S5, Ep10 – In conversation with Luke Hersheson
9 December 2024
In our final episode of season five, we are thrilled to have an exclusive conversation with a renowned industry great who needs no introduction.
With a lifelong love of all things hair from the age of 4, mention the name Hershesons, and it’s immediately recognised as the go-to aspirational brand right across the globe.
Join Dr Reena in conversation with Luke Hersheson himself, where they throw it back to talk about those early years of starting out, right through to working on international shoots and with the biggest fashion designers in the game.
Join the conversation now, discovering if there is such a thing as a ‘typical working week’, life goals still on the agenda, items Luke can’t live without, and the mindset of ‘so-called limits are merely limitless possibilities’.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Luke grew up in the salon environment, describing it as “weirdly his favourite thing to do.” His dad was the founder of the business, and from an early age, Luke had always wanted to be part of this world — drawn to the unique vibe and atmosphere that salons on Kings Road and Sloane Street offered. These locations were buzzing with different tribes and youthful energy, shaping his passion and understanding of the industry from the ground up.
As he grew older, Luke began building his own client book from a young age, learning the craft alongside his dad and gradually expanding his responsibilities within the company. Today, he wears many hats: he is the CEO of the business, dedicates a few afternoons each week to cutting hair in the actual salon, and balances this with a thriving career in session work, styling hair for high-profile red carpet events and international photoshoots.
Despite the pressure and stress, Luke thrives on the juggle of multiple roles. He believes this dynamic mix is vital to keeping the brand fresh and constantly evolving, ensuring it stays relevant in a competitive market.
With Luke’s styling regularly featured at global celebrity events and top international magazines, he explains his guiding philosophy behind the phrase “so-called limits are merely limitless possibilities.” He has demonstrated an ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and is passionate about breaking rules and pushing boundaries — for him, there is no such thing as “can’t.”
Throughout his career, Luke has collaborated with a wide range of famous faces and experienced several pivotal moments. One of his most significant early breaks came at just 21 years old, when he connected with a powerful photographic agent representing leading global photographers, which led to booking major jobs. However, Luke reflects that many of these defining moments only reveal their true importance in hindsight, rather than being consciously identified at the time they occur.
Drive and ambition are central to Luke’s outlook. He is committed to championing the hair industry’s status and respect, aiming to elevate it to the same level as celebrated fashion brands. A major focus is scaling his brand and expanding salon locations, alongside thoughtful product growth. In a market saturated with countless products, their brand stands out by bringing simplicity back — cutting through the noise with clarity and focus.
While Luke often begins his week with a typical plan in mind, he acknowledges that this rarely goes as expected — especially when red carpet events or photoshoots come up at short notice, shaking up the schedule and keeping things exciting.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Believe in Possibility: There is no such thing as can’t.
Be Fearless: Don’t be intimidated – smash rules and boundaries if they give you results.
Reimagine Limits: ‘So-called limits are merely limitless possibilities’.
Embrace Simplicity: Simplicity is key in a saturated industry.
Make an Impact: Do what you can to really make a difference.
You might also like
Previous episodes
S4, Ep4 – In conversation with Asif Syed
In this episode of Life & Smile, Dr Reena wanted to link a little closer to home towards the world of dentistry, an industry of course where business clearly remains at the forefront. In this episode we are joined in conversation with Asif Syed, a dentist turned full-time business consultant based in London.
S2, Ep4 – In conversation with Amy Dowden
On this episode we really wanted to direct the Life & Smile conversation to health, lifestyle, entertainment and what it truly takes to turn this into a successful career.
