Health & Fitness

Blow In Blow Out Blew My Mind

I hadn't felt this relaxed since my last epidural.

On Thursday morning I had the pleasure of spending nearly an hour in hair heaven as I received a complimentary blow out at Summit’s newest salon, Blow In Blow Out, opening today at 330 Springfield Ave.

If you’re a busy working mom like I am, beauty often takes a backseat to breakfast, book reports and breaking up impromptu wrestling matches. 

My typical hair care regime goes a little something like this: 

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Turn on blow dryer...30 seconds later, "Mom, can you help me find...(insert shoes, trumpet, library book, backpack, etc. here)?" Blow dry and repeat until I give up and stuff my wet hair into a purple rubber band that was previously holding together a bunch of asparagus and hope I don’t see anyone I know.

So imagine my excitement when I had a chance to sit down for some extended pampering while a team of professionals tended to my neglected tresses. 

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From the moment I entered the salon, which is sleek and modern, with clean lines and feminine touches, including fresh flowers and a velvet love seat I now covet, the warm and friendly stylists made me feel right at home...actually better than at home because all I needed to do here was select from six tempting blow out styles, tell them how I take my coffee, and relax. (Did I mention jars of black, white and hot pink gumballs are part of the decor and yours for the asking?) 

After studying my choices, my stylist Alysia and I decided I should go for a soft, wavy look aka 'The Glam Girl.' Heather, who shampooed and deep-conditioned my hair, asked how hot I like the water before turning it on my head. For me, this was a refreshing change from a salon I used to frequent where the water had two temperatures: hot and boiling and the shampoo guy used it to full "gotcha!" effect much like a clown with a squirting flower.

I received a deep-conditioning treatment, which extended my stay beyond the salon's standard 30-minute-in-and-out credo. As I sat under the dryer enjoying coffee, mini-muffins and the latest Vogue on the salon's iPad, I couldn't help but think that while this felt so new to me, (I could almost hear my hair saying, "Wait, no color? No cut?") maybe all this attention was the reason my grandmother had a never-to-be-missed standing Saturday morning hair appointment for decades. When Heather began my scalp massage, I was already planning my next appointment.

Once in the chair, Alysia and I chatted like old friends, comparing notes on local restaurants and discussing our mutual love of 'Breaking Bad' and 'Homeland.' The time flew and I can honestly say I hadn't been that relaxed since my last epidural.

Before my appointment, I could easily bundle my fine hair (thanks, Dad) inside one of the 2,000 Rainbow Loom rubber bands that lie beneath my dining room table, but when I left the salon, no joke, I had volume that rivaled one of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ circa 1976.

I will definitely be heading back to Blow In Blow Out, and not just because they promised me Prosecco on my next visit, but because it made me feel fabulous. 

And while I've bought the big barrel brushes and the clips and the special potions, I've never been able to replicate that out-of-the-salon look myself. And I have to accept it the same way I do the fact that I probably won't ever be carded again and parking meters are never going to accept my Chuck E. Cheese tokens. 

A day later, I still have bounce and shine and am expecting another full day of compliments. For anyone looking for a quick, inexpensive (blow outs are priced at $35) pick-me-up, or some glam-in-a-hurry before your next event, I would highly recommend making an appointment. Open Sunday, Blow In Blow Out could make going back to work or school on Monday a little less daunting!

I'd like to thank Blow In Blow Out owner Tara Galatt, a Maplewood resident, for having me, Debra Cooper for facilitating my interview with Tara, and everyone who went out of their way to create my amazing experience. 

Blow In Blow Out is located at 330 Springfield Avenue, Summit. Hours of operation will be Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To make an appointment, call 908-273-4947 or email info@blowin-blowout.com. To learn more about Blow in Blow out,visit the salon’s website or visit  Blow In Blow Out’s Facebook page. 


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