Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke

Эпизоды

• 
  Forwards and Lovewards: Michael Douglas on Life, Hair & Happiness 21.08.2026 29мин

  In part two of Michael Douglas' conversation with Michael Van Clarke, the discussion moves beyond hairdressing into the people, experiences and mindset that have shaped Michael's career. From working with celebrity clients including Davina McCall, Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Bush, to life behind the scenes in television, fashion and film, Michael shares the stories that defined his journey and why he never followed the traditional salon owner path. The conversation also explor...
• 
  From Salon to Lifestyle Brand: Ken Picton's Next Chapter 14.08.2026 19мин

  In the final part of Michael Van Clarke's conversation with award-winning salon owner and entrepreneur Ken Picton, the focus shifts from hairdressing to business innovation and building a brand that extends far beyond the salon. Ken shares how a passion for food, wine and hospitality inspired him to transform his business with the addition of an award-worthy restaurant, delicatessen and bar, creating a unique customer experience unlike anything else in the industry. He explains why some of hi...
• 
  Michael Douglas: From TV Hairdresser to Entrepreneur 07.08.2026 31мин

  From winning a UK breakdancing championship to becoming one of Britain's best known TV hairdressers, entrepreneur and educator, Michael Douglas has built a career that's anything but ordinary. In this episode of Heads Together, he joins Michael Van Clarke to share the stories, decisions and setbacks that shaped his journey through the hair industry. Michael reflects on his early days in hairdressing, how teaching led him into television, and why he believed hair deserved the same mainstream a...
• 
  Ken Picton: From £1,000 to One of Britain's Top Salons 31.07.2026 29мин

  Award-winning hairdresser, educator and salon owner Ken Picton joins Michael Van Clarke to share the remarkable story behind building one of the UK's most respected salon businesses. From discovering hairdressing as a teenager after a life-changing first haircut, to opening his own salon at just 21 using an unconventional funding strategy, Ken reflects on the ambition, determination and calculated risks that shaped his career. He opens up about the realities of growing a business through rece...
• 
  Sean Hanna: The Truth About Running a Salon Business for 50 Years 24.07.2026 24мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back salon entrepreneur Sean Hanna for an honest conversation about building a hairdressing business over five decades. Sean shares how he went from aspiring airline pilot to salon owner, the risks he took opening his first salon, and the lessons learned from growing a successful multi salon group. He also reveals the story behind Skyler London, his ambitious attempt to reinvent the salon experience, why it ultimately didn't succe...
• 
  The Gandalf of Hairdressing: Simon Bryer on Career, Clients & Growth 17.07.2026 21мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back long time colleague and friend Simon Bryer for a candid conversation about longevity, mentorship and what it takes to build a successful career in hairdressing. After more than 35 years working together, Simon reflects on the importance of client relationships, developing the next generation of stylists, and why great hairdressing is about far more than technical skill alone. The conversation explores salon culture, education...
• 
  Sean Hanna: The Truth About Building Wealth and a Salon Business 10.07.2026 22мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with salon entrepreneur and industry leader Sean Hanna to explore 50 years of change in the hairdressing industry. From starting out during the aftermath of the Sassoon revolution to building a successful multi salon business, Sean shares the lessons, mistakes and turning points that shaped his career. Together, they discuss salon growth, leadership, wealth creation, financial management, business expansion, property investment a...
• 
  Simon Bryer: When Clients Smoked in the Salon. Hairdressing Then vs Now 03.07.2026 20мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with veteran hairdresser Simon Bryer to explore a career that has spanned nearly five decades in the hair industry. Simon shares how he rebelled against expectations to become a hairdresser in the late 1970s, the reality behind the industry's glamorous reputation, and his journey from apprentice in the North of England to international educator, creative director and global ambassador. Together they reflect on the golden era of h...
• 
  Toby Dicker: How to Build a Salon That Lasts 26.06.2026 26мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke welcomes back Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons and founder of the Save Our Salons campaign. Toby returns for a candid conversation about leadership, salon growth, industry advocacy and the realities of running a modern salon business. From developing future leaders and building strong teams to challenging government policy and fighting for a fairer future for salon owners, Toby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three...
• 
  Jayne Lewis Orr: The Future of Hairdressing, Business and Talent 19.06.2026 23мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, hosted by Michael Van Clarke, we welcome back Jayne Lewis Orr for a fascinating conversation about her extraordinary career in hairdressing. From her early days in beauty publishing to becoming the driving force behind the British Hairdressing Awards for nearly three decades, Jayne shares the stories, challenges and unforgettable moments that helped shape one of the industry's most celebrated events. Together, Michael and Jayne discuss the people working beh...
• 
  Toby Dicker: Are Salons Being Taxed Out of Existence? 12.06.2026 26мин

  In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke sits down with Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons and one of the hair industry's most outspoken advocates. From building a five salon business over nearly three decades to leading national conversations around taxation, apprenticeships and the future of the high street, Toby shares his candid views on the challenges facing salon owners today. Together, Michael and Toby explore why hairdressers remain undervalued, the impact of g...
• 
  Jayne Lewis Orr: Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go 04.06.2026 19мин

  Welcome to Season Two of Heads Together. Hosted by renowned hairdresser, entrepreneur and industry pioneer Michael Van Clarke. In episode one, Jane Lewis Orr shares her journey through the hairdressing industry, the excitement and challenges of organising the British Hairdressing Awards, and her personal life balancing family, passion, and new beginnings. Jane Lewis Orr shares her journey from editing a beauty magazine to leading the iconic British Hairdressing Awards. It’s a story filled wit...
• 
  Season Finale: Sophia Loren, Margaritas and Tight Leather Trousers. 10.10.2025 21мин

  In this episode, Nicky Clarke and Michael Van Clarke swap stories of leather trousers, Harleys, Savile Row suits, and why Nicky once introduced Dress Up Friday in his salon. From Penélope Cruz answering the door in a towel to a mistaken invitation for Michael to dance at Sadler’s Wells, the brothers trace how style, image, and identity shaped their careers both inside and outside the salon. They also share the story behind Michael adopting “Van” into his name, reflect on their family’s Greek ...
• 
  The Mayfair Years: Life at John Frieda’s First Salon 03.10.2025 24мин

  In this episode, Nicky Clarke and Michael Van Clarke take a trip back to the salon floor of the 70s and 80s, when hairdressing was brimming with glamour, creativity, and spontaneity. From John Frieda’s Mayfair townhouse buzzing with celebrities to test shoots that ended up as front covers, they recall a time when saying yes opened doors to extraordinary opportunities. The pair also explore how the salon has always been more than just a place to cut hair, it’s theatre, it’s community, and it’s...
• 
  The LLP Model: The Modern Way to Run a Salon 26.09.2025 22мин

  In this episode, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back Mitchell Scott to explore the unique LLP partnership model that underpins the salon’s success. They discuss why hairdressing should be treated like other professions — law, medicine, architecture, and how the LLP structure gives stylists a genuine sense of ownership without the risks of traditional business models. From sharing profits and responsibilities, to building a culture where every client feels like everyone’s client, the system has c...
• 
  Episode Title: Rivalry, Leather Trousers and £5,000 haircuts. 19.09.2025 13мин

  In this episode, Michael Van Clarke and Nicky Clarke sit down to explore the myths, tensions, and truths behind their parallel journeys through British hairdressing. They revisit moments of supposed rivalry, from Nicky’s dramatic leap into salon ownership in the depths of recession, to Michael’s reflections on what it meant to build his own business against the backdrop of John Frieda. The pair debate the fine line between admiration and competition, the pressure of being seen as “the most ex...
• 
  The Hard Truth About Starting a Business with Mitchell Scott 12.09.2025 20мин

  In this episode, Michael Van Clarke sits down with principal stylist Mitchell Scott to reflect on what it really takes to open and run a salon. Michael looks back at being 27 and leaving behind a successful career at John Frieda’s flagship salon to start up his own salon, without quite realising the stress and sacrifice that would shape his first decade in business. From clashing over cancellation policies and the changing client experience of the 70s and 80s, to navigating million-pound inve...
• 
  The Truth Behind the British Hairdressing Awards 05.09.2025 16мин

  In this episode, Michael Van Clarke and Nicky Clarke revisit the highs, controversies, and changing culture of the British Hairdressing Awards. They explore the rise of digital retouching, the spiralling costs of competition (tens of thousands for just four pictures), and why at times, simply being nominated felt like enough. From behind-the-scenes stories of shoots, to debates about what judges really value, to the contrast between creative image awards and business accolades, they reveal wh...
• 
  Green Lotion, Pink Wax and Starting Salons From Scratch 29.08.2025 26мин

  In this episode, Michael Van Clarke and Nicky Clarke revisit the turbulent mid-1980s. A time of creative breakthroughs, tense negotiations, and bold decisions. They discuss the rise of salon product innovation, from the accidental birth of “green lotion” to reworking American waxes for European hair, and the beginnings of the silicon revolution in haircare. Alongside stories of contracts and turning down impossible deals, Michael shares the story of walking away from stagnation, finding an un...
• 
  Gen Z, Work Ethic & Finding the Right People 22.08.2025 13мин

  In this episode, Michael Van Clarke is joined once again by principal stylist Mitchell Scott for a frank conversation about generational attitudes in hairdressing. From the stereotype of Gen Z being “too flaky” or “too entitled” to the realities of training, recruitment, and running a salon, they explore what it really takes to find, and keep, great people. They discuss the role of upbringing, the importance of structure and discipline, and why being “too nice” as a leader can backfire. With ...