Self-care with Drybar

If there’s any type of pampering I can’t get enough of, it’s literally having someone else wash and style my hair. Enter: Drybar.

Not to complain, but doing my hair can be taxing. There’s a lot of work that goes into the care and keeping of a big head of thick hair; the drying process alone takes forever, and styling is an additional task that’s both effort and time-intensive. I love how I feel afterward (and how it looks), but sometimes it’s nice to outsource a blowout to the professionals.

For that reason, Drybar has been a game changer! Drybar has two locations near me—in Milwaukee’s Third Ward or in downtown Whitefish Bay—and I’ve been going there for years. Unlike traditional salons, they offer one thing: blowouts. No cuts, no color, just a wash and style.

Here’s what to expect from a visit to Drybar in Milwaukee.

What to expect from a Drybar appointment

Whether you book online or head to a Drybar shop for a walk-in, you’ll leave with a signature style.

Upon entry, Drybar has a special look and feel: each location is bright, cheerful, and doused in the brand’s iconic sunshine-yellow. There are several work stations set up with products and styling tools, with a nearby TV usually rolling a classic romcom throughout your appointment.

You check in with the front desk, then wait for your stylist to come grab you and take you back for your appointment. Most times, I’ve worked with a brand new stylist each time; however, you can try to request to work with a specific stylist online if you visit during their hours.

The first step is to take a peek into Drybar’s menu-style look book, to decide which style you’d like for your appointment. Each hairstyle is named after a cocktail, and ranges from sleek and smooth to curly and texturized. There are several to choose from, and your stylist can walk you through any ideas you have.

After a quick consultation, your stylist will guide you to the shampoo station. In addition to a standard quick wash, there are a variety of add-ons available. In the past I’ve gone with anti-frizz and smoothing treatments to add extra softness to my style. Then, it’s back to your chair, where the blow-drying, brushing, curling, or straightening begins. As you go, your stylist will ask you questions—if you’re okay with product, how your hair holds curl, etc.

The process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour (mine is always around an hour). Expect to chat with your stylist, scroll on your phone, sip on a beverage, and enjoy your time in the chair.

And, viola! You leave Drybar with a blowout and style, ready to conquer the rest of your day with fresh hair. And with the power of hairspray and dry shampoo, I love to make my style last for the rest of the week.

Drybar styles

Drybar’s signature menu is one of the best parts of the experience—it’s easy and straight forward, and there’s a picture for reference. Pick your favorite:

• Straight Up – sleek and smooth with a little bit of body
• Cosmopolitan – loose curls with lots of volume
• Southern Comfort – big hair with serious lift
• Mai Tai – effortless beach waves
• Cosmo-Tai – a mix between curls and tousled waves; this is usually my pick!
• Manhattan – polished and straight
• Old Fashioned – vintage-inspired glam waves

And yes: if you can’t decide, your stylist will happily help you choose or customize a look that fits your hair type and occasion.

My results

I have been going to Drybar since I moved to Milwaukee in 2022, and it’s one of my favorite forms of self-care. I’ve been lucky enough to partner with them since 2024; I get my hair done once a month in exchange for creating content on my style. I genuinely love them, and how my hair looks after each appointment.

Though there are plenty of reasons to get your hair done—special occasions (remember my Bridgerton party style?! That was them!), professional photos, before traveling—I also am a big fan of treating yourself just for the sake of a good hair day.

Quick Details

• Location: 243 E Buffalo St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
• Website: drybarshops.com
• Instagram: @drybarshopsmilwaukee
• Hours: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. weekends; open until 4 p.m. on Sundays
• Pricing: Blowouts typically start around $55. However, add-ons, extensions, and extended time increase pricing. Also, expect to tip your stylist!
• Reservations: Book online in advance (recommended), though walk-ins are welcome
• Parking: paid street parking is available nearby

Drybar is proof that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as a little pampering and confidence that comes with an easy, good hair day.

When you visit, be sure to let them know that Sunshine with Savannah sent you!

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