Detroit Blows opens its doors downtown

While Detroit may have many bars and restaurants making up the service industry, it doesn’t have many salon options downtown. Detroit Blows—the city’s first non-toxic blowdry salon—aims at filling those needs and giving back to the community.

The business, started by Detroit natives Nia Batts and Katy Cockrel, has been in the works for the last two years. Batts traveled often between New York City and Detroit, and realized she had to go to Royal Oak to get a blowout—a fairly standard service at salons. Batts and Cockrel saw the need for the service downtown, as well as an option that was healthy and fair to different hair types.

Clients with thicker, courser hair—typically people of color—are often charged more for styling. Detroit Blows charges by length instead of texture. The salon will also offer express mani/pedi services, along with makeup and waxing.

The business uses all non-toxic products in their services. They also sell socially conscious brands from both Detroit-based and global makers. The lobby has a living room-feel to it, with shelves that have records, a record player, merchandise, and products. The business also worked with many local firms: LAAVU Studio designed the space, Floyd table legs are seen throughout the salon, and SMPLFD designed the tees.

The philanthropic arm of the business, Detroit Grows, aims to reinvest in Detroit women through microgrants and donations to organizations helping women enter the workforce. $1 of every blowout and 25 percent of net retail profits go toward Detroit Grows.

The salon is located on Library Street under the Z-Lot, close to three new hotels (Shinola, Element Hotel, and The Siren Hotel) that will be opening up within the next year. Detroit Blows is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here’s a look inside.

The Z Lot

Library and Gratiot, Detroit, MI