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About Us
About Essence Hair
Established in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, for more than 20 years, Essence Hair is a professionally ran hair salon. Our skilled stylists always put the client first, making sure you leave our salon looking and feeling your best. Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques, we provide an exceptional salon experience, whether you’re looking for a cut and colour or something different. Get in touch today to speak with our professional team.
Meet The Team
Katy (Creative Director Manager and Senior Technician)
With over 30 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Katy is a seasoned expert in cutting, colouring, and hair extensions. Known for her attentive approach, she listens closely to her client's needs and is passionate about creating styles that not only complement their looks but also fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. Her team describes her as relaxed, committed, enthusiastic, and always ready to help.
Katy brings a calm and positive energy to every appointment.
Throughout her career, Katy has enjoyed many highlights, including working at London Fashion Week (LFW), teaching NVQ students, and completing the prestigious leadership programme at Durham University. She is deeply dedicated to her craft, taking pride in connecting with clients from all walks of life and constantly learning something new. For Katy, hairdressing is more than a profession—it’s a passion she pours her heart and soul into every day.
Sissi (Premier Stylist/Senior Technician)
With over 25 years of experience in the hair industry, Sissi brings a wealth of expertise and artistic passion to her craft. Starting her career in Turin, Italy, she went on to work for L’Oréal in Milan, honing her skills in cutting and colouring techniques. In 2015, she joined the prestigious Toni & Guy Best Club programme, further cementing her reputation in the industry. Sissi’s career highlights include working on catwalk and hair fashion shows, where her artistic flair shines through.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages from the Tourism Industry with a dissertation focused on Art, Sissi’s academic background enhances her understanding of hair, proportions, and beauty. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, she is confident in working with all hair types, providing tailored, bespoke styles for each client. Passionate about empowering women with hair that is sexy and feminine. Her team describes Sissi as a perfectionist with a wealth of knowledge, and a sweet-natured, reserved presence in the salon.
Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages from the Tourism Industry with a dissertation focused on Art, Sissi’s academic background enhances her understanding of hair, proportions, and beauty. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, she is confident in working with all hair types, providing tailored, bespoke styles for each client. Passionate about empowering women with hair that is sexy and feminine. Her team describes Sissi as a perfectionist with a wealth of knowledge, and a sweet-natured, reserved presence in the salon.
Gemma (Senior Stylist and Colour Specialist)
Our technical Director Gemma brings over 28 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, with a passion and focus on colour. Known for her perfectionism, she ensures that each client receives a bespoke, personalized colour treatment, making her work truly one-of-a-kind. She loves all aspects of colour and has also completed specialized courses in afro hair relaxing.
Gemma has returned to refine her cutting skills, which she had missed in her previous roles at Toni and Guy, while continuing to learn new techniques. Her hard work, dedication, and gentle, kind nature have earned her a loyal clientele over the years.
Tenzin (Senior Stylist and Technician)
Tenzin joins us as a Senior Stylist with over 10 years of experience as a hair consultant in India. Throughout his career, he has enhanced his skills by pursuing advanced training, including attending the prestigious Sassoon Academy, where he perfected precision cutting and layering techniques, earning a certificate for completing phase 1. Tenzin has also completed the Exceed Colour seminar through Wella Professionals, further broadening his expertise in colour. Outside of hairdressing, Tenzin enjoys cooking and takes great pleasure in providing nourishing meals for his family.
We’re thrilled to have him on board!
Sarah (Premier stylist)
Sarah is a highly experienced hairstylist, with over 30 years in the hair industry. After dedicating 20 years to working in salons for Toni&Guy, is an accomplished stylist with expertise in Cutting, Blow-drying, and Styling hair up including wedding hair.
In addition to her salon work, Sarah has a strong background in education, having taught and assessed students in the Apprenticeship program across London and the South. One of the highlights of her career was being part of the hair and makeup team backstage at the 2012 London Paralympics' closing ceremony. Passionate about her craft, Sarah takes pride in creating bespoke hairstyles that complement her clients and feel amazing to wear.
Gemmy (Premier Stylist / Hair Extension Specialist )
Specializing in curly hair, short textured cuts, and hair extensions, with Racoon and Zen Hair Gemmy brings over 30 years of experience to the hairdressing industry. She has a talent for building strong relationships with her clients, making them feel like family. Known for her vibrant personality, Gemmy is far from the quietest member of our team, but her passion and sincerity shine through in everything she does.
Her team-mates describe her as energetic, positive, and full of life, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of our team!
Lily (Graduate stylist)
Lily has been with us for over two years and continues to expand her skills and knowledge as our Graduate Stylist Technician following the completion of her NVQ. With her warm and friendly demeanour, she has become our go-to Fabriq stylist, specializing in hair smoothing treatments that transform frizzy hair into smooth, manageable locks as she develops her salon expertise.
Lily is taking on select clients to further refine her skills. We’re excited to watch her grow and continue to impress!
Daisy (Apprentice)
Daisy is currently undertaking her Level 2 NVQ and has been a valued member of our team as a lovely Saturday assistant. Over time, she has developed essential skills to assist in the salon and continues to excel in her training. We’re excited to see her progress and grow in her journey with us!
Demi (Apprentice)
Demi is the newest apprentice to join our team, and she has quickly fit right in. With a passion for styling hair, she is actively developing her skills while working towards her NVQ hairdressing qualification. We’re excited to support Demi as she grows in her craft and becomes a talented stylist!
Henry (Receptionist)
Henry has recently joined our front-of-house team and brings a true passion for hairdressing. With a Level 3 NVQ in Hairdressing, Henry is here to assist you in the salon and ensure you leave feeling even more fabulous than when you walked in. We’re thrilled to have him as part of our team!
Aishia (Receptionist)
Aishia is our warm and welcoming face at the front of house, expertly managing client appointments and the daily flow of salon life. With many years of experience as a hairdresser, she brings valuable first-hand knowledge to assist clients in the best possible way.
Aishia is currently pursuing a trichology course to deepen her expertise and is also a specialist in hair extensions, with Racoon and Zen Hair. We’re delighted to have her as a wonderful addition to our team!