Drybar

In 2009, Alli Webb began a side business called Straight At Home, which provided an at-home hair experience.[4] As demand quickly outgrew the one-woman operation, Webb noticed a "huge hole" in her local market for a business that provided solely hair blowouts,[5] a concept that had already gained traction in larger cities such as New York City with brands like "Blo".[6] In 2010, along with her brother Michael Landau, Alli co-founded Drybar.[7] The following year, along with the help of friends, she raised $2.5 million to expand the business.[8] They added Castanea Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, to their list of investors in January 2012.[9] Laura Mercier Cosmetics founder and former CEO Janet Gurwitch joined the company's board, as well Paul Pressler, the former president and CEO of Gap the same year.[10]

In 2019, the American consumer goods corporation Helen of Troy acquired the Drybar trademark for $255 million in cash.[11] In 2021, WellBiz Brands, Inc. acquired the Drybar shops' franchise rights.[12]

Everything at Drybar is referenced using the “bar vernacular”. The cashiers are called “bartenders” and hairstyles are named after cocktails, such as the Cosmo, Mai Tai, or Manhattan.[8] The idea behind this came from Webb. Webb’s vision is present in the designs of architect Josh Heitler.[13] Heitler, principal of a boutique architectural firm and now a partner in the company,[8] came up with the design elements and look of Drybar.[3] Instead of the typical salon setup, clients at Drybar “sit facing a U-shaped or single-stretch bar, with their backs to the mirrors,” which brings to mind sitting at a bar rather than being at a salon.[3] The bars have flat-screen televisions that generally screen chick-flick movies. Aesthetically, all Drybars look roughly the same.

Drybar revenue grew from $1.5 million in 2010 to $19 million in 2012 and to $39 million in 2013.[14] As of January 2016, Drybar had 66[1] locations in 11 states, Washington DC and Vancouver, British Columbia.[5][15] As of November 2017, the number of locations had expanded to almost 90.[16] As of October 2018, the company has over 100 locations and 3000 employees. [17]

Looking to increase revenue, Webb (along with the help of Board member and investor Janet Gurwitch) developed a line of products specifically for Drybar.

In 2013, after testing the line in about 70 Sephora locations, Drybar went ahead with 300+ Sephora shops and QVC to launch their line of products.[18]

The motto of Drybar is "No cuts. No color. Just wash & blowouts."[19] which is a reference to their primary service offering.

• Official website