Aer is our favorite blowdry bar in London. Offering a killer blowdry in a chic environment, Aer is THE place to get your hair done in London. We caught up with founder Anushka Lakhani to discuss all things Aer…
How did you start off in the beauty industry?
My first job out of college was at L’Oreal in New York. Not only did I have the opportunity to start my career at the leading beauty company in the world but I got to work on brands that I love and that made people look and feel their best. I loved the creativity of the industry and the excitement and glamour that came with it.
Tell us how Aer began…
When I moved to London in 2013, I found it really difficult to find a high-quality, yet affordable blow-dry that fits my own personal style. I love getting my hair done, and when I lived in the States, there were always a lot of good options to choose from. However, I felt that there was a gap in the market here in London. So I founded Aer. Our goal is to deliver high-quality blow dries that are truly bespoke and that won’t cost the earth. We wanted to create a space that was inviting, comfortable, and fun. And, our stylists create looks that are truly personalized for each client. We don’t have a predefined ‘menu’ of looks – we believe in individuality!
What makes a perfect blow-dry?
To achieve the perfect blow-dry you first need to have clean, freshly washed hair that is then 60% roughdried. Using a good heat protectant is important along with the correct styling product for your and style you are looking to achieve. I also believe that using the correct type of brush can really impact your blow-dry. If you have fine hair and want a curly blow dry, a good ceramic brush should be used. If you have coarse or dry hair, a boar bristle brush is a way to go. Lastly, it’s imperative to let your hair cool down if you want your blow-dry to last – this is especially important if you have had a roller or pin curl blow dry.
If you are to have an up-do, what style do you normally go for?
For an updo, I am partial to the half up – half down styles like the Ibiza or Barcelona from the Aer blowdry bar look book.
Are there any hairstyles that you particularly love at the moment?
My favorite style these days is the straight-slicked back look as seen in the likes of Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid. It’s a bold look with a sleek and sophisticated edge that turns heads every time!
