HBO’s Girls Sponsors Free Blowouts, Crashes Company’s Website

Though it seemed like a good promotional idea for Drybar, a hair salon offering all sorts of blowouts, to offer free appointments in honor of the return of HBO's Girls, the chain seriously underestimated the popularity of the show.

Last Thursday, Drybar announced that it would be partnering with HBO to promote the return of shows Girls and Enlightened by offering free blowouts in all of its 25 locations across the U.S. on January 11, 12, and 13, between 6 and 7 p.m.

But shortly after the announcement was made, Drybar's online booking system was totally overwhelmed, according to Racked L.A. An e-mail apology from founder Ali Webb followed, which read:

"Ladies, Unfortunately, despite staffing up our phone receptionists for this promotion, we dramatically underestimated the response here and are terribly sorry for any inconvenience. I have read all the frustrated emails and truly feel awful. Please know we are doing everything we can to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. And will do a better job of planning next time, I promise."

HBO agreed to cover all costs of the blowouts, including tip, but required patrons to make a reservation by phone or online. With 12 seats in every location, that's approximately 300 reservations, according to Forbes.

Girls' very first episode that aired on April 15, 2012 had 1 million viewers, and its audience steadily grew, giving it 4.1 million viewers for the entire first season. Lena Dunham, the show's creator, has over 500,000 followers on Twitter. Rumor has it she recently sold a memoir to Random House for over $3.5 million dollars.

So, sorry ladies-if you want your "Jessa" or "Marnie" blowout, you'll just have to do it yourself while watching the show. Luckily, Girls returns for its second season January 13 at 9 p.m.