Dean Gregory is co-owner of Gregory Dean, with salons in Leigh-on-Sea and Rayleigh, Essex. Vidal Sassoon trained at the start of his career, Dean built a strong foundation in technical cutting, developing a particular focus on precision work, bobs and curly hair.

Over the years, Dean has travelled extensively, continuing his education through advanced technical and management training, as well as hosting seminars, shows and working on photoshoots and backstage teams alongside global fashion houses including Burberry, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Moschino and Vera Wang.

While his background is rooted in fashion and editorial work, Dean’s primary focus is his salons and the clients within them. He is widely recognised as a curly hair specialist in Essex, known for his expertise in cutting, styling and working with natural texture.

Curly hair requires a completely different approach, and Dean has built his reputation on understanding and respecting individual curl patterns. His curl-by-curl cutting techniques are designed to enhance shape, definition and manageability, helping clients achieve hair that looks as good day-to-day as it does in the salon.

Often referred to by clients as “The Curl King”, Dean attracts curly-haired clients from across Essex and beyond. His approach aligns closely with the principles of the Curly Girl Method, focusing on working with the hair’s natural texture rather than against it.

Dean has trained the Gregory Dean team in specialist curly hair techniques, meaning both Leigh-on-Sea and Rayleigh salons offer multiple stylists confident in cutting and handling curly hair properly.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a curl-by-curl cut but feeling nervous?

A: Be brave and go for it — you’ll love it. One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing the reaction. Many people with curly hair have had years of disappointing experiences, simply because curly hair hasn’t always been properly understood or taught.

I’ve spent years refining my approach to working with natural texture, and the transformation can be incredible — taking frizzy, unmanageable hair and turning it into defined, glossy curls.

Curly hair is completely different in how it’s cut, handled and maintained, but once you understand it, it becomes easy. I especially enjoy teaching clients how to manage their curls at home, because it can completely change how they feel about their hair and their confidence long-term.

Dean is a recognised curly hair specialist in Essex.

Learn more about our specialist curly cutting approach here →

https://www.gregorydean.co.uk/curly-hair-specialist-leigh-on-sea-rayleigh/