Bio

From the vibrant crossroads of the former Yugoslavia to the pulsing heart of Los Angeles' style scene, Sylvia Essa's journey is a tapestry of artistry and expertise. Discovering her affinity for hair aesthetics as a young visionary, Sylvia's early passion was a compass that pointed unwaveringly toward beauty. Her dedication to the craft led her to the prestigious Foyer of Hair Academy, an institution that polished the gem of her talent.

Post-graduation, Sylvia's quest for mastery took her to Munich, where she delved into the world of professional hair coloration. Her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable, leading her to absorb techniques and trends from leading stylists across Europe. Sylvia's pilgrimage through the continent's fashion capitals, from attending avant-garde Hair shows to the innovative sessions of Toni & Guy, and Vidal Sasson cultivated a wealth of inspiration she would carry across the Atlantic.

In Los Angeles, Sylvia has spent over a decade and a half honing the art of the Dry Cut, sculpting hair with the precision and care of a true artisan. Her hands have shaped styles in the dynamic world of television, added glamour to editorials, and brought elegance to the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammy Awards. Today, with more than 15 years of experience, Sylvia continues to infuse her work with the essence of her international journey — creating timeless beauty, one expert snip at a time.

Artist's Statement

Everyone's had a bad haircut: I grew up on a steady diet of them, and as a result was never really happy with how I looked. One day all that changed - I found a stylist that understood what I needed even if I hadn’t yet figured it out. This opened my eyes to the power of looking, feeling, and being the best version of myself, giving me confidence in who I am and how I relate to the world.

With this experience, I created a style that takes my influences and knowledge of varied fashion trends and looks, along with a focus on giving each client a distinctive cut that is suited to their very unique self. Communication, collaboration, and intuition all drive my process; rather than being stuck in a box of what’s “in” or what a celebrity is wearing, I collaborate with my clients by soaking them up – who they are and what they want, then advise on what will best suit them while achieving their goals.

I am influenced by all things of beauty, whether old, new, or not yet in existence. Futuristic concepts frequently appeal to me, as they require a certain amount of imagination and creativity that is sometimes lacking in contemporary styles. On the other hand, nature, in its infinitely complex yet often simple beauty, frequently guides me to draw on the endless colors and forms around me, seeing that there is no limit to the possible combinations to the beauty that already exists in the world, whether naturally occurring or man made.

Ultimately, I combine natural elements and innovative concepts to give my clients exactly what they never knew they always wanted.