The Rise of a Hair Icon: Nicky Clarke

Born on June 17, 1958, Nicky Clarke came into the world with little fanfare in a modest council flat in South London. Over time, a modest upbringing, a curious eye for style, and relentless ambition would see him transform into one of the most celebrated and influential hairdressers of his generation — with a fortune, reputation, and legacy worthy of a biography.

From Council Flat to Cutting Room: Clarke’s Early Spark

Clarke’s fascination with hair began early. As a teenager, he practiced cutting and styling the hair of friends and classmates.  At the age of 16, he took a leap: he started training at the prestigious salon House of Leonard — an institution then known for grooming some of the most fashionable heads in the UK. 

Just a year later, at 17, Clarke landed his first shoot for Vogue magazine — a rare achievement for someone so young and inexperienced. That early exposure to high fashion gave Clarke an edge: he wasn’t just trained in salon cuts, but also learned how hair could be art, a mood, a statement — a perspective that would define his career.

Building a Legacy: From Salon Apprentice to Style Visionary

After several years working alongside established names like John Frieda, Clarke decided to build something of his own. In December 1991, he launched his first eponymous salon in the affluent Mayfair district of London. 

What began with a modest £20,000 loan (in partnership with his then girlfriend, Lesley) quickly turned into a landmark of style and luxury. The salon wasn't just any hair-place — it became a sanctuary for the elite, a hub for fashion, film, music and royalty. 

Over the decades, Clarke’s clientele became a roster of legends: supermodels, rock stars, movie icons, and even members of royalty. His reputation as “the hairdresser to the stars” was cemented — and with it, his influence on beauty trends worldwide.

More Than Scissors: Business, Innovation & Expansion

Clarke didn’t rest on salon success alone. Recognizing a gap in the market — high-quality professional haircare made accessible — he launched a haircare and hair tools brand under his name. 

In 2023, he expanded further by introducing the AirStyle PRO, an infrared and ionic dryer-styler, targeting professional stylists in the U.S. market. This move marked a significant shift: from salon-based services to global retail, widening his reach far beyond London’s Mayfair.

His work didn’t go unnoticed. In 2008, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) — a formal recognition of his decades of contribution to the hair-styling industry.

Wealth, Worth & Influence: What’s Nicky Clarke’s Net Worth?

According to publicly available estimates, Clarke’s net worth stands at around US$10 million. 

This financial standing reflects diversified income streams: his high-end salons, celebrity clientele, retail haircare and styling tools, as well as media appearances and brand licensing deals. 

In an industry where many stylists remain local, Clarke’s ability to transform personal artistry into a scalable, global brand speaks to his business acumen — and explains how he built and preserved his wealth over decades.

Private Life, Public Confidence: Relationships and Personal Journey

Clarke’s personal journey has had as many peaks and valleys as his career. He was once in a long-term relationship with Lesley (sometimes named Lesley Gale), with whom he opened his first salon; they had two children together.  The couple parted ways in 1997 after Clarke admitted to having an affair — yet, impressively, they maintained a professional partnership, continuing to run the business together. 

In 2021, Clarke married long-time partner Kelly Simpkin, a stylist he had met in 2010 while she was working for him.  Together they have two children. 

Beyond relationships and riches, Clarke’s story has moments of vulnerability — including a chapter in the 1980s when he battled heroin addiction, a period he has spoken about candidly, calling it “his biggest regret.”  These admissions offer a rare glimpse of resilience and redemption behind the glamour.

A Birthday Built on Vision: What June 17 Represents

Nicky Clarke’s birthdate — June 17 — marks not just the beginning of his life, but the start of a journey that would reshape global hairstyling. Growing from a young boy cutting hair for friends, to a global brand founder and style icon, Clarke’s story is a testament to the power of passion, discipline, and reinvention.

His birthday serves as a quiet reminder that greatness often begins in humble places — and that talent, when nurtured by grit and vision, can transform even the most ordinary beginnings into extraordinary legacies.

Why Nicky Clarke’s Story Matters Today

In a world flooded with trends, fleeting influencers, and Instagram-driven style, Clarke stands out as a paragon of craftsmanship, consistency, and longevity. He built more than a salon: he built a brand, an aesthetic language, a professional standard — and created a path for future generations of stylists to follow.

For anyone who cares about beauty, entrepreneurship, or reinvention — Clarke’s journey offers more than just celebrity; it offers inspiration.