Drybar
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hair salon, Haircare products |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Alli Webb |
| Headquarters | California , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada (Vancouver) |
Key people | Alli Webb (Founder), Michael Landau (Co-founder), Janet Gurwitch (Board member), Paul Pressler (Board member) |
| Products | Blowout hair styling services, haircare product line |
Number of employees | 3000 (2018) |
| Website | www |
Drybar is a salon franchise headquartered in California, specializing exclusively in blowout hair styling services. Established in 2010 by businesswoman Alli Webb, the brand rapidly expanded by addressing a specialized segment largely overlooked by conventional salons.
History
Prior to Drybar, Alli Webb introduced Straight At Home in 2009, a service offering hair care within clients' residences. Identifying an unmet demand for blowout-focused salons, she partnered with her brother Michael Landau to launch Drybar in 2010. By 2011, the company had raised $2.5 million to support growth initiatives, attracting investments from entities including Castanea Partners, a private equity firm based in Boston. The board was further strengthened by industry leaders such as Janet Gurwitch, founder of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, and Paul Pressler, former CEO of Gap, who contributed valuable strategic guidance.
By 2015, Drybar achieved $70 million in revenue, underscoring its rapid expansion and influence within the salon sector. In 2019, Helen of Troy acquired the rights to Drybar’s product trademarks for $255 million. Subsequently, in 2021, WellBiz Brands secured the franchise rights to the salons, facilitating international growth and solidifying the brand’s position in a competitive market.
Style of business
Drybar distinguishes itself through a thematic “bar” approach to its service model. Employees at the checkout are termed “bartenders,” while hairstyles bear names inspired by cocktails such as the Cosmo, Mai Tai, and Manhattan. This concept was conceived by founder Alli Webb and brought to life with the help of architect Josh Heitler, who is also a company partner. Departing from traditional salon layouts, Drybar features seating arrangements where customers face either a U-shaped or elongated bar, delivering a unique client experience that aligns with the brand’s identity.
Locations
Revenue grew significantly from $1.5 million in 2010 to $39 million by 2013. As of January 2016, Drybar operated 66 outlets spanning 11 states, Washington DC, and Vancouver in British Columbia. The chain continued its swift expansion, reaching close to 90 locations by November 2017 and surpassing 100 sites with a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees by October 2018—highlighting substantial growth and market presence in the salon industry.
Products
To broaden its revenue base, Alli Webb collaborated with board member and investor Janet Gurwitch to develop an exclusive product collection for Drybar. Initially launched on a trial basis in roughly 70 Sephora stores during 2013, this product range later expanded to more than 300 Sephora outlets as well as QVC. This initiative complemented Drybar’s primary service philosophy—"No cuts. No color. Just wash & blowouts."—enhancing its competitive positioning within the haircare marketplace.