I am new to Essence in the last year and have been so pleased. The salon is spotless and all of the staff are extremely friendly. Cathy D is a fabulous stylist. I have curly hair, so there are definitely challenges to cutting and styling. Cathy takes the time to consult with me at every appointment to see what is working and what we can improve on. She also is great with color. I would highly recommend Essence for Beauty to anyone looking for a salon.

Ive been going to Susan at Essence for almost 20 years for haircuts and color . Shes great, and so is Essence: professional, organized, sparkling clean. I highly recommend it.

PROFESSIONALISM... That is the word that explains the experience I have continued to have @ Essence during and throughout this crazy world of CoVid 19 year 2020-2021. Your safety is their top priority, from personal greetings (6 away) with hand sanitizer and plastic wrapping your coat so it stays isolated from anything, THEY ARE ON TOP OF THIS and have a marvelous staff and make it a relaxing experience. Thank You!

Very friendly atmosphere filled with talented professionals. Know how sometimes a conversation can get dry or awkward when youre chatting with your barber/stylist? That did not happen when Kate was cutting my hair. It was more like meeting a new friend at a party! I will absolutely go back there for my next haircut, not just because its the best haircut Ive gotten, but because everyone, including the owner, is incredibly kind.(Additionally, they are going above and beyond with their pandemic protocols and cleanliness.)

I recently tried 2 different stylists at this salon to see who would be a better fit for me and they were both excellent! I saw Cathy and Kate. I get my base color done, highlights and sometimes a cut. While they both had different approaches (which they explained to me in full detail before starting) the end result was great! Very professional salon!

Sylvie was amazing and took extra special care to give me the cut and look I was going for. It also felt really safe from a covid stand point. I will return, as this was my first experience.

I am new to Essence. I am so pleased with the salon. Starting with the owner, all the staff makes you feel safe and welcome. Liz has worked with me (problem, thin hair) and we have worked out a good plan. She has really listened to what I am trying to achieve and I think we have come as close to my desire as we can with my hair. I would definitely recommend Essence if you want a safe, experienced and friendly salon.

I have the most beautiful highlights and cut from Beth. Im in town (after testing COVID negative) from NYC and am so impressed with both the color and cut Beth gave me. The Salon is working diligently to be SAFE and I appreciate all the effort!

I love this place and have gone for many years. I always leave blown away and loving my new cut!!

I have been going to Essence for years and this salon never disappoints. Katie G. does an amazing job on my cut and color and I am always so happy!

I am fairly new to Essence. I was temporarily living in Clinton while my house was being repaired. I live in Andover, CT. I needed a haircut so I went to Essence on the recommendation of my cousin. When Colette was finished cutting and styling my hair, I was thrilled with the result. Its been a year now and every six weeks I drive from Andover to Old Saybrook to get my hair cut and colored. Its an hour drive each way. SO well worth it. I highly recommend Essence. Im a fan for sure.

Another wonderful hair experience with Kathy Durham.( love her and so talented especially at blow drying)...they have a new color line which is not only beautiful on but good for you..no amonia! Came out spectacular!

Although it is a beautiful full service salon, I primarily go for spa services such as facials, body treatments or hot stone massages. Have been going for 10+ years and am never disappointed. Ask for Becky. She is a caring and extremely good at what she does. Facials include warm glove hand treatments, feet massage and neck/shoulder massage.,

Been going to Essence for several years - always get a great haircut and color every time. The staff there does an excellent job at what they do and they really care about their customers and making sure they have a good experience. Highly recommend them!

I love Essence! Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. My stylist, Cathy, is such a pleasure to spend time with. She always makes my experience very relaxing and I feel GREAT when I am done. I cant say enough about this wonderful salon!

I have never been so unhappy with a haircut in my life. While the staff were extremely friendly, I dont think my stylist actually listened to my requests whatsoever. I wanted to keep the length of my hair, and she went ahead for the initial cut and took off half the length of my hair. I REALLY dont understand where the miscommunication was (as I was very clear with the amount I wanted off) and I am now the most upset I have ever been leaving a salon. Its been a few days and I still am miserable with this cut. The color is okay, but for the price- this is one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made when it comes to my hair. Also- the amount of pictures that are taken for their instagram while you get your hair done is REALLY annoying. You should give the customer a discount if they allow you to photograph them bc it adds at least 30 min to the appointment by the stylist CONSTANTLY taking pictures of what she is doing. Its disappointing as the people are so nice but I genuinely cannot believe what she has done to my hair. It honestly looks horrible and I am embarrassed to go out in public-its THAT bad.

Jason is unusually gifted and a true artist. I went there for the first time a few weeks ago and he spent a long time reviewing my hair, my face and what I hoped for and what he thought would work best. His confidence, knowledge, experience, gentleness and kindness inspired me to take a chance on a whole new look. That was a great decision and honestly, my cut and color is turning heads and I literally went from blah to fabulous. The staff is great and I felt very much at home there.

Essence is the best salon in the area. Ive been going there for over 15 years and have never had a bad experience. Theresa does my hair and it always comes out amazing. Becky and Kelly are both awesome for facials and waxing. Im very picky and the few times Ive gone elsewhere, I have always regretted it.

As always a wonderful experience. Cathy Durham is awesome. Management and all the staff are great!

We went to Essence for bridal hair and makeup and had a fantastic experience!! From planning and the trial, to the day of with the relaxation room and all of the services!! So thrilled with Missy and the entire team at Essence!!!

My 5 stars goes to the facial I just received. There is a reason I have gone back to Becky after 5 years, she is THAT good. It is a bit expensive, but totally worth it. I will be making my next appointment with her asap. I cant say much about the rest of the salon because I have never gotten my hair done here, but it looks nice!

Love this salon! The owner insists on high quality products and client satisfaction. I even travelled to this salon when I lived in Boston! The staff are extremely competent, well trained, and very friendly. You wont find another salon of such high quality.

After 18 years as an Essence client, you could say Im a fan. I consistently receive the best care from Kristine M. as well as the staff and Owner. I cannot imagine there is anything more superior in the Saybrook, CT area.

The staff was very friendly and my overall experience in-salon was great - but I walked out with the frumpiest mom-cut of my life. Im only 31, and I felt like my stylist had no idea how to cut youthful, spunky hair. She cut layers and side bangs into a shorter in the back, longer in the front lob. It looked awful, wouldnt curl with an iron because of the layers, the side-bang looked so unattractive, and I was left feeling horrible about my appearance. I cant go back. I need a place that has youthful patrons- not older women, which I feel this salon caters to.

Terribile experience here, never again. Highlights that were supposed to be a certain color came out totally different color, showed stylist exactly what color, and wasn’t even close. No one seemed to really care how very unhappy we were, especially the stylist, she made excuses for our unhappiness with the color. Seemed very inexperienced with coloring etc. Would never recommend to anyone. Never...

I went here to get my hair colored and curled and it looks amazing! Victoria did a great job!

My first time at this impressive salon, and I’m so thankful I was able to get an appointment!!

Always a 5 Star experience. Facials with Becky are the best. Owner and staff are always very pleasant to add to a terrific, relaxing time. Wish it could go on forever.Diana Brophy

This salon wants to be a high end NYC salon but cannot. Its lack of professional stylists aims disappointing. Id rather spend my money at the dime salon than wasting anymore money here! They should be ashamed of how they treat their customers...especially the owner!

Kelly is great with facials. Great experience every time I am there, and the right advice and products to improve my skin between visits as well

Color a d cut t expert done

Very nice, massages were top of the line and professional.

Ok...just ok

It was very kind ( Victoria ) ! Thanks ~*

Excellent

Clean & professional