Happy Birthday, Blow Dry Bar @ Melbourne Central

Got an event, don't want to bother with your hair for a couple of days or feel like getting pampered? Get thee to your nearest Blow Dry Bar, tout de suite. Recently, I was extended an invitation to check out the Melbourne Central location -- they have a lot to celebrate, because it's their first birthday!

Blow Dry Bar first opened their doors in Sydney five years ago and since then they've added 22 more locations; now they are setting their sights on the States -- look out, Gwenyth Paltrow!

Upon arrival I was warmly greeted by the salon's assistant, asked to take a seat and offered a glass of bubbles (yes please!) while I waited for my stylist to come out. A few beats later, I was sitting at the sink getting my hair washed and head massaged; it was glorious and relaxing all at once.

For my visit I was asked to try out one of the three favourite looks as chosen by BDBs' stylists from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which just wrapped up last week in Sydney.

Bronx and Banco: A simple look, yet exudes style in a modern, chic way

Alex Perry: A minimalist look with hair tied back into a loose chignon, yet still looks beautiful and elegant

We Are Handsome: "A 70s inspired look that is playful, refreshing and glamorous."

Together we, my stylist Jen and I, opted to go with Bronx and Banco's sleek look, sans bangs. Very rarely will you catch me without waves or a bit of frizz, we figured it was good to switch things up :)

Jen worked quickly and I was amazed by her ability to grab ahold of my hair without yanking at my head. Before I was through, Jen ran a flat iron over my locks without flattening the volume near the crown and set my look with a bit of hairspray.

Can you believe she's been in the hair industry for 11 years? I can't! Jen started at the very young age of 13-years-old in Suffolk, England -- an attentive helper who earned her keep by washing hair and sweeping floors. About five years ago Jen came down to Australia for a visit with 10 close friends; I think she likes it here, because there are no signs of her departing this lovely continent any time soon. So far, Jen's worked with Kevin Murphy, Joey Scandizzo and has even put her talented hands to work at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Sydney. Not too shabby!

//Edit: I'm absolutely shattered, because Jen no longer works at Blow Dry Bar!

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for a Blow Dry Bar Experience: