Jesse Gallant started as a student at Images 1 Hair Academy in Gqerberha and, in 2021, opened his salon called Stay Faded where he’s serving up stellar looks for a loyal clientele. He knew that starting a business while the world was still recovering from a pandemic was going to be tough, but it was about persevering and living his passion.  

“I knew it would be the biggest risk I’d ever take. But the opportunity was there and I had to grab it with both hands,” he says. “I realised that you go through challenges to learn and gain experience. I always remind myself to be mentally prepared for the next challenge, to keep positive and remain humble in any situation – whether it’s good or bad.”  

In an industry filled with heavyweights like internationally acclaimed stylist Candice Wyatt-Minter and award-winning hair guru Lazaros Sumbane, Jesse is motivated to climb higher. He takes inspiration from the lauded Los Angeles-based barber and cosmetologist, Sofie ‘Staygold’ Pok.  

“I’m inspired by stylists like Sofie who didn’t have it easy. She wasn’t taken seriously as a female barber and the fact that she never gave up inspired me to push harder,” he says. “Looking back at my humble beginnings and where I am at this point in my career motivates me the most.” 

Whether he’s doing a balayage, a bright neon-green-and-yellow fade or a Queen of Hearts-inspired updo, Jesse believes that all hair types can shine and thrive no matter the texture, curl pattern or sleekness – all hair should be loved and appreciated.  

When speaking about the biblical story of Samson the Strong whose strength and power were held in his strands, Jesse explains that, even today, hair has power but we often allow it to become our identity. “Hairstylists are there to bring out the power and beauty that already exists within you; it isn’t the all-encompassing source of your power. 

 “HAIRSTYLISTS ARE THERE TO BRING OUT THE POWER AND BEAUTY THAT ALREADY EXISTS WITHIN YOU; IT ISN’T THE ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOURCE OF YOUR POWER”  

To any individual struggling to embrace their natural hair, start styling it at home and learn to master it. The key is to become comfortable and accustomed to your natural hair.” Like Sofie, Jesse pushed forward and didn’t allow naysayers to get in his way of building a successful business. Those who’ve met Jesse will know hairstyling isn’t the only art form he appreciates.  

Tatted-up to the nines, he started documenting various parts of his journey through tattoo art. Some of the ink covering his body include two full sleeves of intricate tattoos, hands that are inscribed with ‘TAKE CARE’, a pair of scissors, and other small details symbolising his love for the hair trade.  

“At first, no one in my family wanted me to become a hairstylist because it would be no better than being the barber on the block,” he explains. After his family pushed him to find a regular job, out of sheer defiance, 19-year-old Jesse tattooed the fingers on his left hand because he knew he “wouldn’t be able to get any ‘decent’ job other than doing hair if he was covered in ink,” he jokes. 

By far, the most personal tattoo on his body is branded on his inner upper arm with an image of his mother’s welled-up eye. “This tattoo represents the pain my mother had to go through raising my sister and me,” he says. Jesse was raised by a single mother after she left his abusive father.  

His father’s absence motivates him to be the best he can be for his infant son, Carter (1). And for his team of Stay Faded professionals, which includes childhood friend Sebachia January, and hair-colour specialist, Jade Listen, Jesse is a mentor who has created a home for this group of creatives.  

A mix-match of people, it was Sebachia who he promised to “come back for” as he was making his way through the industry, styling the hair of TikTok sensation Chad Jones and other celebs. He kept his promise. After opening Stay Faded, Jesse invited Sebachia to join the team and encouraged her to learn the tricks of the trade.  

Now, she is a pro at fading. The newest member of the team is Sinclair, who Jesse says is showing great promise and who he sees making it big in the industry. “I always tell my staff: We learn every day. We need to make room for growth. In this life we live, things are developing every single day,” he says. It’s all about staying ahead of the curve. While we were warned to never run with scissors, Jesse grabbed them and has been soaring through the industry ever since. 

GET TO KNOW JESSE GALLANT

RAPID FIRE Q&A  

Style must-haves: A fade for a gentleman, and a bob haircut for a woman.  

Top 3 hair accessories: Hairbrush, hair clips and a hair comb.  

Favourite hair influencer: VicBlends (@vicblends)  

3 things you can’t live without: Food, my son, and prayer.  

Coolest hair trend of 2023 so far: Finger waves and men’s buzz cuts.  

You can’t leave the salon without: Blow dryer, hair clippers, hair iron, hair spray and scissors.  

GET TO KNOW MY…

Age: 26  

Hometown: Gqerberha, where I grew up in the suburb Gelvandale  

Family: One sibling: an older sister named Jade  

Education: St Thomas High School, further completing my studies at Images 1 Hair Academy Biggest impacts on my career: My mom, because without her, none of this would have [happened].  

FOLLOW HIS JOURNEY

Instagram: jessegallant_hairstylist 
Facebook: Jesse Gallant 
TikTok: @jessegallanthairstylist 

Words By Saadiqah Schroeder
Photography: Zhann Solomons