Born in Carshalton, Surrey. He left school at the age of 15.[2] Russell began hairdressing after a back injury ended his ambition to become a footballer.[3] He trained in south London, later joining the Leonard of Mayfair salon in 1964, where he adopted Leonard Lewis's approach that hairstyles should reflect an individual's personality.[3]
In 1965, Russell gave Anna Wintour, then aged 15, a short bob with a heavy fringe, which she maintained throughout her life.[3] He also styled Cathy McGowan, presenter of the TV program Ready Steady Go!, who was his partner at the time.[3]
In 1969, Russell and Keith Wainwright opened the Smile salon in Knightsbridge.[3] Smile was among London's first unisex salons, where he styled Cilla Black, Michael Parkinson, Janet Street-Porter, Barbara Hulanicki, Elton John, and Bryan Ferry. The salon later relocated to the King's Road near Vivienne Westwood's shop.[3]
Russell married model Janet Tillett in 1970; they had two daughters.[3] Following the end of their marriage, he lived above the Smile salon.[3] Later in life, he experienced cluster headaches and became interested in Buddhism.[3] He continued hairdressing after the closure of Smile in 2014, working from a smaller salon. Russell died at age 79 from lung cancer.[3]