I started working longer hours after 2 promotions. Now I spend $300 a month on salon blowouts to buy back free time.

Maddie Johnson gets her weekly blowout at Drybar.

Maddie Johnson Maddie Johnson is a 30-year-old attorney and business affairs executive.

She gets professional blowouts twice weekly to avoid washing and styling her hair at home each day.

She says the routine helps her save time, feel more confident, and be more productive overall.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Maddie Johnson, a 30-year-old attorney and business affairs executive who's based in Los Angeles.

It's been edited for length and clarity.

Last year, I was entering a new phase of life .

I got promoted twice very quickly, and with that came a lot of responsibility and long hours .

I was grappling with the question: How could I possibly have time for everything? I was trying to be a good employee, fiancée, friend, and family member.

I also wanted to prioritize health and fitness, keep my house clean, and find a sliver of time to do things I actually enjoy.

Then, in August, I went to Drybar to get my hair done for my birthday.

I learned about their memberships and thought, "What if I start going here every Sunday?" I haven't washed my own hair since then, and it's made such a difference in my life.

Here's why.

Maddie Johnson at the hair salon.