What was the inspiration behind opening the first Drybar?
"At first, it was personal necessity. Being a curly-haired girl, I always wished for a fun, pretty place to go for a great blowout at a great price. But nothing existed. There were only two options out there: a discount chain, where the experience was off, or a cut-and-color salon, where you pay upwards of $60 for a blowout. I felt like there was a major void in the market, so I teamed up with my brother, Michael Landau, our CEO, and my husband, Cameron Webb, creative director, to create what [myself] and lots of other women were longing for."
Any tips for making a blowout last longer?
"There are lots of [product] options, like dry shampoo, and then there are tricks like re-blowing just your bangs/fringe area — it can really brighten and freshen up your whole blowout. Also, on the third or fourth day of my blowout, I will pull the sides back into a twist or braid ... totally hides the dirt/oil build-up and gives me a new, fun look. Adding accessories helps even more! I also strongly recommend the terrycloth-lined Drybar Morning After Shower Cap, which will extend your blowout for several days."
What's your best bargain-beauty secret?
"Mixing pomade and your favorite oil to help tame frizzy ends while adding shine. I've been known to use hand lotion in a bind to smooth out frizzy ends, too."
What are your favorite drugstore products?
"Burt's Bees. Love the lip glosses with a hint of color."
Who is your celebrity hair crush?
"Toss up between Gwyneth Paltrow and Mila Kunis. They have great hair that looks great in so many styles — messy, beachy Mai Tai, poker-straight Manhattan (sleek and shiny). They can do no wrong in my book."
What are the best hair splurges (products, treatments, etc.)?
"Hair shots or masks. We use a few shots from L'Oreal that really help boost dry, tired hair. I highly recommend them."
Which Drybar blowout style do you think Michelle Obama would choose for herself? And which would you recommend for her?
"Oh, fun question, I love her! I bet she would be a Straight Up (basic blowout with a little body and bend). However, she could totally rock a Cosmo."
Photo: Courtesy of Drybar