This was a fine experience, somewhere between either extreme. I arrived and, like others who have written reviews here, didn't know where to go. It's not a big space at all, but it wasn't very clear where to go, and there was no one at the front desk when I approached. The space was clean and bright but a bit worn down and tired. I also don't like that they try to upsell you about add-ons. They already do this when you book! Once is enough...! The woman who washed my hair and styled it/blow dried it was friendly and kind. She took her time, which is not itself bad, but it might be surprising if you book a 45 minute appointment and are in any sort of rush. I think $64 is a bit steep, especially since there are quality blowout spots that aren't that much, even today! read more

Don't let these reviews, especially the older ones, scare you, and check out the ones on Google Maps. It looks like the salon was evenly renovated, and entering from the hotel lobby isn't the great challenge it's made out to be. KJ, my stylist, was a dream! She has magic hands--in my 36 years of living I've never had such a gentle blowout. Not only was she gentle and the blow dryer not too hot, but she achieved results. My hair is perfectly blown out and exactly what I was looking for. read more

Ok I was very nervous to try this place because I thought no one would be able to service my hair texture (4B) and I'm so happy I went! My experience was literally perfect. I booked a very last minute online appointment lol, chose the blowout option, & was serviced by Destiny! I literally could not be more grateful for Destiny, she effortlessly washed, blow dried, and styled my hair. Y'all-- please don't hesitate to book! And if you have similar texture hair, please request to have Destiny service you! Also, PLEASE tip your stylist btw! :) read more

I normally go to the River North Drybar but had noticed this location in the Midtown Hotel (formerly the W) and decided to give it a try, as I was headed to drinks nearby after and this was the last step of my getting ready. I arrived slightly early for my appointment and settled in with a cup of water. I was introduced to my stylist and, after I explained what I wanted, she set to work washing my hair. The hair wash station was slightly the worse for wear, with uncomfortable chairs, and I had to walk around the space awkwardly to get to it. As this location is smaller, there really aren't that many paths to the various stations, leading me to feel like a rat in a maze. It didn't help that when I started my appointment the place was packed, although the crowd had inexplicably cleared out by the time I was wrapping things up. As to the blowout itself, I felt that the curls were slightly tighter than I wanted, when I had explained that I would have preferred loose waves. My hair is on the thicker side and I usually wear it straight as it doesn't hold a curl well but wanted to change things up. Throughout the appointment, the stylist was remarking on all of the things she needed to do at home once her workday was over. I tried to be sympathetic, but I was caught off guard and did not know how to respond. I felt like an imposition while sitting in the chair and knowing full well that I would be giving a decent tip. I was surprised at the end of the process when the stylist did not ask me about any product, to the extent that I ended up spritzing myself with hairspray after I had checked out (fortunately no one was around to notice or reprimand me). The restroom situation here does leave something to be desired. There are no restrooms in the salon itself, and people have to leave the salon and go into the hotel, taking a flight of those very shallow hotel steps (IYKYK) to the lower level to get to the restrooms. When I got there, the restrooms were locked, requiring a keycard for entry, and there was no one around to help. Overall, I left more flustered than when I arrived and will be opting for a different location next time unless something changes. read more

My stylist was lovely and kind, and the service was great. The space itself was just sort of run-down; the materials like the "look book" were weathered and stained, and the staff-only area was behind me, and smelled like a steady stream of weed-smoke. I was annoyed because I had a 1:15 appointment and we arrived early, but the stylist was late and then was sort of slow on me, and had to go away several times to get tools, which felt like they would be standard for an updo. read more

I've been going to Drybar for years and have visited locations in many cities, so I know what to expect -- and this one delivered, even if it felt a little dated compared to some of the newer lounges. It's decorated in Drybar's signature bright style, but finding the entrance was tricky with the construction out front. On this visit, I washed and blow-dried my own hair ahead of time since I was short on time, and booked the $39 quick style. My stylist was fast (not overly personable), but honestly? My hair looked flawless as always. Drybar has never missed with my 4B hair, which is why I keep coming back. The best part is the consistency -- no matter where I go, I leave feeling put together and polished. I'm even thinking about signing up for the Bar Fly membership because it just makes life easier. Quick, convenient, and dependable. read more

I'm a blow out girl, with long thick hair. Let me just tell ya I've had probably 100 blow outs and this blow out was by far one of the best I've ever had!!! Almost felt like I had got a hair cut and brand new hair!! Andres was so sweet from start to finish! Great conversation and a great scalp massage! He gave my long heavy hair loads of volume!! My hair felt sooo silky and bouncy with the perfect amount of curl! I'm blown away he was able to achieve this look with only just a blow dryer! Seriously it looked like he had curled and styled my hair ! I could tell all the girls here giving blow outs all were killing it also! Using rollers and different round brushes on everyone. The space is small but very clean and airy. I can't wait to come back and see Andres! Also great location next to the W hotel and lots of coffee shops near by. read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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So glad I got the Yelp Elite Week: Badges & Blowouts at Drybar *W CITY CENTER*! I wanted to do something for myself for my birthday. This came at the perfect time. Hairstylist Eliana did a wonderful job in washing, blow drying and curling my hair. Eliana told me she works as a stylist for the past 15 years! If you asked me, I think she did a fabulous job in my hair. I loved the experience of having my hair done. It made me feel like a princess. The Blowouts Drybar played the movie, "Clueless". So glad I watched it during my blowout. I ranked it as one of my favorite movies. It definitely contributed to a more relaxed and fun vibe and atmosphere. Highly recommend the Blowouts at Drybar. read more

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KIANA Sparks did my blowout She was quick and did an awesome job...the style was Southern comfort .lasted the weekend read more

I came to this Drybar with my friends to get ready for the Lady Gaga concert. I had a non-traditional request to have Pepsi cans put into my hair like Lady Gaga in her "Telephone" music video. I wasn't sure if they would do it before going in, but Kiana and Aniya were up for the challenge! It certainly wasn't easy, but they did a great job! I received SO many compliments on my hair and costume for the concert. I appreciate them going above and beyond! read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - Lady Gaga "Telephone" hair - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love Drybar it is one of my favorite places to get my hair done. The ladies here are super friendly and they know hair very well. I always come out with amazing hair. I am very thankful that they have a very helpful look book to chose your style from. Everything is made easy here from booking appointments to the whole styling process. I am very impressed how efficiently this salon runs everyday. read more

I am a black women with 4a/3c hair. I get GREAT service every time I come here. I have convinced my friends to try this place out and they live it. You are in and out in less than an hour depending on the de into of your hair. If you are going and you have a tighter hair pattern let them know and they will assign you a stylist that works well with that hair type But you cannot go wrong booking kiki she will get you right 10 out of 10 times. read more

They do a very good job. They are open on Sundays now but use the app to make a reservation.

I wish I had a good experience; my stylist was very sweet and everything was timely. However, my hair is irreparably damaged. My stylist was so rough on my hair, that I was literally holding onto the chair. She told me to tell her if she was being too rough, but I was unaware of the extent of damage that was happening. The hairs at the top of my head, where she was the toughest, are all broken, and are now sticking straight up. She also held the blow drier so close to my hair that I smelled burning. I'm getting married next year and am distraught. When I called customer service, they didn't care and apologized for the "inconvenience." Please stay away from this place. It's not worth the risk of damage. Update: I've called customer service and they are the most unhelpful callous people imaginable. Avoid this place! read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - Bad breakage at the top of my head. Will take a long time to grow out. - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I got some Hollywood waves at Dry Bar and absolutely loved it. My stylist was Kay, and she was incredibly nice! The hair wash was great, and my hair feel so nice after the blow out. The products smell great too! I had such a relaxing time and cannot wait to go get pampered again! read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Super easy to book appointments- you can review and choose add ins in advance! So many options! Prompt and pleasant service and a great location! read more

I've been a Drybar loyalist for more than a decade, and had an absolutely terrible experience with Alicia. I normally don't take to reviews, but there were so many misses. She was 10 minutes late for my appointment, and another lovely stylist started my shampoo. It went downhill from there. She told me my hair "smelled" and needed to be washed 3+ times. Never in my life have i had that comment from a stylist, which was not only rude, but not true. She was incredible rough throughout the shampoo and styling, not letting me know when she was going to do a cold rinse, very rough shampoo despite telling her the pressure was too much, and burned me multiple times during the blowdry. She was just careless and sloppy and just didn't seem to care about my experience. At the end she then said "I don't know what to tell you, your hair doesn't hold a curl" Well maybe you shouldn't have washed it 3 times. Again, never had that experience with any stylist who's done my hair in 30 years. Everyone else was lovely, but if you're going there, would steer clear of her. read more

Appointment times mean nothing. They wanted to upcharge because I have longer hair but no extensions. The style was good but it smelled so so much I couldn't stand it . read more

Was a bit nervous about the negative reviews but I was in a pinch and needed to go somewhere within walking distance so I gave it a shot. Kiki was my stylist and did an absolutely amazing job!! She is so sweet and gave me an incredible scalp massage. My blowout was perfect!! And I have very long curly 3C hair so it's not easy to do with my hair texture! read more

I had THE BEST experience at Drybar this past weekend! I asked for a 1920's style for a themed party and that is exactly what I got. Highly recommend this place, plus it is super cute inside. read more

Great blowout at dry bar W city center and Excellent service by Aniya!!! Thank you ! 5 stars

Had a great blow out with Portia this morning! The extra scalp massage was a great add on! I wish I didn't have to go back to work as it left me so relaxed and needing a nap. Thank you Portia! read more

Tried the 172 Adams location for the first time and was thrilled with the job that Ms. PORTIA did on my hair. She listened to the description of volume and exceeded expectations. She does fantastic work. Go see Portia- thank you for the fantastic job Portia! read more

I don't know what other people have experienced, but my blowout with Justin was nothing less than amazing. He was gentle on my hair yet made my curly hair stick straight and it has stayed like that. Products were amazing. All employees were so friendly from the moment, I walked in the door until I left. Great experience overall, highly recommend! read more

My hair smells burnt, and the curl is already falling down after just 30 minutes. I spent so much money, asked for a Cosmo Tai and my hair is flat and falling apart! My hair usually holds curl very well and I am concerned some significant heat damage has occurred. I have had many positive experiences with other Drybars in the past, and I thought this time would be no different. Very wrong. I am so disappointed. It is my birthday and we are in town for a concert. I am not a local, so I can't even fix the hair myself since I am not at home! It looks so bad and it has ruined my confidence for the day read more

Drybar at the W is by far the best in the game! I recently moved from Los Angeles to Chicago and I have been coming to this location the last 1+ year. I have been to every Drybar in the country 2x a week in every major city for the last several years and have yet to experience the professionalism, consistency and quality I see from Keke and her team at Drybar W! I highly recommend read more

Starting at the crack of dawn, I spend my days sweating over boiling pots and pulling things from ovens, so evening socializing is not ideal when I look like I crawled out from the sewer. With home too far to get to quickly, Drybar is without a doubt a godsend. Schedule an appt online. Leave your days' stress at the door. Get a relaxing scalp massage. Get in some girl talk with your stylist. And walk out with soft, silky, hair that hasn't been plastered to your head with sweat or streaked with chocolate. Oh, that's just me? My stylist collected me on time. I was offered a beverage as soon as I arrived. And in 40 minutes, the stench of the city and the kitchen were washed out of my hair. I can fill your belly with every form of sugar, but I'm all thumbs when it comes to styling hair. It doesn't need to be everyone's talent when we have business like these to turn to. Treat yourself sometimes. read more

I LOVE this DRYBAR location. First off the receptionist Ashley was keen to welcoming me and checking me in. Very polite and overall demonstrated exceptional professionalism. My first stylist, Yesenia, greeted me with a smile from ear to ear and escorted me to the wash station where she washed my hair, got to know me a little, and brought me back to the styling chair. She asked about my hair history and really paid attention to detail to understand how my hair will manage with different products and styles. I loved how efficient she was in replicating a style just as I requested. Upon closing out, I loved it so much I came back a second time and my next stylist was Khristine! She immediately greeted me and asked my style preference and gave me a blowout that made my hair style last for a week. Overall the staff at this location is always accommodating, friendly and welcoming, and you'll find some of the most talented stylists on this block. I will definitely be back! read more

You have to get your hair done by Portia at least once in your life -- and if you are like me -- you will be hooked on once a week fabulousness forever. I love her and I love the way I look when she does my hair. A game changer. read more

If I could give it none I would. I expressed my concern to my stylist about how my hair is weird sometimes and I need tight curls because I knew they would fall. She washed my hair and it was nothing special. Usually when you're paying for a 50 dollar blow out you expect a little head massage in there. I tried multiple times to engage in a conversation with her and she was not having it. She did my hair and it looked really good, but I had a feeling the iron wasn't hot enough and she didn't let the curls set. Needles to say an hour later, I looked like a wet dog. A waste of 50 dollars and my time. Not the best way to start off a vacation. Update: I emailed as she asked. Took her over a week to answer. Not even a "here's a blowout to make up for it" but she sorry she ruined my birthday weekend and that my hair looked like crap. Do. Not. GO! read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - No I couldn't because I didn't know my hair would fall 20 minutes after, because I figured she did what I asked! - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I will start with the positive. Booking a reservation is very easy and the salon is beautiful and uses amazing products. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. For the negative and reason for the 2 stars is that my hair did not turn out the way I requested. Once you are seated your stylist gives you a book with different styles to select from. I thought to myself that providing you with pictures of popular styles would be a great way of communicating what you wanted. I was wrong. The style was a blow out with volume. Since most of my hair was dried by hand once she started blow drying it was frizzy and then she used a curling iron which I would have been fine with, but when she finished she combed it and made my hair wavy. I think the stylist was not experienced enough. She was very nice and accommodating by trying different methods, however It took much longer than expected. The salon is located in the W hotel and I would have thought they would have experienced stylists. read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Luke was AMAZING!! He helped me achieve the perfect blowout! I walked in with flat dry hair and walked out with amazing voluminous curls! Also his vibe is unmatched! read more

My first time having a blow out but it definitely will not be my last! Leah was excellent I highly recommend requesting her if you can she gave my hair the much needed TLC it needed. It has gotten me compliments ladies and when you get a compliment from one of the gals you know you have found a diamond in the rough, thank you Leah and thank you drybar CHICAGO!! Day two and going strong now read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - After - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had a formal on the night of March 26, so I made an appointment (quick & easy process). I got my hair done - not what I wanted, but everyone said it looked nice so whatever. COOL. The stylist was very friendly - excellent customer service while I was inside the store. They convinced me to sign up for their "Barfly membership" - told me I would save $10 for that appointment, and I can cancel anytime. Alright, sign me up. Just gotta remember to cancel it when I get home. Cool, cool, cool. Now, time has passed. And I definitely forgot to cancel the membership. Not surprised whatsoever. I am v forgetful. On May 20, I get an email from Aqueelah Dennard at Drybar. And this is what it says, "Good evening, my name is China. I'm the manager at the Drybar Chicago W location. Unfortunately our membership system was not on auto-renew per the owner request we had to cancel all memberships and re input them. Would you be interested in renewing your membership? Your new billing date would be every month on the 20th. If there are any remaining Barflys you would still be able to use them." Um, okay. COOL. AMAZING. I forgot to cancel, but I wasn't being charged anyway due to technical issues. So I'm thinking, 'Okay, at this point they need my permission to charge me any further from this point on. So I'll just not reply.' BIG MISTAKE, I GUESS. I had a charge on my credit card on May 20 (the day that they sent the email) for the membership that I did not agree to renew. ????? Okay ?????? So I replied to the email from Aqueelah or China (WHOEVER THAT WAS) saying UM I did not authorize Drybar to renew my membership, but you charged me on May 20. Please refund that back to me. Thank you. I'm thinking, 'NICE. problem solved.' Nope. She didn't reply to my email, so I'm like aight. I'm gonna contact customer service through their website. I did that. Literally three times, weeks apart - because I would submit my complaint and wait and forget about it and I'd remember again and I'd be like ???? wtf ???? It's July 22 today and I have not received a single reply and not a single dollar back. This is stupid. Two thumbs down. Literally more annoyed about the lack of response than the $. read more

If I could give negative stars, I would. WORST SALON. I've had a handful of experiences - not because I enjoyed it but out of sheer desperation - and I can honestly say only 1 experience was good in terms of both the blowout and the customer service. This is the second time I've arrived for my appointment only to wait an extra 45 mins to an hour to see a stylist. Today's excuse is: "one of the stylists didn't come in today." WELL THEN CALL YOUR CLIENTS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU'RE HOURS BEHIND!!!! Furthermore, there are still 5 stylists on hand. How are you so behind because of one person?? Perhaps because for the extra hour I waited I watched stylists giggle and chat with customers, look at videos on their phones, primp themselves in the mirrors, etc. Update: my stylist told me the Drybar salons don't have phones. WHAT IN THE WORLD?! Why do you have a receptionist if you don't have phones to take or make calls, and all payments are prepaid online when you book? For the walk-ins who can't even get an appointment because the ones who pre-booked are already waiting for hours? After your blowdry, you get a survey emailed to you with a "sincere" (insert sarcasm here) note from the owner/manager stating that she takes feedback very seriously. I have written about my terrible experiences TWICE and I have never been contacted by anyone - not to apologize, not to offer anything for the inconvenience, nada. Trust me - GO TO GOLDPLAITED. They are professional, kind, and will give you the blowout of your dreams! They're even $5 cheaper! You won't regret it. read more

All the stylists at this location does amazing blow outs! Convenient hours and location too!

Came in for an impromptu blow out and all I can say is... WOW I feel like a whole new woman! There is something about getting your hair done here that makes you feel empowered and confident. Love love love this place & can't wait to come back soon! read more

The first time I had an appointment at the location was on a weekday with a lunchtime appointment. Upon my arrival, was offered a beverage. I paid extra for the charcoal scalp scrub + scalp massage. The stylist massaged me near my forehead hairline, then proceed to pull this fingers through my long hair, never massaging the rest of my scup. Although the scalp massage should have been 10 minutes, luckily shortchanged on this unpleasant experience, for just about 5 minutes. The style itself looked great. Next time, I had a weekday evening appointment, just after work. Although they are open for an additional 3 hours after the start of my appointment, the stylist gave off the vibe of, if you weren't here I could go home. Opted out of the scalp massage this time. Was not offered a beverage, he did not put out the little footstool when washing my hair, and he seemed generally annoyed. My hair then lost all its curl in a couple of hours. The best Dry Bar experience I've had in Chicago has been in the Sephora pop-ups, upbeat attitude with a style that holds all day, and into the next day for $20. Too bad I can't just do that on weekdays in the loop. read more

Amazing amazing amazing!!!! I went to the river north location and was not impressed. I walked into this location hoping they could fix it a little and they turned the "Shirley Temple" into the old fashioned I asked for. Kayla and Erica are magicians! read more

Drybar - The Midland Hotel - Blow Dry/Out Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My twin sister, sister in law, and I all had appointments to get hairstyles for a wedding we were attending. Since it was our first time in Chicago, we wanted to be real city girls and do something fun and relaxing. We are so grateful that we booked these appointments! We all felt so gorgeous and well taken care of. Everyone at the salon was SO kind in explaining the process and any deals going on. Thank you to the Drybar ladies for at the W for making us feel so wonderful, we will be back on our next trip! read more