GR welcomes BANG Blow-dry Bar

Wednesday, April 11 at 5 p.m. at 3 Oaks, BANG Blow-dry Bar is making its grand entrance into the Midwest market. Owner Lindsey Norton will host, and the ribbon cutting will be officiated by Mayor George Heartwell. The celebration will include local DJs Jimmy Coe and Gregory Knotts from Grand Woods Lounge, and food catered by neighboring businesses Corazon, Roc’s Cupcakes and Subs-N-More.

Inspired by the boutiques observed while recently visiting London, and having worked with top stylists and designers at London Fashion Week, Lindsey has transformed this north part of Oakes Street into a literal bright spot—an eclectic mix of antiques and edgy colors to welcome both men and women to treat themselves to a shampoo wash and blow-dry style. With a hairstyle menu to order from, for $35 one can leave with a coiffed “Bardo” or the sleek ‘“JW”. There is even the “Shirley Temple” for little ones. Lindsey is also prepared for BANG to be a luxury hot-spot for wedding parties. If one is running short on time or would like to surprise employees to some pampering, Lindsey will come to you in the downtown area and beyond!

Bang Blow-dry Bar is also a full service hair salon covering haircut and color needs as well. Lindsey has been working as a hair and make-up artist for six years, and if one is looking for a reference for her talent, just ask Martin Short or Kevin Nealon who headlined Laughfest. She has already hired two professional blow-dry stylists to her creative team, and is looking to add others.

Schooled at Columbia University for Interior Design, it was performing in the award winning Beehive in 2003 that resulted in Lindsey’s starting her own company, 351 Productions. She has been very successful producing and performing at award ceremonies and events for organizations as big as Metropolitan Hospital.

When Lindsey would ask herself, “What does Grand Rapids need, and where do I want to make a difference?”—BANG was the answer. Historically, women enjoyed the tradition and social aspect of getting their hair styled on a weekly basis, and Lindsey wants to bring this back. “There is a huge inner connection with the esteem of your mind and hair and they have to match. Look your best, feel your best.” Though a relatively new phenomenon to most, blow-dry bars are all the rage on the East and West Coasts. It is the same idea as the manicure, but for hair. Lindsey is planning on supplying fresh pastries and other amenities to add to the experience.

While looking for a location downtown, 3 Oakes immediately felt right when Lindsey walked in, and the neighborhood has sealed the deal. “It’s up-and-coming. There is this whole energy on the street; everyone in the area is so supportive and wants to help!”

Lindsey is no newcomer to the community. She is the third generation of family business women in Grand Rapids. Her grandmother, Theresa (Terry) Norton, blazed the way for women in the business world by running an employment agency back in the 1960’s, and her mother, Carmella Loftis, and Reb Roberts own Sanctuary Folk Art, just down the street, so she is right at home, ready to celebrate and welcome clientele.

Says DDA Director Jay Fowler, “We are excited to welcome Lindsey Norton and BANG Blow-dry Bar to downtown. One more storefront is filled and vibrant. We are very fortunate to have this talent in Grand Rapids.”

Hours: Tues.-Thurs: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun: 11 a.m. -4 p.m.
Mon: By appointment only, and earlier morning appointments can be arranged as well.
Website: Bangblowdrybar.com | Email: [email protected]