Mark Leeson is a name synonymous with glamorous, wearable hair. As one of global hairdressing’s biggest stars, both himself and his prolific Art Team have achieved huge success on home turf and internationally.
Since his distinctive style saw him scoop the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year trophy in 2014, Mark has picked up almost every other title going – including, most recently, International Hairdresser of the Year at the Australian Hairdressing Industry Awards (AHIA) and as Artistic Team of the Year at both the IHAs and BHAs.
An unstoppable force, Mark’s career began in the 1980s and sees him today running one of the country’s most prolific ‘super salons’. Mark Leeson Mansfield offers the ultimate hairdressing experience – a luxurious and tranquil setting in which clients can enjoy top-to-toe treatments, carried out in a space spanning over 3,000 square feet.
Mark made a name for himself early on in his career, sweeping the board as a competition hairdresser. This foundation gave him the dynamite coupling of technical skills and precision, which are still his hallmarks. Mark’s journey has been with Co-Director Richard Darby at his side almost since the very start. Originally taking over a franchise, which they ran with huge success, the pair branched out under the eponymous Mark Leeson brand in 1996.
By the time Mark won the much-prized British Hairdressing Award in 2014, he’d notched up a truly outstanding track record of finalising for 32 British Hairdressing Awards and winning an incredible 14. Richard describes the win as “a dream he always knew was going to come true.” The reason? Because “Mark is a creative genuis.” By Mark’s own admission, the hugely talented Artistic team are the backbone of the Mark Leeson brand – with each team member having won multiple honours in their own names too.
“We are 100 per cent team players at Mark Leeson,” says Mark. “We celebrate each and every success and believe in giving everyone an opportunity to shine.” Today, the team travel the world and fly the flag for British hairdressing.
As a team, they are known for their immaculately executed photographic collections, combining technical expertise with commercial appeal, and cutting-edge precision with flawless, feminine style. Under Mark’s guidance, they have created an entire brand with beautiful hair at its very heart.
Aside from the extraordinary creative mastery that defines the Mark Leeson brand, Mark’s philosophy is centred around training, education and opportunities. As well as the. unparalleled Artistic team, an internal apprenticeship programme sees talent of the future progress under his discerning eye. Simply put, Mark says, “more than anything, I love nurturing and evolving people’s careers.”
2024 saw Mark reunite with Kao Salon Division as a Goldwell Ambassador for the UK and Ireland. As previous partners, Mark had already enjoyed a long-standing powerful partnership with Goldwell, and the brand and company always held a special place in his heart – not least because he was with Goldwell when he scooped his prized BHA crown. On his appointment, Mark commented: “I’m very fortunate to have had the support and backing of some of the world’s most distinguished brands over the years and as most people will know, Goldwell is a name that is and has always been very close to my heart. Coming ‘home’ to Kao and Goldwell this year, as I mark four decades, feels like a very poignant move. The business has been there through some of my greatest triumphs, and I look forward to collaborating with the Kao and Goldwell family again as I embark on my next chapter.”
After 40 years, Mark is undeniably still at the top of his game. And there are no signs of easing off. When asked what’s next, he declares it’s about developing the team around him, nurturing the talent under his roof and to keep pushing artistic boundaries.
“Creatively, we are always turning the wheel,” says Mark. “We’re always looking forward and we’ve continually got an eye out for the next big thing. I’d love to be crowned British Hairdresser of the Year again, and I want to carry on creating beautiful imagery that inspires other hairdressers and leaves our very own piece of history.”
For more information about Goldwell products, services, business support and how to join its incredible salon community, visit goldwell.co.uk and follow @goldwelluki.
