Jennifer Weiss opens Cherry Blow Dry Bar on N. Highland Street. Eden Brown
Until now, a mediocre blow dry would cost $40. A good one, $55 and up. And if one’s hair was unruly, some salons wanted $75. It was time to have the blow dry bar concept in town.
“I never thought I would do this, but there was a real need here,” said Jennifer Weiss when asked how she came to open “Cherry Blow Dry Bar.” Opening at 1041 N. Highland St. near Trader Joe’s on Friday, Jan. 30, the blow dry bar brings to Clarendon a phenomenon well established in Europe, as well as in New York and California, but late to arrive in the D.C. area.
“I was in publishing before I started this venture”, she said. “I needed to present to audiences and needed a quick blow dry to give me that extra polish before a meeting or presentation. There was nothing like that in Arlington. So I decided to fill the void.” Weiss, a New Yorker, moved to Arlington in 1990.
Cherry Blow Dry Bar is a franchise originally started by Nathan Cuneen in Australia in 2008. The franchise came to the U.S. two years ago and currently has “bars” in San Francisco, Sacramento, Nashville, N.Y.C., and three cities in Florida. The name “Cherry” Blow Dry is the U.S. name of the franchise and evolved out of a trademark requirement … but it also describes the pop of bright red color in an otherwise white-on- white decor.
Cherry Blow Dry Bar specializes in two services: blow dries and hair extensions. An added benefit: regardless of length or type of hair, the blow out will only be $35. Those with longish curly hair will understand: those blow dries are often the most expensive. The price includes a shampoo with high-end Kevin Murphy products, a sulfate-free, paraben-free shampoo and conditioner from Australia. During the first week, Weiss is offering $15 blow outs. Opening hours will start out from 8-7 weekdays and 10-5 on Sundays. Appointments can also be booked by calling 703-525-2000, or online at www.cherryblowdrybar.com, or try walking in if it’s not a Friday/Saturday evening.
A second location for the Cherry Blow Dry Bar will open this summer, in the Mosaic District, Merrifield.