With a career spanning 50 years, Nicky Clarke OBE, is recognised as one of the most famous hairdressers in the world. He has styled countless A-List celebrities from Elizabeth Taylor and Penelope Cruz to Sienna Miller and Eddie Redmayne, while creating cinematic looks for the likes of Kate Beckinsale and Christian Bale for Batman. He has tended the hair of many members of the Royal Family including HRH Diana Princess of Wales and HRH Sarah the Duchess of York.

As well as working with all the supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer et al. A creator of iconic looks for the titans of the music industry, Nicky has worked on the heads of the Beatles (except John, sadly), David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, George Michael, Daryl Hall and Diana Ross, to name but a few.

When Vogue Magazine photographed legendary Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, it was of course Nicky they called upon to coiffure perhaps the most legendary head of hair ever to grace Number 10. This David Bailey image was chosen to be her official portrait now in the National Portrait Gallery.

At the tender age of 17, Nicky began hairdressing at the House of Leonard in 1974. His first commission (at the unheard of age of 18) was a 6 page spread for Vogue magazine. He left Leonard in 1976 with John Frieda where the two forged a 16 year powerful business relationship which not only produced outstanding salons, but spearheaded the start of commercially available Designer Haircare including the innovative and hugely successful, ‘Frizzease’ product line.

The late 1980s saw Nicky Clarke winning the most prestigious industry awards including Session Hairdresser of the Year (twice),London Hairdresser of the Year (3 times)and the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year. He has been acknowledged globally by winning the World’s Most Newsworthy Hairdresser in New York.

He opened his own groundbreaking salon in 1991 to unprecedented acclaim and media attention with the Duchess of York performing the ribbon cutting opening ceremony.

Nicky Clarke launched his own product line (Hairomatherapy) in planet friendly aluminium in 1993 and in 1997 Nicky Clarke also launched a wide range of hairdryers and styling tools which continue to evolve and still grace our salons and homes today. He became an even more recognised face with his many TV appearances, including being the resident hairdresser for 9 years on This Morning with Richard and Judy and countless other shows including the ever popular, AbFab.

The year 2000 saw the publication of his first book, ‘Hairpower’ and a passion to teach his methods to the next generation of hairdressers through the many trade seminars he still regularly produces.

In 2008 he was awarded an OBE by the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth I. In 2018 he was formally recognised by Marie Claire magazine as the first hair care appliance brand to adopt 100%plastic free packaging in his continual drive for environmentally friendly options.

Nicky has become a regular contributor on QVC and continues to be busy transforming clients and overseeing all aspects of his brand. In 2024 he launched the innovative AirStyle Pro dryer in the United States which has garnered huge acclaim, sales and TV coverage.

The father of four children, Nicky lives in North London with his wife Kelly, a fellow hair stylist, fashion designer and entrepreneur. Nicky continues to be the embodiment of his mantra ‘The harder you try, the more you succeed’.

Nicky Clarke

Fashion / Entrepreneur









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