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.
Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke
Green Lotion, Pink Wax and Starting Salons From Scratch
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 unloved Marylebone backstreet building, and through some complicated property manoeuvres securing the whole thing as his own.
With stories of odd tenants, financial juggling, and the unexpected help of his foreman father, this is an honest look at the reality of leaving the safety of a thriving career to create something new, without quite knowing what you’re walking into.
Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke
Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkeuk
CREDITS
Producer: Ben Lifton
Editor: Big Little Content
Sound Engineer: TYX Studios