Heads Up! Valentine's Bombshell Blowouts Still Available at Blo

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

This year, Valentine's Day just so happens to land on Friday—this Friday, in fact. It's the perfect excuse to get done up and play around town. But on a day of such high expectations, I prefer to take the stress of hair styling out of my own (amateur) hands and into those of a professional. I'll admit, choosing those capable hands can be a trial-and-error process. Luckily, my visit to Blo on Union Street last week was a grand slam out of the ballpark. So take my word and book one of Friday's 45-minute slots (currently, there's availability from 7am-2pm) to turn your everyday look into a sexy, bombshell one. Trust me, it's worth every penny of the $40—especially because you'll be feeling (really, feeling) Blo's magical effects all night long... if you catch my drift.

The Blo blow dry bar opened its SF location in April 2010. I remember stepping in for an up-do about a year after it first opened. Although it was already quite popular (the waiting area was packed), the frenzied air and the inexperienced stylists left me far from impressed. But more recently, I began to hear buzz that Blo was back in top form. And sure enough, my visit last week confirmed that there's new ownership: sisters Merete and Sonja Kristiansen took the helm in January 2013.

My stylist Fiona sang nothing but praises about her new(ish) bosses (mentioning that the former ones were never around whereas Sonja works from the salon daily). And with the more relaxed, organized vibe, I actually could settle in and enjoy my pamper time. The blow out experience began with selecting a hairstyle from a concise and curated menu. (Blo has also added the Nashville Wives' styles to the menu from now until March 10.) I decided on "Pillow Talk" for "perfectly messy beach waves." And Fiona's efficient styling transformed my (actual) bedhead into looking like I had stepped off a warm, breezy tropical island, straight into Cow Hollow. I loved the results, which stuck with me throughout the day—and even through the rain.

The salon is located toward the western end of Union Street's main drag. But anyone who knows the area also knows that parking can be a drag. If you're taking your car, be sure to allow time for finding a spot and feeding the meter (none are credit card operated, yet). Because sessions are time-driven (and often stacked back-to-back), late arrivals are definite no-nos. Bonus: the MAC cosmetics store is a few blocks over to the east on Union, and makeup application appointments can be booked in advance for $50 (includes a free mascara).
· All Esther Tested Posts [Racked SF]