Nicky Clarke is a highly acclaimed British hairstylist, renowned for his exceptional skills and unmatched creativity, which have propelled him to become a sought-after name in the industry.
Hailing from humble beginnings in London, Nicky’s journey to becoming a celebrated hairstylist is nothing short of remarkable.
From a young age, Nicky discovered his innate talent for hairstyling. Even as a teenager, he showcased his natural aptitude by cutting the hair of friends and classmates, laying the foundation for his remarkable career. At the age of 16, Nicky seized an opportunity to apprentice at the prestigious House of Leonard, working alongside the renowned John Frieda. By 17, he was already lending his skills to his first British Vogue shoot.
For over a decade, Nicky worked with John Frieda, splitting his time between the salon and magazine shoots for major publications while helping develop the Frizz Ease brand. During this time, Nicky became the most sought-after and highest-paid hairdresser in the UK, creating iconic looks for stars such as Duran Duran, Brooke Shields, and Diana Ross.
In the early ’90s, the Nicky Clarke brand emerged from a life-changing partnership with Nicky’s then-wife Lesley, an international fashion designer. Together, they opened the first Nicky Clarke salon in London’s prestigious Mayfair district, with the Duchess of York presiding over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The salon became a sanctuary for those seeking the epitome of haircuts, hair coloring, styling, and treatments. Its unparalleled success cemented Nicky’s status as a premier hairstylist, attracting a high-profile clientele and elevating him to a household name. His clientele is a star-studded lineup, featuring a constellation of royalty, supermodels, pop icons, and A-list Hollywood celebrities, counting Princess Diana, David Bowie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sienna Miller, Brad Pitt, Eddie Redmayne, Kate Moss, Christian Bale, Naomi Campbell, Penelope Cruz, George Michael, Isabella Rossellini and, Donatella Versace among his past and current clients. Lesley continues to serve as the co-founder and CEO of the Nicky Clarke brand, playing a pivotal role in its ongoing success.
Nicky Clarke’s exceptional work has been featured in the world’s most prestigious magazines, such as British, American, and Italian Vogue. His artistic vision has graced the runways of Givenchy, Versace, Calvin Klein, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and numerous others. Additionally, he is a frequent guest and esteemed judge on television shows. With an innovative and unwavering commitment to haircare, he constantly pushes boundaries by incorporating the latest technologies and techniques, creating beautiful hairstyles that set trends and redefine industry standards. Furthermore, Nicky Clarke is deeply dedicated to eco-friendly and sustainable practices, pioneering the use of plastic-free packaging in his hair tools brand, and developing environmentally conscious products that meet professional standards.
Throughout his career, Nicky Clarke has received numerous industry accolades, including the coveted Session Hairdresser of the Year award. His remarkable achievements have been recognized with three London Hairdresser of the Year awards, British Hairdresser of the Year, British Fellowship of the Year, Image of the Year, and the Outstanding Contribution to London Style at the London Lifestyle Awards. In 2008, Her Majesty the Queen honored him with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in acknowledgement of his significant contributions to the hairdressing industry and outstanding service to the community. This prestigious accolade underscores his exceptional accomplishments and enduring impact. Listed in the Who’s Who as one of Britain’s most famous hairdressers, Nicky Clarke possesses an unparalleled dedication for his craft, consistently molding and revolutionizing the realm of hairstyling.
Today, Nicky Clarke stands as a true icon, with a signature salon in Birmingham and a thriving haircare and hair tools brand. Nicky’s influence and legacy as a trailblazer in the world of haircare are poised to inspire future generations of stylists and continue shaping the ever-evolving landscape of beauty and style.
