Lee Nash-Jones and Rob White launched Nashwhite in 2010 with a promise they continue to live by: honesty, kindness, transparency and simplicity. Today, they lead a collective of creative, like-minded people working together to do the very best not just in hair but also for the community around them. Over the years they’ve nurtured some outstanding young talent, winning multiple awards along the way.

How did you get into hairdressing?
 Lee:  Trying to decide on a career after leaving school was an overwhelming process. For me, it was trial and error. After being inspired by a hairdressing programme on TV I was intrigued to find out more. From the moment I stepped into the salon, I knew I belonged. The atmosphere, the friendliness of the team and the creativity all around got me hooked.

Where did you train?
 Rob:  I did an apprenticeship with Toni&Guy and would highly recommend this route. You learn so much from your colleagues, and you get paid to be educated. It’s hard when you first start out as there’s so much to learn but the buzz of the salon keeps you going through your training.

What did you get out of those early years?
 Lee:  I learned far more than just hair. My apprenticeship helped me build confidence with people, how to develop an identity and find out who I wanted to be. Hairdressing teaches you discipline, good strong morals and the value of people.


Describe your role now
 Rob:  It’s extremely wide and varied. I am a mentor, a creative director and an entrepreneur. Not to mention a graphic designer, video editor, interior architect, and many more skills I have had to learn along the way. I still run a column of clients, which takes the majority of my week up as I still enjoy that side of my career.

 Lee:  One day, I’ll be looking after my lovely clients, the next I’ll be creating content or mentoring the team. We design our interiors, we create and manage our online platforms and we are always thinking of new ways to grow. Hairdressing has given me a role that keeps me excited each and every day.

‘Sell’ hairdressing to a 16-year-old considering their options
 Rob:  
If you want to wake up and feel that sense of dread on a Monday morning that another week of work is ahead of you, then hairdressing is not for you. If you hate the idea of travel, fashion, excitement, and making people feel amazing about themselves, then hairdressing is not for you.

However, if you want to feel like you never work another day again, want to be surrounded by creatives that support each other, have opportunities to travel and be involved with fashion shows and celebrity hair, then maybe it could be the career for you!

 @nashwhite 


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