Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke
Welcome to Heads Together, the podcast hosted by renowned hairdresser and entrepreneur Michael Van Clarke.
In Series One, Michael sits down with his brother, the legendary Nicky Clarke, for a candid and often hilarious journey through their extraordinary careers. Together, they share untold stories from decades at the forefront of British hairdressing, reflecting on fame, family, business, creativity and the moments that shaped two of the industry's most recognisable names.
In Series Two, Michael takes the conversation even further, welcoming the leaders, innovators and influential voices who have helped shape the modern hair industry. From award winning hairdressers and salon owners to educators, campaigners, entrepreneurs and industry icons, each episode explores the stories, challenges and lessons behind some of the biggest names in hairdressing.
Whether you're a hairdresser, salon owner, aspiring entrepreneur or simply fascinated by the people behind the profession, Heads Together offers inspiration, wisdom and stories you won't hear anywhere else.
Episodes
15 episodes
Toby Dicker: Are Salons Being Taxed Out of Existence?
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 sa...
.png)
Jayne Lewis Orr: Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go
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 challen...
.png)
Season Finale: Sophia Loren, Margaritas and Tight Leather Trousers.
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 mistake...
The Mayfair Years: Life at John Frieda’s First Salon
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...
The LLP Model: The Modern Way to Run a Salon
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, archi...
Episode Title: Rivalry, Leather Trousers and £5,000 haircuts.
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 int...
The Hard Truth About Starting a Business with Mitchell Scott
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 salo...
The Truth Behind the British Hairdressing Awards
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 thou...
Green Lotion, Pink Wax and Starting Salons From Scratch
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 o...
Gen Z, Work Ethic & Finding the Right People
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 re...
Behind the Scenes of Royal Hairdressing
In this episode, Nicky Clarke and Michael Van Clarke sit down to trade stories from decades of styling some of the world’s most recognisable heads of hair. They recall the first time they worked at the royal residences, tiara fittings before st...
The Diamond Dry Cut & Iconic Haircuts
In this episode, Michael Van Clarke and Nicky Clarke discuss Michael’s signature diamond dry cut technique and share their thoughts on why the industry has increasingly shifted towards faster and faster haircuts. Together, they question where h...
Sibling Rivalry, Salon Dreams & Missed Chances
In this candid episode of Heads Together, brothers Nicky Clarke and Michael Van Clarke dive into their real-life sibling rivalry and how it shaped their careers in British hairdressing.They discuss creative differences, missed business o...
Trolls, TikTok & The True Art of Hair
In this episode, Michael Van Clarke is joined by principal stylist and long-time collaborator Mitchell Scott for a frank and fascinating conversation. Together, they unpack the philosophy behind truly mastering hairdressing — and discuss the vi...
Michael Van Clarke & Nicky Clarke: How It All Began
In this very first episode, Michael Van Clarke and Nicky Clarke look back on the early years that led them into entrepreneurship, business and hairdressing. From strict school uniforms and family expectations to the allure of...