Hero Products and Emerging Hair Trends: Meet the Doyen of Dye Jobs, Colourist Josh Wood

Hero Products and Emerging Hair Trends: Meet the Doyen of Dye Jobs, Colourist Josh Wood

We caught up with expert colourist Josh Wood at his Holland Park salon to talk school haircuts, holiday essentials and synaesthetic tendencies.



Holiday
haircare is a nightmare. Scratch that, all hair-related
maintenance has the potential to be a torment – the
climate-shifting nature of a holiday merely escalates matters of
the scalp.

Our hair (both at home and abroad) can have a mind of its own –
cut to us pleading with our frizzed-out mane to chill the F out for
one solitary minute. Yet with a mastermind of hair to advise and
guide us through, it seems there’s really nothing to split hairs
over after all.

Meeting at esteemed colourist, Josh Wood’s atelier in Holland
Park, we cut (sorry) straight to it and got schooled by the doyen
of dye jobs on how to keep our tresses in tip-top shape.

While (hair) flipping from tresses to trips, it was revealed
that travelling light was something of a learning curve for the
coiffeur – although he’s become pretty accustomed to compact
packing now. Scroll on to discover what’s in his suitcase…

Where are you from and how has your background shaped you?

I’m from Barnsley, South Yorkshire. I think a working-class
mentality was drilled into me there.

Your career started with a Saturday job at a local salon. What
did that experience teach you?

Expect the unexpected! I worked really hard in that role and was
told at the end of the one-year scheme that they didn’t think
hairdressing was for me and I was booted out.

What is your first hair-related memory?

Wow, that is a hard one. It could have been when I was suspended
from school for having a lopsided bob in the mid-80s. It was very
The Human League.


Why did you choose Holland Park to base your atelier?

It was down to the fact we found an incredible building. It’s
like a TARDIS! It looks average size from the outside and is huge
on the inside. Plus I live around the corner; it’s an easy
commute.

What are the key things you assess during a consultation?

I think it’s the openness to change. I can access quite quickly
if someone is ready to embrace a new image and, if not, I’m more
than happy to work with them to slowly evolve their look – but I do
love a good colour makeover (or makeunder, for that matter).

Haircare products everyone should invest in…

Always a hair mask. Without deep hydration on coloured hair
you’re fighting a losing battle.

Advice on communicating better with your colourist…

Always take images, it starts a visual dialogue with your
colourist. Also, be realistic about what your hair can take and how
much maintenance you’re willing to put in.

Hero products from your home care colour range…

I’m proud of our Gloss products. They condition while adding a
little fresh colour.

Emerging hair trends to note…

At the AW20 Louis Vuitton menswear show in Paris we created a
new technique called Shore Lights – a colour result that looked
like it had been created by long-term sun exposure.

What prep is required when compiling looks for fashion
week?

We never stop referencing – it’s a constant part of mine and the
teams work. We compile look books for almost every client or job we
do.

You’ve stated that you “hear in colour” and “think in colour”.
Do you experience synesthesia?

I have to say I’ve never heard of it but it sounds like
something I could have! Everything I do has a colour attached to
it.


Where does your inspiration come from?

I’m so lucky that I work with some of the most creative people
in the world – they are a constant source of inspiration. I also
try to visit one gallery or museum once a week; I love contemporary
art.

Does travel influence your work?

I travel continuously; without that source of culture my job
would be virtually impossible.

Most impressive place you’ve ever travelled to in the name of
beauty…

That’s such a hard one, but recently I was in Tokyo
and there is an aesthetic there that you only find in Japan. My
go-to place for a shock of culture has to be India – I visit at
least once a year.

Where’s your next adventure?

Either the Philippines or Thailand as I have a client to look
after there, then on to Paris
and New
York
.

What are your best care tips for our tresses after days spent
in the sun, by the pool etc.?

Use a good SPF in your hair, especially if you’re blonde, and a
gentle shampoo. I always advise my clients to use a mask as a
conditioner for extra hydration and strength.

Haircare quick fixes you swear by…

Comb conditioner through the hair and add a cold final rinse to
leave the scalp clean and promote shine.

If there was one destination you could go back to immediately
it would be…

India, but I also love working in New York – I always get
excited when I first see the skyline.

What do you think makes a good hotel?

Impeccable service and a can-do attitude will make any guest
feel like they’re at home.

You’re Britain’s leading colourist, so we’re eager to know:
what are the most colourful places you’ve ever visited?

Mexico
City
, Tamil Nadu, Siem Reap, Miami,
Udaipur.

You trained to be a hairdresser at Vidal Sassoon in Leeds. Tell
us about some of your favourite spots in the city.

Wow that really is a lifetime ago, but I loved the nightclub The
Warehouse; that’s where I could be found most weekends.


One piece of travel advice…

Pack well. Ahead of a trip, I get everything out that I think
I’ll need and then edit heavily. Travelling light has been a
learning curve for me.

Podcasts to download for our flight…

I’m always so busy catching up on music, podcasts come
second.

What are you reading at the moment? What’s next on your reading
list?

Right now: Swan Song by Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott. Next up:
Modernists and Mavericks: Bacon, Freud, Hockney and the London
Painters by Martin Gayford

Haircare essentials for jetsetters…

A good bristle brush and a detangling spray in case there isn’t
a good conditioner in the hotel.

What would you do to improve airports?

Less processing, more clean air and much more fresh, organic
food options.

What’s your take on souvenirs?

I’m not big on them myself, but I’ve got pretty good at hunting
down an obscure fridge magnet!

And finally, what’s in your SUITCASE?

Exercise clothes, comfortable travel wear and at least one
extravagant look for work.

Josh Wood’s Pocket Guide to Notting Hill

STAY: The Laslett

EAT: Gold

DRINK: The Electric Diner

SHOP: Matches Fashion and Couverture & The Garbstore

DO: Wander around the Portobello Market early
on a Friday morning before breakfast at Golborne Deli.

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