Style > Beauty > Great Hair

Blowing out your own hair is hard. Can it ever look as good as when a pro does it?

Maybe, if you sign up for Sugar House Day Spa & Salon’s free blow-drying classes. Held every three to four months on a Tuesday or a Thursday—the next date is Tuesday, September 30, from 10 am to 6 pm—a stylist teaches two people at a time how to get perfectly smooth results. Each half-hour class includes a free shampoo and conditioning plus drinks and snacks. Call early; the day is usually completely booked.

On the other side of the Potomac, One80 Salon in downtown DC offers 45-minute, one-on-one blow-drying tutorials on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 pm. A session, which includes shampoo and conditioning, costs $25; the fee is applicable toward any product purchase. Call ahead to book, or walk in that day and pay $40. On the same day, from 9 to 6, One80 offers free 30-minute scalp treatments and protein- and deep-conditioning treatments. No purchase is required, but an appointment is necessary; free wine and appetizers are served.

Sugar House Day Spa & Salon, 111 N. Alfred St., Alexandria; 703-549-9940; sugarhousedayspa.com.

One80 Salon, 1275 K St., NW; 202-842-9113; one80salon.com.