Hello, and Happy June!
Welcome back to another installment of Glowing Review, made possible by Monarch Brow and Facial Studio. Glowing Review is a discovery of local health, wellness, and beauty trends that I’ve had the best time writing so far. I hope you’ve enjoyed it too, and maybe even found a new self-care experience to enjoy for yourself!
Before I tell you about my most recent adventure, I want to remind you that Glowing Review’s sponsor is an incredible woman-owned business in Carrboro. Monarch Brow and Facial Studio is a fabulous partner not just because she offers elite skin care when I visit her, but because she truly is a champion for self-care in whatever form fits best for you. Getting to write Glowing Review is obviously a treat because of the things I get to experience + review for all of you, but it’s also really rewarding because I get to work with such an open and supportive collaborator like Angela at Monarch.
This month, I’m excited to tell you all about my absolute favorite self-care trend of all time: a blow out!
Now that Blo Chapel Hill is open in East Gate Shopping Center, and there’s actually a place to get that classic wash/dry/style in about 45 minutes, I can tell you all about it. For those unfamiliar, a blow dry bar is a salon with no cut or color services offered. A blow out comes with a shampoo, optional add on treatments (more on that in a bit), full blow dry and the style of your choice. Yes, you can get a blow out before a wedding, or a big event – but I’m here to tell you that just because it feels luxurious, that doesn’t mean you need to view it as a luxury. Read that again.
When you arrive at Blo Chapel Hill, after you’re offered a tasty beverage, you’ll be handed their “Look Book” with pictures and descriptions of each available style. There’s different versions of a super straight style, big glamourous curls, small ringlet curls, and beachy waves. The stylists at Blo are experts in each style and will be able to work with you to figure out what fits you best. It might even be a combination of two styles. They’ve also been trained to be incredibly efficient and give you a special look quickly, without feeling rushed.
I’ve been to several blow dry bars and can confidently tell you that Blo in the best one. No bougie attitudes or judgment to be found, just a very fun environment where everyone is supportive and kind to one another.
You can check out the add-ons available, like a deep condition, extra shine, or help for damaged hair, but let me interrupt myself to tell you that if you book a blow out without the additional head message (buckle up, I’m going all caps) YOU ARE MISSING OUT, FRIEND. I’ve shared on Glowing Review before that I’m bad at relaxing, and that’s still very true, but the head massage I received from Brooke at Blo Chapel Hill had me ready to propose. Yes it costs extra, but you’re talking to someone who once bought an outfit in the middle of the workday because I didn’t like the one I left home in, so it’s safe to say we’ve all spent a less impactful $10.
As a reminder, in an effort to manage everyone’s expectations with self-care investments, I use the “Self-Care Scale” in each edition of Glowing Review so you can choose what to try based on what matters the most to you.
Experience: Blow Out & Head Massage at Blo Chapel Hill
Relaxation Level: 10. This is thanks to the add-on of the head massage. I still would find the whole process relaxing, but thanks to the massage, I think this is the first 10 for relaxation I’ve ever given on Glowing Review.
Painful Meter: 0. Personally, the only pain I felt was when it was time to leave. If you have textured hair, or hair with color damage or just regular old tangles. there could be parts that are painful, but it’s not the norm. The stylists at Blo do everything in their power to keep every step of the process completely pain free.
External Results: 8. You all know that ‘I-just-left-the-salon-and-my-hair-will-never-look-this-good-again-at-least-until-my-next-appointment’ feeling? Yeah, it’s that, except there’s no potential for that ‘oh-my-gosh-I-didn’t-ask-for-bangs-also-why-is-my-hair-orange’ sinking feeling. Wash. Blow. Style. Shine. That’s it.
Do yourself a favor and book a blow out at Blo Chapel Hill. There is something so special about someone else washing and drying your hair. And by special, I mean rare, because I never blow dry my hair because it’s exhausting and I don’t know if you know this, but it’s almost 90 degrees outside.
With today being National BFF Day, the folks at Blo Chapel Hill want to give you + your bestie a free blow out! Enter to win on our Instagram, WCHLchapelboro, and maybe you can share your Glowing Review too!
I’ll see you next month for the next edition of Glowing Review, thanks to Monarch Brow and Facial Studio!
As an accomplished painter and sculptor, Angela Hugghins brings an artist’s eye to her work transforming how the world sees her clients’ faces. A professional aesthetician since 2000, Angela launched Monarch Brow & Facial in 2016, providing expert skincare treatments, organic facials and lash and eyebrow tinting. After intensive training under Francek Prsa and the pioneering Serbian Master Microblading artist Branko Babic, Angela is one of only a handful of professionals in North Carolina fully certified in PhiBrows microblading.
The Monarch studio is an intimate space, designed for private, personal attention. She uses only organic, hypoallergenic and sustainable cleansers and makeup, providing treatments and simple-to-follow guidance to achieve great looking, healthier skin with a minimum of regimen at whatever budget you can manage.
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