Brews, blueberries, and blowouts

Owner Nava Nabavi (left) and me, post-blowout

When I was invited to get a blowout at Séchoir+ (pronounced seh-schwahr) in Santa Monica, I jumped at the chance, especially when I heard the hybrid hair salon served up blooming tea, espresso, refreshments, and iPads at every guest's station alongside a full blow dry bar and a menu with options like cut, color, highlights, and extensions. A latte and Internet access at my fingertips as I'm getting a blowout? Yes, please.

With 20 years of training (including a stint as one of the original Drybar stylists) behind her, owner Nava Nabavi clearly knows how to fine-tune the salon experience. As soon as I walked into Séchoir+, I was stunned by the attention to detail: a crystal chandelier and soothing blue walls, a piping hot latte (with refills!) and an array of yummy treats and fruits like fresh blueberries, a scalp treatment and hand massage as a stylist washed my hair (note: the salon uses only Aveda products). Nava herself worked on my blowout, and as her nimble fingers whipped my hair into sleek, bouncy strands, I found in her a kindred spirit.

But the moment I realized I'd received an out-of-this-world blowout was several hours later, when I confidently skipped out of my apartment with barely a glance at the mirror. I didn't need to look: Thanks to Séchoir+, my hair was perfection.

Séchoir+, 1121 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. 310-310-8238.