For every special occasion, from proms to weddings, women have a list of rituals to help them feel their best: skincare, makeup, fashion – and hair.
Since opening Blo Blow Dry Bar Milton in 2019, Parul Chopra and her husband and business partner, Bijal Patel, have been an important part of countless milestones in the Milton community. Offering a unique take on traditional hair services, Blo focuses on those finishing touches that complete your look – blow-outs and styling – foregoing cuts and colour treatments.
A mom of two young sons, Parul is a full-time cybersecurity specialist with an entrepreneurial heart who thrives on staying busy.
“We come from a long line of family members who have their own businesses, and this was something that was a passion for us,” explained Parul. “One Sunday morning, we were just kind of spitballing ideas about what Milton doesn’t have, aside from a Costco. I threw out – ‘Hey, we don’t have a Blo Bar,’ and my husband’s like, ‘Excuse me, what? What don’t we have?’”
While standard salons offer a range of cut and colour services that can come with a higher price tag, the finishing blow-dry isn’t usually the central selling point. In contrast, Blo offers a streamlined service menu, including quick but high-quality hair washing, blow-drying, styling, and makeup. Using a proprietary blow-dry process and a range of luxurious products tailored to each guest, they specialize in express treatments that help guests get special event-ready. Clients can choose from a lookbook of six unique options or customize their own style, with additions ranging from braids to bonded extensions alongside updos and diffused looks.
After much research into the business, Parul and Bijal decided it was the right fit and jumped in. Since then, they have weathered the rollercoaster of the pandemic’s business closures and reopenings while building Blo into a go-to spot for a feel-good boost.
Catering to a diverse clientele, Blo’s team of stylists is often called upon to create glamorous looks for bridal parties, incorporating unique cultural traditions. Beyond weddings, they’ve been involved in many memories, from birthdays to gymnastic competitions and even themed parties. Often, friends or family members come in together to enjoy some quality time while getting ready, or Blo’s mobile salon can come to them.
The confidence boost that Blo provides isn’t reserved only for special events, though. For clients experiencing hardships, having their hair freshly washed or their makeup done can work wonders for their comfort and self-esteem during difficult times.
“When we’re done with the service, and they look at us, and they’re happy, that’s fulfilling,” shares Parul. “We’ve had women who’ve come in who’ve been in accidents who, you know, can’t wash their own hair. I have a lady who comes in, and she was in a very bad car accident. She can’t do her own hair, so we do that for her; we make her feel happy and special. I have an amazing, amazing team who will do anything they can to make our clients feel special.”
In some cases, guests who need a pick-me-up are nominated for a free service, part of Blo’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Since opening Blo, Parul, and Bijal have made giving back a priority. They are regular supporters and sponsors of local school fundraisers, sports teams, organizations, and events, including the Milton District Hospital Foundation’s annual gala. In fact, Blo styled many of the evening’s attendees, offering a 10% discount on the day of the event and donating an additional 10% of proceeds to the foundation.
Blo also hosts a variety of unique events throughout the year, such as its popular Daddy-Daughter Braid Bar, where dads can get a helping hand with cool hairstyles for their kids and learn how to braid. Those looking to treat themselves on the regular can sign up for a Mane Squeeze Membership, which includes two monthly blow-outs, a free birthday blow-out, exclusive discounts, and lots of special perks. During prom and holiday seasons, Blo also offers special package pricing for hair and makeup – no membership needed.
You can find Blo Blow Dry Bar Milton on Instagram and Facebook, as well as at many community events.
Do you have a Milton business you want to be featured on our website and weekly newsletter, or do you know someone who does? Fill out the form, and we’ll reach out promptly with the details of the interview.
