Jack howard talks career journey and highlights

The BlondMe ambassador and balayage connoisseur reveals how he juggles multiple projects at once...

What was your route into hair?

I started out as a Saturday boy when I was 14. I moved onto shampooing and neutralising perms before I started working full time at the age of 16. I had so much fun working with such interesting people and I learned a lot in those early years.

Can you tell us about your present role?

I am the director of my own business Jack Howard and when I’m in London I’m based at Paul Edmonds where I look after clients. It’s a collaboration that works very well as it gives me a fantastic London base in an amazing salon. For the past eight years I’ve also run my own education courses in the UK under my own banner. As well as courses, I offer online videos and tutorials on my website. I love education and working with commercial hairdressers to help people work faster and smarter. I’ve been working on a new collaboration with Denman for the past 18 months which launches this summer. I’m also the global BlondMe ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional. This involves lots of travel and teaching, which is what I love. My first launch with them was my 14 pieces technique back in February which was introduced to the global team. I’ve finally started a podcast too!

What are the pros and cons of your role?

I love what I do and it has been one hell of a ride. The pros are having my own platform to speak about the professional difference and talking to hairdressers worldwide who work hard behind the chair. For this role, time management is key. I believe I need to stop and enjoy the moment as I’m always super busy. This industry is really fantastic and has so many opportunities but it’s physically hard work. Nothing comes to those who are complacent, and I believe you need to make it happen.

What are your tips for building a name in the industry?

Get involved with as much as you can and meet people to get your name out there. Social media has really helped me and my following has increased with the processing pictures I upload. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Ac274F6Or/ Connect with hairdressers and potential clients via social media as this helps to get your name out to the public. Find your point of difference as this will help people to understand you. Work with a great PR as you want someone who really gets you and can communicate your message to a wider audience.

What challenges have you faced in your career so far?

At the start of my career a lot of people in the UK didn’t really catch on to balayage but I didn’t let it bother me. I’m glad I didn’t because balayage is huge now. There have been a few mishaps along the way with brands that didn’t want to work with me but in these moments, you find your light, dust yourself down and get on with it. I don’t like the word no so I try to look for solutions and always surround myself with positive people.

What are your tips for someone that aspires to have a career like yours?

Get up, get on with it and never say no to a meeting. Nothing comes easily and rarely overnight so stay true to who you are and what you and your brand represent.

What’s your styling philosophy?

For hair I’d like to say fresh, modern, commercial and expensive. For me, I just want to look relevant.

What are your favourite accounts to follow on Instagram?

Color Palette Cinema shows how colour impacts film and feelings, Anh Co Tran is so successful and it’s pure commercial bliss. Finally, CelebFace is fascinating and shows how people photoshop their images – it’s really quite sad what they showcase.

What is your signature look?

Beautiful and commercial hair colour. My signature look is natural colour that enhances the beauty of the wearer.