The gift of good hair

Full disclosure. I was gifted a blow-dry at Duck & Dry, a blow-dry bar in Harvey Nichols, probably on account of me spending half my life in that store.

Having booked it for a day when I’d be going out in the evening, I turned up, sat in the chair and a delightful Canadian called Mia, with just the right amount of chat, helped me choose what look I wanted to go for (Hollywood, of course). I wanted youth and bounce - and Mia delivered.

I was tempted to keep the curls pinned in until I got home, especially since the weather forecast was drizzle. Not even proper rain, just really, really damp air, which is the worst kind of weather for any kind of hair, let alone a Brillo pad that’s just been given a makeover.

The hair survived and when I got home for a quick turnaround, I got changed in seconds and left the house feeling great. On a bad hair day, the outfit I chose wouldn’t have been quite right, but the hair saved me. I felt amazing and still do, the morning after. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend, wife, teenage daughter, a blow-out is a goodie. It’s also an excellent gift to self, which is something I approve of wholeheartedly.

I think gifts should be a real treat and this one is. Just maybe consider gifting them an umbrella at the same time.

Penelope went to Duck & Dry in Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, where a blow dry is £45 (express) or £50 (regular). www.duckanddry.com

Other blow-dry bars in London: Hershesons, Hare & Bone, DryBy.