Renowned hairstylist Josh Wood once managed a successful salon in west London, catering to high-profile clients, before making the bold decision to start anew.

In 2011, he opened the Josh Wood Colour Atelier in Holland Park, a private studio that ensures privacy for his elite clientele by having no windows, shielding them from the intrusion of onlookers and photographers. This was a crucial element for someone whose esteemed clients include the likes of David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Elle Macpherson.

“Everyone suggested I open a salon off Bond Street in the West End, but I wanted something different,” explained Wood, now 57. Choosing a distinctive location on Lansdowne Mews, he created an entirely black exterior that carries through to the interior design. “I aimed to capture the feel of a backstage environment or a photoshoot in real life. You can change clothes and have your makeup done, making it feel much more than a simple hair appointment.”

His innovative approach caught the attention of Claridge’s luxury hotel, which invited him to establish a hair and beauty salon in its spa in 2021. Dubbed “the king of colour” by The Times, Wood also markets his at-home hair dye line, Josh Wood Colour, through Boots and other online platforms. Last year, these three ventures collectively brought in over £10 million in revenue with a modest profit before tax.

Wood’s rise from a challenging upbringing in a “bleak” Barnsley council estate to styling hair for celebrities is remarkable. He recalls a difficult childhood, having attended St Helen’s primary school, famously depicted in the film Kes, which tells the story of a boy finding solace through training a kestrel. With a family background rooted in mining and losing his father at a young age, Wood faced bullying for his height and perceived differences.

After leaving school during the miners’ strike in 1985, a friend suggested hairdressing, leading Wood to find his calling. “I started earning £12 a day doing a lot of sweeping, but it felt like I had found my place,” he reflected.

Completing a City & Guilds qualification in hairdressing, he moved to Leeds at 19 to work at Vidal Sassoon, where he first embraced colour specialization. A year later, he was transferred to the central London Sloane Street branch but faced financial difficulties, sometimes relying on the bus to commute. “I had only about £20 to my name,” he recounted.

Nonetheless, Wood thrived in this vibrant environment. “It was a blossoming experience for me, realizing you could be gay and feel safe and accepted,” he shared.

After three years, he transferred to Vidal Sassoon in Mayfair, which he described as being “paved with gold.” The clientele was younger and less entrenched in high society. “I began doing the hair of shop assistants, which led to recommendations to clients at luxury venues,” Wood recalled, marking the beginning of his foray into celebrity hairstyling.

Having spent six months in New York, Wood noted the cultural differences in hair styling. “In London, hair colour was more of a necessary chore; in New York, it was an opportunity for self-expression,” he explained.

In the Big Apple, he met David Bowie through mutual connections. As Bowie’s colorist, he dyed the iconic musician’s hair red for the performance of his album Earthling. “He became a good friend to me,” Wood fondly remembered.

Inspired by friends in his circle, including Jerry Hall and art collector Kay Saatchi, Wood took the leap to open his own salon upon his return to London. “They played a vital role in encouraging me to understand that I could venture out on my own, which was daunting considering my background and the lack of financial security,” he admitted.

Launched in Chelsea Green in 1999 with John Vial, Wood’s salon, Real Hair, succeeded almost immediately. After a couple of years of rapid growth, they expanded into the space next door to accommodate more clients. “It was overwhelming in a brilliant way,” Wood expressed, continuing to serve clients directly while employing competent managers to handle the business’s operational aspects.

By 2009, Wood had established a lucrative reputation and worked overseas with affluent clients, while also serving as a global consultant for Wella, enhancing his understanding of product development and branding.

The pandemic proved to be a turning point for his brand, Josh Wood Colour, which launched in 2019, offering a convenient at-home hair-dye solution. The surge in demand soared during the lockdown as salons closed, aided by virtual consultations that provided a salon-like experience at home.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, Wood’s color business remains robust. “The world has transformed,” he noted, emphasizing that clients are no longer bound to regular six-week appointments for color treatments.

Just before the pandemic, Wood secured $6.5 million in funding from esteemed investors like Index Ventures and JamJar Investments, a challenging experience that pushed him to pursue high-caliber support for his vision.

Looking to the future, Wood is preparing to expand his hair color business into Australia with a presence at Mecca in Melbourne. The new venture will not only sell products but also host events and tutorials, fostering community engagement around the brand. “It seems like the right time to take this revolutionary step into a whole new market. From Barnsley to Leeds, then London, and now Melbourne—what a journey!” he reflected.

Reflections

My inspiration is the late Vidal Sassoon. Working alongside him sparked my passion for this industry, which has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth.

The best decisions I’ve made have involved partnerships—with Claridge’s, Soho House, and now Mecca. Collaborations drive growth.

My most significant misstep was being too trusting, which can lead to disappointment.

The funniest moment occurred when I had to travel by helicopter to reach a yacht in Sardinia for a hair appointment. After several attempts due to choppy waters, I completed the job amidst a mix of terror and hilarity.

A key business tip I offer is to wake up early. I start my day before 6 am, tackling emails and preparations before my first client appointment.