Manchester we salute you. When it comes to the perfect blow dry, you know that it’s all about striking the right balance between bounce, body, shine and texture. In other words, not too overdone. Your city has blown us away with impressive hairdryer handling skills and tousled, touchable blow-outs that tick all the beauty boxes. From cool girl waves in the Northern Quarter to softly sleek on King Street, here’s our edit of the salons guaranteed to take you straight to a state of blow-dry bliss.
By Halle Carlson
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1 Red Angel
Best for: a time-poor blow dry
This is the place to go if you want to dip your toes into a new style or frankly are pressed for time before your date or night out with the girls. With gorgeous styles created in a record-setting 9 minutes, Red Angel is your place for a seriously good look on a time budget. If you don't want to spring for a full-blown blow dry, all you have to do is show up to this slick style station with already clean and dry hair, and select your style from their incredibly extensive menu- think coffee shop meets hair salon. We're talking quiffs, plaited alice bands, or keep it casual with tousled beach waves. Our vote? The Funky Pony- a little bit Disney princess, a little bit grunge. If you want to up your game even more, you can top up your look with nail, makeup, and hair accessory services… like stepping into a style tornado and leaving perfectly polished! And don't worry girls: You're not cheating on your hairdresser.
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2 Tyson Hair Design
Best for: a 'healthy' blowout
An absolute gem in Didsbury, Tyson Hair Design is a seriously cool, Instagram-worthy salon. Their Kevin Murphy products will work an absolute treat on your locks and you can up the ante with an Olaplex treatment for a super healthy, shiny blowout. The professionals at Tyson Hair Design know exactly how to work with all types of hair, because no two heads are the same, right?! There is no hair battle these pros can't win. My hair is incredibly fine and limp at best, Tyson was able to pump my locks full of volume and my blow dry lasted a good three days before I broke down and washed it. Couple that with its uber-trendy setting and you have a place you'll be returning to time and time again. Glossy locks? Tick. As many coffees as you can neck in half an hour? Tick. All at the same time? Tick, tick, tick.
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3 Howard Yuill
Best for: an Instagram-worthy experience
South Manchester girls rejoice – Howard Yuill is here for you. This spot is the trendiest south of the M60 and their blow-outs are consistently photoworthy. The decor in this salon is Pinterest-cool… a bit of old school Britannia sprinkled with quirky Scandinavian elements. Their blow drys are low cost and so on point – they will get you prepped for your night but leave enough ammo in your wallet for that extra cocktail. You'll be strutting through South Manchester with hair big, bouncy and gravity-defying to boot.
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4 RCNQ
Best for: a bohemian blow dry
RCNQ is like a dream filled with all my favorite things: exposed brick, dog pillows, cow print rugs, old school record players… can we move in here?! Manchester's Northern Quarter is lucky to have RCNQ as it's coolest resident. On top of that, they know exactly what they're doing when it comes to hair. I went in for a Northern Quarter-worthy blow dry and opted for a touseled, bedhead blowout. The blow dries here aren't carbon copy; no two are the same and they will listen to what you're after before giving you the exact blow dry you had pictured in your head. They say hairdressers aren't magicians but… I'd beg to differ at RCNQ!
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5 Empire the Salon
Best for: a top-to-toe service
Empire The Salon has only been open a few months and is already storming onto the Northern Manchester scene. This is the type of place you can roll out of bed and enter, spin around a few times and leave a new woman ready to turn heads on the street. Offering top-to-toe treatments, a blow dry here will only set you back £10 so there is plenty of room to take advantage of the rest of their extensive menu. Want volume? Check. Help with your pesky extensions? Check. Shine for days? Check. The brainchild of it's Empiress Emma, the team at Empire The Salon are the perfect squad to leave you ready for battle.
FAQs
How quickly can you get a blow dry at Red Angel?
You can get a gorgeous blow dry at Red Angel in 9 minutes. The salon offers a record-setting fast service, perfect if you’re short on time or need a last-minute style fix. Just arrive with clean, dry hair and choose from their extensive style menu.
How much does a blow dry cost at Empire the Salon?
A blow dry at Empire the Salon costs only £10. This price leaves plenty of room in your budget to try out other treatments from their extensive menu. Top-to-toe services are available, making it easy to enjoy a makeover in one visit.
Which salon in Manchester offers the healthiest blowouts?
Tyson Hair Design is known for providing super healthy, shiny blowouts using Kevin Murphy products. You can also add an Olaplex treatment for extra hair health. The professionals at this salon are skilled at working with all hair types for long-lasting style and volume.
Can you get a personalised blow dry style at RCNQ?
Yes, every blow dry at RCNQ is completely personalised to your wishes. No two blow dries are the same, and the stylists listen carefully to what you want before creating your custom look. The salon’s creative team will make sure your vision is brought to life.
Which salon is best for a photoworthy blow dry experience in South Manchester?
Howard Yuill is the go-to salon for an Instagram-worthy blowout in South Manchester. The salon is known for trendy decor, low-cost services, and big, bouncy hair that’s perfect for a night out. You’ll leave the salon ready to show off your new look.