar! I wish we had one where I am from (Minneapolis!). They are always sweet, welcoming, accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. I love my hair styles from Drybar, and they last me 3-4 days. A good hair day is sometimes all you need to make your day turn around, whether it be for a special occasion or just because, I love visiting the specialists at Drybar River North! read more

To start off on the wrong foot, my 5:30pm appointment did not start on time. Twenty minutes after my appointment time, I was called back to get my hair washed (leaving 3 other women still waiting who also had 5:30pm appointments). After getting my hair washed, I was again left in the styling chair for 10 minutes waiting on someone to start styling my hair. An appointment that normally should take around 45 minutes anywhere else took 90 minutes - double the time - here. There was no recognition of the time delay or apologies by the staff, although they were friendly enough. Aside from the poor handling of scheduling/delays, I was displeased with my hair as well. I had asked and received a simple curl which looked nice in store, but by the time I got home from the appointment the curl was already falling out. By the time of my event (for which I had gotten my hair done), my hair barely looked like I had anything done to it which was incredibly disappointing. The stylist was aware of the timing of the event and my situation so I was very upset that my styling did not hold up. I am all for paying to get hair styled, but in my experience this was a huge waste of my time and money. I will not be coming back and would tell others to look elsewhere as well. read more

Blowout with Robert or Aj and you'll walk out looking amazing! Because of the two of them I went from honestly hating Dry Bar to having a Barfly membership. I hope Dry Bar realizes they have a huge win having them with their company. read more

I went to Drybar River North yesterday. First time I have ever been to a Drybar. I get a blow dry almost once a month for various business appointments throughout the US. The blow dry I got from Christine - honestly was the best blow dry I have ever had. She did a great job! read more

Infrequent visitor to Drybar because I often do my own hair. I made a 7a appointment a few weeks out and booked with a specific stylist that I know can do textured hair. When I arrive she's already got someone at her chair and I'm told she has a 745a. The front desk attendant then told me she's have someone else do my hair but I declined. Huge inconvenience as I was planning to get my hair done before a video interview that I had a 1p on the same day. Will never go there again. read more

Hair looked great for about 45 mins... So, I was in town for a wedding and scheduled an appointment with two other girl friends. We arrived 10 mins early and checked in right away. We were offered water or coffee, but never got our water while in the salon. We were taken back to get our hair washed pretty quickly and sat down to get started on our hair. I asked for a cosmo and everything looked great while in the salon, but by the time I got back to my hotel, changed into my dress and touched up my makeup it had fallen out. The same thing happened to one friend and the other's hair was as big as Dolly Parton's (which she did not ask for). Do not waste your time or money going here read more

I'm sad to say this location disappointed me! I love other Drybar locations, but this location not so much. Extremely disappointing! I brought my daughter with me this time. We were offered water which we agreed to and was never delivered. There was noticeable eye rolling and apparent attitude in the salon the minute we walked in. The customer service was very poor and it was not a kind, welcoming attitude that I have experienced at all other locations. Unfortunately my blowout was a fried mess and was so crispy I had to redo it upon leaving. It was not the cosmo-tai I had asked for, which I get every time at every location and I love- this was something completely off the grid that looked horrific. I was so disappointed and I even tried to tell my stylist how to do it and he chose to do it his own way which should be an unnamed style. Sorry to say - I LOVE Drybar and the brand but this location .....I won't be going back and I won't be recommending to friends. read more

LOVE! This location. It's nestled into the chic river north of Chicago! I was able to book the appointment from my drybar app and there was little wait! I absolutely loved the lady who did my blow out and would highly recommend coming here if you're in the area! Cheers to perfect hair read more

I'm so sad to hear that Jazline left :( She was by far the best/most consistent stylist I've had. Will be following her to her new blowdry salon. read more

Just do you hair by yourself at home. Never going here again. I was extremely disappointed. They were running really behind so I ended up having to cancel an appointment I had made after this because I was going to miss it. My hair does not look good. Half of my head is still straight and needs to be redone. Also my hair feels DISGUSTING. I'm about to jump in the shower because I cannot even touch my hair without getting a ridiculous amount of product on my hands. I wasted an hour and a half and $40+ tip on this worthless experience. If I could give zero stars I would. DO NOT GO HERE. read more

I will preface this by saying I generally LOVE Drybar, and I have a membership. I usually go in NYC and SF when I'm traveling, and have never really had a problem... but this was my first time going in Chicago, where I live, and I'm so unhappy with my hair I will NOT be returning to this location. The stylist who did my hair was super nice and gave a great shampoo, but that's about where great ended. I love a bit of volume, but now I'm heading to an important event after 65 minutes in the chair with absolutely HUGE, incredibly frizzy hair and completely weird, tangled curls at the very tips - NOT what I asked for and so far from my natural part that I can't fix it myself without a shower and a ton of detangler. I am so embarrassed that if I didn't live so far, I would go home, wash my hair, and do it over again myself. And despite all that I'm STILL debating it, because frankly, my hair looked better in the ponytail I walked in with. I love Drybar, truly. And I would recommend any other location I've tried in heartbeat. But this one left me so disappointed. read more

Awful experience. My stylist took about 20 minutes on my hair from start to finish. Once finished, she didn't ask if I like how everything turned out and started walking away before I even got up! My hair turned out awful and the ends look dry and fried. DO NOT waste your money here and go to a professional salon. read more

My cousins and I came here on Valentine's Day. Being a girls night out, we thought we would get fancy. The salon itself is beautiful and scheduling an appointment was super easy. There are signs everyone indicating how much to tip as a recommendation which bothered me a bit... Seems tacky. My stylist was not very good at shampooing. I was the last one in first one out of the wash. I wish she spent more time with it. She also didn't talk to me the entire time and seemed aggravated when I asked questions. All my cousins and I asked for different blowout styles and we all looked the same with the exception of one. Lastly, all the stylist stood at the front desk trying to sell us product and watching over us as we tipped. It was uncomfortable and made us feel obligated to tip more to the "recommended" amount versus what I think was fair. Overall I just wasn't impressed with the stylists and their professionalism. read more

- Stylist kept burning my hair with the hair dryer - she was fumbling the entire time she was touching my hair ( I have short to mid length hair, a bob) and took her an hour to dry - most salons it takes 20-25 minutes b/c my hair is easy to dry. - as she was applying product, styling product she decided to slather it all over my face and hair. so now i have to go home and wash my face b/c i have greasy product. - They were late starting. - my hair is fried from the stylist drying my hair. thank you for that. First and last time... Please hire more competent staff. read more

I called and asked for a 3 or 3:30 appointment, they could only take me at 2:45pm. I rushed to get there on time then waited until 3:10. My girl was quiet, no one apologized for the wait and her nails were like Edward Scissorhands on my head. Long and pointy! She rushed through the blowout and said "all set". It was fine, looks ok but definitely not the experience I'm used to at Drybar. read more

Never will I ever! Made an appt for 540 with a promise to be out by 630. It was 605 and I was telling them I had to leave and they were like just a few more minutes and we can take you for a dry style... and they will take roughly 20min I paid Uber both ways and got nothing but to sit in their entry for 25min. They pleaded that they had stylists out. Then you should call people and tell them there will be a delay and let people cancel. This is the worst service I have received in a long time read more

Came here for the first and last time. Rushed service, zero customer service. Paid extra for scalp massage. Nothing. Wanted a special occasion with my siblings. What a bust. Stay away. read more

I frequent drybar and have never been disappointed. I don't normally write reviews but with all the bad ones on here for this location I feel obliged to write a review about my good experience. This morning, got in with no notice because they had a cancellation. Checked in, was taken back quickly, the style I was given was what I asked for, and was done quickly and efficiently. My stylist was skilled and friendly but not annoyingly talkative. When I walked out it was raining, so I started to call a Lyft but they gave me an umbrella so I was able to walk home. Also- they currently have a summer special- $10 off a blowout. Will return to this location when I am in town. read more

I would recommend saving your time, money, and energy by getting your blowout elsewhere or doing your hair yourself. My appointment started about 10 minutes late and I was asked to sit and wait several times for the client ahead of me to finish at different stations. From start to finish, the appointment took over an hour (versus the 35 minutes the app quoted when I booked). I asked for the southern comfort style, which includes a lot of volume. After having my roots round brushed and set in Velcro rollers, my hair was basically flat. I told my stylist I was disappointed because that's not what I wanted, and she informed me that the only way to get volume for my hair type was to tease it. I mentioned this at check out and the receptionist asked if I wanted someone to fix it. I was already running late to another appointment, but she offered $10 off. It was a nice sentiment but it didn't really change the fact that I wasted my time and the result was hair that somehow was a combination of flat and frizzy. When I got an email from drybar asking to rate my experience, I mentioned all this. I was really hoping that some feedback to their customer service would help them to correct the obvious lack of training, professionalism, and failure to uphold branding standards in this location. Instead, I received a clearly copy and pasted response. I'm happy that a brand that I've previously supported is doing so well that they can afford to take this approach to customers however, there are several other great blow dry bars in Chicago and other products lines that will do a better job keeping my business. Bottom line: I love drybar as a brand and a concept. However, I will save myself the headache of dealing with lengthy appointments, disappointing results, and apathetic customer service teams by not going to this location and sharing my experience so that others can avoid all this as well. read more

Ask for Paris, she did my hair beautifully!! It's still looking great, smells fresh, and feels soft after backpacking through Iceland! She's an extraordinary woman to be able to spend time with. She knows her stuff and takes great care of you! LOVE YOU PARIS! read more

See all

I have been to other Drybars and this one was my least favorite. It didn't seem like the stylists understood how to style different kinds of hair and seemed to only know one style despite requests for different types of blowouts. The curls I had were way too intense and tight even though I asked for beachy waves. Although my stylist was nice, some of the others that were styling my cousins were offputting. There is also lots of pressure to tip and purchase products which I have never experienced at other Drybars. Overall I'd look elsewhere for a blowout next time I am in the city. read more

Pros: - Eboni was amazing! She was personable and made my hair look absolutely amazing! my curls and volume lasted for 5 days, which is nearly impossible for me usually. - The salon is super cute and has a lot of chairs. Con: - Waited 20 mins after my appointment time when I had an event to get to. read more

Great service for our bachelorette party! Each one of us looked fabulous! They had plenty of space for us and had a small space for us to enjoy the drinks we brought with us. Each stylist was a pleasure and were courteous and friendly. I would recommend this place for groups or for a special night out! read more

Positives - My stylist was FABULOUS! I walked out with a great blow out! Ward Williams was amazing. The bathrooms were dirty and it was 8:00 am. The front desk staff was terrible. Did not greet anyone or offer us anything to drink. I would recommend Ward...but the rest of the experience was terrible. I am a huge Drybar fan and have been to many locations across the US. This was the worst location for service and cleanliness. read more

Have a big meeting/ date/ trip/ anything coming up and unruly, thick, curly hair? Introducing Dry Bar, your new best friend. I've found that service can vary depending on location and even stylist, but this location is pretty good. Hours are great, and appointments are usually on time. $40 gets you a great wash, blow out, and style. My hair always takes longer than the usual hour and stylists have no problem with this. Dry Bar dry shampoo and conditioner are also the BEST so make sure you pick some up when you visit. read more

Great blow out, great conversation and nice stylist!!! Easy to get to and can't think of anything else to write... friendly for sure!!