20 questions with mark leeson
Published
16th Apr 2008
by sophieh
Name: Mark LeesonAge: 39Salon: Mark Leeson Hair Body & MindCareer History: Over 20 years ago Mark began his hairdressing career aged 16 by entering a competition where he had to create an image that was representative of the year 2000. At the time this seemed like a lifetime away but Mark went on to win the competition and from that moment on was hooked on hairdressing. Mark's talent, passion and hard work has won him an endless list of competitions and awards. Winning Eastern Hairdresser of the Year three times at the British Hairdressing awards has provided him with a place amongst hairdressing's elite in the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame. 2007 saw Mark being crowned the King of Colour as he was awarded Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year. Along with this success, Mark has built up a hugely successful salon, so luxurious that it rivals paradise itself.What is your biggest achievement?My biggest achievement is winning Eastern Hairdresser of the Year for three consecutive years and being inducted into the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame.If you weren't a hairdresser what would you be?I'd definitely be a fashion designerHow would your clients describe you?Passionate, creative, sensitive and professional.Which one style do you wish you had created?I think from a commercial point of view then "the Jennifer cut" will always be a milestone.Who is your style icon? I love Vivienne Westwood and Tom Ford.Who is your hairdressing idol?I think it would be Antoinette Beenders or Trevor SorbieWhich hairdresser would you most like to work with (past or present)? Love to work with Guido or Eugene Souleiman for session work and then Vidal Sassoon - well because he's Vidal!Who cuts your hair?Any one of my team.Favourite part of the job?I am both a colourist and a stylist and I also do session work so I am never bored!Who is your most famous client past or present?I would never divulge my celebrity clientele as I would be in breach of my contract with them but I have got some very interesting celebrity clients indeed!Last time you were lost for words?When I heard my little niece put a sentence together for the first tim e- I don't get to see her that often and was amazed with her speech!Which one product couldn't you live without?Goldwell's Diamond Gloss SprayIs there anything about the industry that makes you mad?People not giving the industry the true respect that it deserves.What's the biggest gaffe you've made in your career?Not moving to London twenty years ago.What's the best career advice you've ever been given?That you should always absorb and listen to everything your told - then disregard the rubbish.Last time you were star-struck?Meeting Beyonce Knowles!Time you were most proud to be in hairdressing?When one of my team members qualifies and does their first client and sees them leave feeling happy. All the hard work is definitely worth it.What celebrity haircut do you wish had never caught on?The Posh bob! Great look but when 80% of your clientele want it then it does get a little monotonous.What haircut would you love to make a come-back and how would you re-invent it for the noughties?I think as hairdressing is always revolving, most haircuts eventually come back round. The revival of the bob has been great and I love re-inventing it by adding loads of texture and curl. don't think there are any iconic cuts that haven't made a come back to re-invent again! The 80s perm has been trying to make a comeback for years now but will it ever get there!?Sleek and shiny or messy bed hair?Always sleek and shiny.Click below for 20 more questions with the world's top hairdressers:
