Nikki Bennet, of Wild Essence Hair crowned as SA’s best

From tossing up between a home or a salon at just 22, there is no doubt South Australia’s best hair stylist made the right decision. Read what she had to say and who made the top five.

From a one-man show to a team of half a dozen talented stylists, this mother-of-two is a force to be reckoned with.

Nikki Bennet, owner of Wild Essence Hair in Littlehampton has been crowned South Australia’s best hair stylist and said she was grateful her leap of faith paid off all those moons ago.

Nikki Bennet of Wild Essence Hair, Littlehampton has been crowned SA's best hair stylist. Pic: Supplied

“I was 22 and my husband and I were looking to buy a house when we came across my first space in Hahndorf,” Mrs Bennet said.

“We tossed up whether to buy a house or to make a move on the space so I could open my own salon … the rest is history.”

Mrs Bennet prides herself on her hair colour skills. Pic: Supplied

Not many 22-year-olds are as headstrong to jump into the deep end of being a business owner at such a young age, but many would argue it was Mrs Bennet’s calling.

“I was completely overwhelmed by the whole thing but looking back now I wouldn’t change one thing about it,” she said.

“I didn’t want to have employees, I didn’t want to have that responsibility of another person so it was just me.”

SA's best hairstylist Nikki Bennet at Wild Essence salon in Littlehampton. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Fast forward to today, Mrs Bennet and her team of six occupy a much bigger space in Littlehampton and are more committed than ever to make their clients feel their absolute best.

“Seeing our beautiful clients walk out of here feeling their absolute best, it’s just so rewarding.

“I was one of the first salons to really embrace the all natural products, we have so many people come in and say that it doesn’t even smell like a salon in here.

“I would encourage any young person to just jump into the industry, I’ve been lucky enough to have a great family support as well as a loyal clientele, I could not have done it without them.”