The Blow Dry Bar: How Revive Salon Brought a Big-City Staple to the Lehigh Valley

Amanda Lenz Owner of the Blow Dry Bar by ReVive! Salon

Allentown's ReVive! Salon owner Amanda Lenz opened the Blow Dry Bar by ReVive! Salon in August 2016 to bring what's become a big-city staple to the Lehigh Valley. Lenz shares her take on beauty and the bar with indomitable enthusiasm. According to her, it's all about feeling good, looking great and enjoying the downtown. Get in on this energy!

Why did you open the Blow Dry Bar?

The concept has been gaining steam in cities all over the country; why shouldn't we have one here? Blow-drys, makeup, spray tans—we have those services plus more to provide luxury beauty without “cheating” on your regular stylist. From birthday parties to rehearsal dinner groups and girls' nights out, there seems to be something for everyone at the Blow Dry Bar. Plus, it's super fun!

Can you comment on its super central location?

Being across from the Renaissance Hotel and the PPL Center, in the heart of the revitalization district, it's a familiar area for people, with easy access to parking. Many of our clients come to the city to visit us and then enjoy the surrounding restaurants, bars and other activities that are happening downtown. It's a really exciting area to be in. We're getting that metropolis feel without all of the drama.

How did you know you were destined for this field?

I'm a pretty even mix of nerdiness and artsiness. I have always loved to make people happy, to spread positive energy; plus, I love hair, makeup and fashion. The combination of how fun this industry is with the opportunity to make people feel great about themselves—sometimes, I can't believe this is my job!

When do you feel like you look your best?

I definitely feel like I look my best with second-day hair! I love to use a medium curling iron to create a natural, loose texture in my hair. Add some texture spray/dry shampoo, and I'm feeling pretty. Plus, I have a pretty solid makeup routine that I do each morning. I love getting ready!

What's your favorite service to perform offered by the Blow Dry Bar?

I really enjoy blowing out hair, it doesn't matter what type! I really like creating a more natural, lived-in look with my blow-drys and hot tools. Also, I'm learning to spray tan from one of my coworkers, Tanya. They are super fun!

Which celebrity's style are you loving right now?

Funny enough, I don't really have a favorite celebrity style currently. I've always loved Drew Barrymore, Jessica Biel, Ciara and, the queen of hair, Jennifer Aniston. Sienna Miller has a great blonde color and always the best bangs, no matter what length they are. I really like that I can actually now follow those celebrities' hairstylists on Instagram!

Is there a hairstyling trend you're seeing more of lately?

Lived-in, pretty hair. That's where it's at. I know the unicorn hair thing is still going on, but I've noticed that subtlety is really returning to hair color, not so much high contrast.

What are you looking forward to fashion-wise as the weather gets warmer?

I'm excited to not wear a coat everywhere I go. It's a waste of a great outfit when no one gets to see it! I'm excited to wear cute shoes again, too. I love the ankle boots with slits and cutouts that are showing up everywhere now.

What's in your makeup bag?

I cannot live without Stila liquid eyeliner pens (olive green is my fave), Sephora's LashCraft mascara (only $12!) and any shade of Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick (Bow & Arrow literally looks awesome on everyone). And of course, a Blow Dry Bar by ReVive! Salon chapstick!