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Your Premier Destination for Salon & Wellness Services
At ESSENCE, we are dedicated to providing an unparalleled experience in beauty and wellness services in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Our full-service salon and wellness center combines expertise with a tranquil environment to deliver hair design, skincare, and relaxation treatments tailored to individual needs. Our team of highly trained stylists and aestheticians brings decades of combined experience in creating customized solutions for hair, skin, and overall well-being. We specialize in using premium vitamin and antioxidant-based products to address unique skin conditions while maintaining a commitment to client comfort and satisfaction. Our bridal services extend beyond traditional offerings, with dedicated coordination and pre-wedding pampering options designed to alleviate planning stress.

The serene atmosphere of our facility, complete with luxurious robes and private treatment spaces, reflects our philosophy of holistic rejuvenation. We maintain strict operational standards, including professional draping techniques and a 24-hour cancellation policy, to ensure consistent quality across all services. Our strategic location and detailed directions make accessibility convenient for both local and visiting clients. Through continuous staff development and curated product selections, we uphold our reputation as a trusted destination for beauty and wellness needs in the Connecticut shoreline region.
Services
Hair Design Custom Facials Bridal Hair & Makeup Spa Treatments Massages Pedicures Skin Care Wedding Coordination Relaxation Therapies
Highlights and features
  • Our team includes highly professional stylists with specialized texture expertise
  • We customize facials using vitamin and antioxidant-based skincare products
  • Bridal services include dedicated coordinator and pre-wedding pampering options
  • We maintain strict 24-hour cancellation policies for appointment reliability
  • Our facility provides luxury amenities including robes and private treatment spaces
Services
Hair Design
Our hair design services combine artistic vision with technical expertise to create personalized styles that enhance natural features. Our specialists offer cutting-edge cuts, coloring techniques, and texture treatments using premium products like Pureology and Moroccanoil. Clients benefit from consultations that consider face shape, lifestyle, and hair type to deliver optimal results.
Custom Facials
Tailored facial treatments address individual skin concerns using vitamin-infused and antioxidant-rich products from G.M. Collin and Glo Skin Beauty. Our aestheticians analyze skin conditions to create customized regimens that improve texture, clarity, and overall health. Each session includes professional analysis and product recommendations for maintaining results at home.
Bridal Services
Comprehensive bridal packages include hair styling, makeup application, and pre-wedding pampering for entire parties. Our dedicated coordinator ensures seamless execution with trial sessions and schedule management. Services extend to relatives and guests with flexible booking options for group appointments and event-day preparations.
Spa Treatments
Luxury spa experiences combine traditional techniques with modern amenities in our tranquil facility. Services include massages, body treatments, and pedicures delivered in private treatment rooms. Clients enjoy complimentary robes, sandals, and a peaceful environment designed to promote complete mental and physical relaxation.
Texture Services
Specialized texture treatments transform hair through advanced waving, straightening, and volumizing techniques. Our stylists use professional-grade tools and products to achieve lasting results while maintaining hair health. Each service includes consultation on maintenance routines and product selection for prolonged effects.
Questions
How far in advance should I book appointments?
Hair appointments should be booked several weeks ahead, while spa services require at least five days' notice to ensure availability.
What happens if I need to cancel?
We require 24-hour cancellation notice for all appointments to accommodate other clients and maintain service quality standards.
Are there age restrictions for services?
Clients under 18 years old are not permitted in the Wellness Center for safety and comfort reasons.
What products do you use?
We use premium brands including Pureology, Moroccanoil, G.M. Collin, Glo Skin Beauty, and Zenagen for hair and skincare treatments.
Do you offer bridal trial sessions?
Yes, we provide trial sessions for bridal hair and makeup to ensure perfect results on your wedding day.
What should I wear to my appointment?
No special attire is needed - we provide robes, sandals, and towels for all wellness and spa treatments.
Reviews (7)
Fred Anlyan
Mar 15, 2022 Report
Well-located salon in downtown Old Saybrook, with a convenient parking lot just behind the shop. Friendly people, good stylists, very clean and bright. Prices are reasonable. Recommended, Give it a try.
Dan Ryan
Mar 05, 2022 Report
Very friendly atmosphere filled with talented professionals. Know how sometimes a conversation can get dry or awkward when you're 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 it's the best haircut I've gotten, but because everyone, including the owner, is incredibly kind. Update (3/22/2022): I've gone to see Liz several times and have always walked away happy with my cut. She is also very friendly and is good at reading when I do or don't feel like talking. The only reason I'd stop coming here for my haircuts is if I moved out of the state.
Lisa Kagel
Sep 12, 2021 Report
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.
Mary
Sep 05, 2021 Report
I've been going to Susan at Essence for almost 20 years for haircuts and color. She's great, and so is Essence: professional, organized, sparkling clean. I highly recommend it.
Donna Tracy
Jun 12, 2021 Report
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. It's been a year now and every six weeks I drive from Andover to Old Saybrook to get my hair cut and colored. It's an hour drive each way. SO well worth it. I highly recommend Essence. I'm a fan for sure.
Cindy Novak
Mar 21, 2021 Report
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!
Kelly Kimball
Jan 29, 2021 Report
I have the most beautiful highlights and cut from Beth. I'm 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!