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Essence Salon

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4.9
(130 reviews)
Review highlights

"… , she is able to match it. Essence has a great atmosphere. They're energetic, professional, and the pricing is reasonable. I see Kaylee Vogel and highly recommend!"

"Great service, atmosphere, and I would not go anywhere else!!"

"Essence Salon is the place to go if you want the best haircut and color."


Overview

Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM


Description

A full service hair salon in Cedar Rapids, IA. The dream of building a location to provide clients the comfort and dedication that they have to come to expect has finally come true. Putting a modern twist on classic styles was the approach to designing this new salon experience. As soon as you enter, you'll feel right at home and we can't wait to welcome you in!


Reviews

Jan 29, 2025

After going to the same person for over 20 years, we needed to find a place for my son and I and, we found it! The atmosphere is amazing and fun and they care about what you are wanting and they can deliver. We saw Maddee and Rachel and they were amazing but you can’t go wrong with any of the stylists.


Jan 29, 2025

My first time at the salon and Madison was absolutely amazing! I’m so happy to have found a stylist!


Jan 15, 2025

How is this not a 10/5 stars. Something’s wrong with Google. The salon is beautiful, the staff is amazing and friendly. But the best part is Kindsay herself, she’s genuinely a great person, a passionate hard worker and she loves what she does.


Jan 05, 2025

I have been coming here since the day they opened. I drive 2 hours one-way to come here… let me tell you… I have tried to find someone like Kindsay and her crew in the Des Moines area for convenience reasons, and in 8 years of trying out the “best” Des Moines salons, nothing compares to Essence Salon. The salon is clean and comfortable, the prices are insanely reasonable for 5 star quality hair care, they give the best scalp massages, and the talent is top notch. I have been to many different stylists at Essence and not once have I ever been disappointed. I highly recommend this salon for all hair needs- blondes, brunettes, reds, cuts, treatments, cuts, special occasion styles and makeup, extensions, all of my experiences have been perfect. Added bonus- the shampoo bowls are actually comfortable.


Jan 05, 2025

Madee does such a great job on both my hair and my daughter’s hair. She’s super knowledgeable of what hair products we should be using. The whole vibe of the salon is fun and upbeat and all the girls are always so nice, happy, and cheerful!


Jan 05, 2025

Today was my first experience at Essence salon and it was fabulous! Madison was my stylist and she did a haircut and color. There were several things I really appreciated about my experience today: 1. Madison listened to what I wanted/looked at my photos and then made a recommendation of how to achieve it which was different than what I *thought* I needed- I’m so thankful she took the time to ask questions and really understand what I wanted as I was mistakenly using the wrong terminology. 2. Both on the website and also at the appointment the salon was very transparent about their pricing! I am so glad to know what to expect and there was no “sticker shock” when getting to the counter to pay. 3. Madison is very kind, considerate, and easy to talk to so the appointment flew by. 4. The results were fantastic and I love my hair. I highly recommend Madison and Essence Salon.


Dec 05, 2024

Me encantó el servicio que me brindó Madee, una excelente artista la recomiendo muchísimo te hará sentir cómoda como en casa, mi inglés es muy básico y admiro el empeño que tuvo lograr entendernos y realizar su trabajo perfectamente ❤️❤️❤️


Nov 05, 2024

I was a new client with Madison and I am so happy she was who I booked with! She’s not only incredibly talented but so fun and chill too! I would recommend her to anyone!! Does amazing with blondes!


Nov 05, 2024

This place deserves 10 Stars. The atmosphere the lighting the decor! Madison Williams did my hair and it is fantastic my daughter's as well


Oct 05, 2024

After several salons in the area, I finally found home for all things hair! Charlee & Madison are sooo talented! Plus they're kind, sweet, caring & considerably better with hair color than other experiences I've had. My cut & color is beyond beautiful, which in turn made me feel beautiful! And isn't that how a cut & color should make you feel? The salon itself is gorgeous, beautifully decorated & a youthful vibe throughout! I'd give them 10 stars if I could!! Love, love, love them & the salon! ❤❤🤗🤩🤩


Oct 05, 2024

Essence Salon is the place to go if you want the best haircut and color. I tried the new Calligraphy cut & it’s the best haircut I’ve ever had. And my color was better than I expected it to be. It was perfection. The stylist there know what they’re doing. You can’t go wrong. It’s a very clean, professional, fun & relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend ESSENCE SALON to everyone.


Oct 05, 2024

I almost to hate to leave this review because selfishly I want to keep this to myself but WOW. The most amazing salon and stylists. I went there yesterday for the first time for an appt with Sylmari and walked out with the best cut and color I have had in… I don’t even know when. When the appt ran over into the next one Charlee came right over without saying a word to help dry my hair. The teamwork is something to be in awe of and the talent… AMAZING. Cannot say enough good things about this team and salon. Do yourself a solid and book an appt.


Oct 05, 2024

Sarha did an AMAZING JOB! Asked for a textured hair cut that would go well with my wavy hair and did exactly what i asked for! Definitely will be coming back :)


Sep 05, 2024

Friday was my first time getting my hair done at Essence. (I’ve stopped in for an eyebrow wax before - also a wonderful experience.) They did a color & style. Madison was my stylist & she was beyond amazing. I was so impressed by the thought & care that went into my color & the professionalism of the owner, Kindsay. Both of these women were so warm, kind & uplifting. The stylist are so educated on the color & products that they use. I left the salon having felt welcome, knowing I would go back & absolutely in awe of how perfect my hair matched what I asked for. Finding a new stylist can be so hard but they made the whole thing very comfortable. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you Madison & Kindsay.


May 05, 2024

Essence is an amazing salon, very welcoming and modern. Charlee is a ray of sunshine and does awesome work. Highly recommend!


May 05, 2024

Madee did such a gorgeous job on my hair!! Not to mention she’s also so sweet! I loved the experience and LOVE my hair! Ask for Madee!


Feb 05, 2024

AMAZING!


Feb 05, 2024

Curly haired, thick haired girls!! I just got a pretty major chop, and you know with our kind of hair, you truly need an expert! Look no further than Essence’s, Ms. Sarha! 🙌 She snipped my long wavy/curly hair so effortlessly in to the cutest bob! She took the time to examine my curls as they emerged and custom cut them to lay ever so stylishly! Ugh I just ADORE my new hair! I’ve gotten so many compliments ☺️ She did a fabulous job! I’m a brand new customer to the salon, can’t wait to get back in the chair for color and cut upkeep. Thank You again Sarha 🤩 💁🏻‍♀️


Feb 05, 2024

I am so happy I took the initiative to research and find Sarha!!! She is special like her name and a Calligraphy Cutting Artist which I have realized is a must have for my thick hair!!! She is doing my color as well and I get compliments like never before. Hugs Sarha - check her out. She will not disappoint!


Feb 05, 2024

I booked Essence for my wedding, and my hair and all of my bridesmaids’ hair turned out so beautiful. Kindsay and her team are so easy to work with, they really listen to what you’re looking for while also giving their expert opinions, and they are so FUN. Kindsay brought such fantastic energy the morning of the wedding. She played music, she took pictures, she even made a TikTok of the girls. And they even finished ahead of schedule which made the morning so much more relaxed. Highly highly recommend!!


Feb 05, 2024

If you need a hair gal who makes you feel all the love, Charlee is your girl. She will welcome you with all the love and even your drink of choice! All the love for Charlee!


Feb 05, 2024

I’ve always been nervous to get my hair cut because I never found the right hairdresser but I was recommended this salon and I couldn’t be happier. Everyone was extremely nice and the environment felt welcoming, I even left genuinely feeling great about my cut and could feel my confidence increase through the entire process. I’d recommend it to everyone.


Feb 05, 2024

Sarha is an outstanding hair designer. Her talents with hair calligraphy has given me the most flattering and volumizing hair cut ever! If you want to feel and look your best....Essence Salon is the place! What an atmosphere. So beautiful and warm people. Thank you.


Feb 05, 2024

We love Essence Salon! So good with my girls and always great color and cut on my hair. Highly recommend


Feb 05, 2024

I can’t say enough amazing things about Charlee! She’s the first warm smile you see when you arrive and when you leave. She knows hair and she can take your vision and make it even better. From color to extensions, she can do it all! I highly recommend her!


Feb 05, 2024

I was apart of a wedding party a few months ago. This salon was incredible difficult to work with and ended up overcharging us. No one in the party was happy with their hair or makeup. When I did speak up, I politely asked to have a few pieces of my updo pinned more securely. I was given an argumentative response. I didn’t want to argue, so I ended up going to the bathroom to fix it myself. Most of girls in the party had the same experience as me. We all ended up helping each other fix our hair and makeup. I’ve been in several wedding parties and have always enjoyed my experience with different salons, unfortunately that wasn’t the case with this one.


Feb 05, 2024

Kindsay is FANTASTIC!! Great service, atmosphere, and I would not go anywhere else!! Thank you!!