Before red carpets and A-list clients, Lee Jensen was a student athlete with plans to become a therapist. After one year, he left school, unsure of his direction but sure of his interest in connection. With a sister who owned one of the most successful salons in the DC area, hair was always nearby, even if it wasn’t the obvious choice. At his sister’s encouragement, he enrolled in hair school the very next Monday. A shot in the dark that changed everything.
Learning the Hard Way
Lee trained at Graham Webb and later completed hours in the Sassoon master program. His early knowledge was limited, but opportunities followed quickly. He turned down an offer in London for Los Angeles, choosing risk over comfort. Once he entered the real world, he faced a pivotal reality check that revealed how much he still had to learn.
An encounter by chance with an introduction to Jonathan Antin’s assistant from Blowout, creating a door opening opportunity to work for him before his doors closed. He was later picked up by a premier hair dresser. He combined unpaid celebrity work with salon floor experience, prioritizing patience and longevity over fast success.
From Salon Floor to Celebrity Clients
Another turning point came when a celebrity colorist took him under their wing and began sending clients his way. Referrals grew organically, built on trust rather than hype.
His philosophy is simple: never compare yourself, but outdo yourself. He believes connection matters more than technique, which is why he calls himself a therapist first and a hairdresser second. In 60 to 90 minutes, his goal is to make someone feel confident, cared for, and seen. With over 3,100 clients a year, that approach is evidently working.
Working with celebrities quickly shattered any illusion of perfection. They’re human, just like everyone else. His first solo celebrity client was Diane Keaton, whose calm presence made the experience effortless. That moment reinforced his belief that authenticity attracts authenticity.
Some relationships grow over years. He began working with Olivia Jade when she was 16, watching her evolve into someone bold, confident, and unafraid to push the envelope. His longtime relationship with Chrissy Teigen started as styling sessions and turned into genuine friendship. One of his favorite moments came in 2013, when they went big, bold, and elegant for a red carpet look that drew major attention.
Philosophies, Tools, and Teams
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hair. His work is grounded in shapes, ratios, and intuition, much like therapy. He believes less is more. He’s not tied to any one tool or formula. Whether it’s a specific curling iron or a trend, he believes great hair comes from his expertise, not the reliance on a single “must-have” product or technique.
Team dynamics matter just as much. Whether on award shows, live TV, or reality programs, clarity and motivation are crucial. When everyone understands the vision, there’s a clear path to follow.
Also, men’s hair deserves just as much attention as women’s, and Lee’s on a mission to make that happen. He is building tools and technology specifically for men, proving that great hair can be for everybody.
This career isn’t about fame or flawless hair, it’s about connection. Hair is the tool, but people are the priority. Whether it’s a first-time celebrity client or a longtime friend, the goal is simple: help everyone feel like the best version of themselves. A little confidence, and some extra love, can make all the difference.
