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
The Mayfair Years: Life at John Frieda’s First Salon
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 about how clients feel as much as how they look. They share why personality matters as much as technical skill, how ambiance can transform a visit into an event, and why salons that embrace warmth, performance, and a sense of occasion keep clients coming back for decades.
Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke
Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal
CREDITS
Producer: Ben Lifton
Editor: Big Little Content
Sound Engineer: TYX Studios