Annette is consistently friendly and professional. I never have to wait long as she respects my busy and crazy schedule. As soon as I walk in the door, I'm heading straight to her chair. Most importantly, she truly listens. She takes the time to address all my concerns regarding maintaining my natural hair and provides expert guidance that actually works. If you are looking for a stylist who cares about hair health and provides a seamless, stress-free experience, Annette is the best! read more

The worst customer service I have ever had. Very rude, impatient and gave nothing but attitude. Does not matter how long you been doing hair you must have been a mute because you do not know how to communicate with people. Stick with your regulars. I couldn't give less than a 1 star. I would never suggest this place. read more

Got the big chop! Ms. Annette paid attention to me, I got what I asked for, and I felt like I have been a client forever. read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Big chop - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

Great shop. I was in and out quickly, got the drastic cut I wanted and owner was professional. Would definitely go back.

Great first time experience. Will be returning! You can tell Annette is passionate about her work and loves her clients.

We needed our son's hair braided and shaped up, so as usual I looked here for a place and found this salon. Getting an appointment was no problem Annette fit us in with ease. The salon is very nice and spacious, (especially during this COVID)! Elleyannah braided his hair and it looks amazing. She was awesomely patient with my son and his many movements. Annette did his shape up which is also great! Everyone there was super nice and work great as a team and very accommodating!!! We will certainly be back with our other children! Thank so much!!! read more

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Loved Annette and her salon! She was able to fit me in quickly and had me in the chair as scheduled. She and her assistant keep clients moving steadily all morning. Her shampoo was the BEST! Scalp and hair super clean. Annette was very pleasant to talk with during my service and she styled my hair just as I like it. Definitely will return and gave recommended her to others. read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - I pulled my hair back but the curls held up and looked full. - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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I came in not knowing exactly what style I wanted but I knew I wanted to cut my hair off! Annette wasn't thrilled about me cutting off all of my natural hair but she was willing to give me what I wanted! I have never cut my hair in my 30years or living but Annette gave me a cut that I LOVE!!!! Thank you so much! I will definitely be returning! I've found my beautician read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

I LOVE LOVE LOVE MRS. ANNETTE AND HER SHOP!!!! I never leave disappointed after any of my appointments. My last appointment was with Sabrina, she did an amazing job with my braids. 10/10 recommendation for Mrs. Annette's hair salon!! read more

What a gem of a hair salon in Knightdale! Annette was quick to answer the phone, flexible, easy to work with, and is a phenomenal stylist. All of the stylists were very kind. The atmosphere is very comfortable and walking into their store front instilled a lot of confidence in me. Two of my children had their hair cut and they have never looked better. We will most definitely return! read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

I am very excited about writing this review! I recently moved from Maryland and was in great need of a new hairstylist. I am so thankful I found this salon because Miss Annette did an amazing job on my hair. She was very professional and provided an explanation of each product she used in my hair. I really appreciate her taking the time to explain each product. She definitely understands the importance of customer service and respecting her clients. I also like the fact that her salon is spacious and provides an environment where women can feel comfortable while getting their hair styled. I would also like to comment on the friendliness from her other staff. I was able to see Miss Annette and her other stylist work on two other clients. Each one of those clients walked out with their hair looking AMAZING and a big smile! Definitely give this salon a try because she does great work! Ohh I forgot to add that I even allowed her to trim my ends on the first visit! She definitely earned my trust after that because she did not get "scissor happy"! I will definitely return to this shop for services! Satisfied customer :) read more

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Annette is a great hairstylist! I've been know her abd her family every since I moved to the Raleigh area in 1995. There is never a long wait, especially if she's able to book you at the last minute. One of my pet peeves is having to sit in a hair salon for 2 and 3 hours, but not Annette; her and her wonderful mom will get you in, and out. I also love that you wont hear a bunch of women gossipping. I can honestly say that this is one stylist that has a true passion for taking care of your hair! She'll tell you what products to and not to use in between visits, that wont hurt your pocket. I was really impressed to hear her ask her new clients including myself; what vitamins and prescriptions they take, and what products do they use. Not only does she do African-American hair, but she also does Hispanics and Caucasians. Thanks Annette for being the great stylist you are read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

Initially the salon looked closed but they started early due to the bad weather forecasted. Super nice owner. She did an assessment of my hair and asked me who burned my hair and what happened. I explained about my last salon experience 5 months prior but she could already see that for herself. 1. Wash hair, conditioner on and under the heater. 2. Let cool completely. 3. Rinse and then cut & style. Great job and nice people! I guess I'm a new regular client! read more

Such a great experience! Annette is professional and was genuinely concerned about the health of my hair. She gave me some recommendations on a couple products I could switch to that would help with my hair issues ...especially changing my shampoo. She has a talented staff of braiders as well. I've found a new salon!!! read more

My appointment was with Annette for 10am. I arrived @ the salon around 9:30am & of course Annette was already there. I taken 2 the shampoo bowl & WOW!!! that woman can shampoo some hair. I could go on & on about my experience @ the shampoo bowl, but go for yourself 2 see what I am talking about. 2 sum it up when I walked in my head looked a mess but when she finished my hair was looking truly amazon. Thanks Annette read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

The owner and salon are professional, healthy hair providers, and reasonably priced. My daughter came here to have her hair done for senior pictures. We loved her blow out and hair style! Will definitely come back. read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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My daughter does not like anyone to touch her "fro"! But I found this gem of a salon and my daughter can not stay out of the mirror! Annette is very knowledgeable with hair care and has great customer service and flexibility! Please book her! I know I will continue to! read more

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The BEST salon/stylist in the RDU area. I found Annette by a recommendation from a friend & after my first visit I knew I had found gold! From the cleanliness of the salon, the shampoo bowl/wash(best head scratches I've ever had), the efficiency of Annette & Ms. Evelyn, to the result of my hair style everything is top notch! I recently moved 4 hours away & will quickly hop on the road to get my hair done here. No one else has been able to take care of or style my hair like Annette. Just make an appointment with her, TRUST ME, you won't be disappointed! read more

Annette is super busy. I don't read minds so don't know what caused my experience. None in the shop seemed interested in me, if I said nothing they did the same. I am an extrovert they seemed disinterested. They were very cheerful amongst themselves and with known customers. My guess is she looked at my age and paleness and thought "could be a Karen". It started with advice on coloring. She was quick to refuse. " I won't tell you what color to put on your hair." Ah that was the time to exit...but I am not always smart. My past is full of a short styles mostly and interesting fades due to advice from professionals who gave me opinions and options, My expectations were all wrong with the shop. Before I went I looked up hair coloring prices and found "Jan 13, 2021 hair coloring and highlights cost between $50 and $70" She charged me $101 for coloring 10% of my hair. trimming bangs and curling hair quickly. See I selected her due to reviews. They are likely valid I am an outlier because she appears to be most comfortable with people who remind her of herself. I feel stupid to have spent the most money with the least interaction with any hair professional in my life. I took a stab at color choice given her existing box of colors and I chose this salon so all that didn't work for me if my fault. She didn't nail my feet to the floor that is for sure c'est la vie read more

Mrs. Annette took one look at my hair and began making a plan to promote healthy hair. She was very knowledgeable about products and which ones I needed. Also taking her time explaining over all better healthy life style choices. Her staff was nice the environment clean neat. In addition, her lovely mother a pure genius at the shampoo bowl. She massage my scalp as she was shampooing AMAZING. I will return soon and visit the ladies again. read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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I cheated on my hairdresser and liked it!! So I wasn't able to get in with usual stylist somewhere else, I did search for other hair dressers and the reviews for this place was awesome. Obviously I go through the pictures because, I wanted to at least see if there were any pics of styles that I would wear or like. So I called, she was kind and helpful. Got in with her the next day!!! I was amazed at the job she did. My husband complimented me on my hair for a week... normally, I get Day 1 or 2 compliments but she did something special this time. Bottom line, look no further. read more

Excellent Haircut and blow dry.Annette was very kind and personable.She took her time with me and did an awesome job.I just moved from DC and never had such a great haircut over there. read more

I've been a client of Annette's for over 15 years and she is one of the most knowledgeable beautician's one can ask for. Natural or relaxed, long or short, she has you covered. My family including my husband are regulars at her shop. If you want a honest and healthy hair experience, she's who you want to see! read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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Popped in here one evening in need of a cut, after calling about 30 minutes prior to see if she could fit me in. Annette gave me a great cut and fixed up some errors from a previous, not great cut at another salon. She listened to what I wanted and also weighed in with her expertise, which was fantastic. Will definitely go back! read more

Amazing service. Just moved to the area and was desperate to have my hair fixed. Went with my mother and we have really curly hair, but they were able to handle it no problem! read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Amazing haircuts. Mother and daughter! - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

I have been going to Annette for years. She is always very curtious and flexible. Her focus is healthy hair care and she does an EXCELLENT job!! Her shop is very neat, clean and organized... no drama! Going to her is like a mini vacay for me and my girls... read more

Love this shop and stylist! Ms. Annette is knowledgeable about keeping hair healthy, quick, and very personable. She cut, colored, and treated my hair quicker than ALL of my trips to other salons. My hair was soft and shiny (and smelled good). The color (plum) was beautiful. I sweated my hair out at the gym the next day, but she took me in that week and restraightened for NO CHARGE. Support this stylist and go get your hair DID at Essential Designs. read more

Hi Knightdale! Shout out to Annette at Essential Design. I have been living here since June 9, 2017. I found this quaint gem not too far from my house. I love the care and attention she has given my hair. My husband likes how soft and shiny it is. If you are looking for a really good scalp cleaning and soft hair afterwards, check her out. I am excited about my third visit. read more

I walked in there today on a last minute whim. I asked if they do "white folks hair". The women at the desk said, 'SURE'! Then Annette went on to not only find a beautiful and natural blonde color for my very difficult to color hair, she cut it, and put such a great conditioner in it that when she did a light straightening in it, it laid down and was soft and silky!!!! I went out of there with soft hair, no nothing on it!! I was AMAZED!! I also liked that it was big, nicely air conditioned, everyone was friendly. All different races were in there getting their hair done and she is GREAT (and I'm from New York, nothing makes us happy!! lol) I told her I'd be back for everything from now on. read more

Found myself in a bind, my hair required a roller set and wash for church, had to cancel my appointment with my regular stylist of 24 years after my manager called in sick on Friday. Hadn't received any response from my regular stylist, 1st text submitted at 11am, 2nd text submitted at 7:15 and the time is now 10:30pm. EVERYTHING WIHTIN MY HEART WAS TELLING ME, move on! And that's exactly what I did, Annette and her mom Evelyn are awesome. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to all hair types and she even convinced me that I can go at least 10weeks in between getting a relaxer. The environment is clean and spacious yet a bit smoky when you first walk in, I realized its because she uses natural oils. There aren't kids running around, you're in and out in a reasonable time, top knotch shampoo bowl and a dryer that should be illegal. DID I Mention she has WIFI and she accepts cash or cards. read more

I moved here from South Florida and had been unable to find someone that could cut and straighten my very curly hair. I went on Google and found Annette with Essential Design Hair Salon. Annette and her mom are amazing and make you feel at home! I am in awe of not only my hair cut but the fact that she straightened out my hair exactly how like it! I walked out with beautiful shiny and healthy hair. Absolutely will be back! A++++ read more

Essential Design Beauty Salon - Healthy and shiny - Hair Salons Near Me - Knightdale, North Carolina

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My elderly mother was visiting from England and wanted a shampoo and set for short, fine hair. I had no idea where to get this done for her and especially not having time to wait for an appointment. I called the salon, and they kindly worked her in the same day. They did a wonderful job! All the ladies were so nice to her, and very welcoming to her as a new customer. read more

I love this shop. The owner is very considerate of your time..... I hate sitting in a salon all day. When I go there it's never a problem. Most importantly, she uses high quality products so my hair stays healthy! read more