Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke

Michael Van Clarke LLP | Big Little Content
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  • Entrepreneurship

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.

  1. Toby Dicker: Are Salons Being Taxed Out of Existence?

    3d ago

    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 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 government policy on the industry, the realities of growing a successful salon business, and what the perfect salon of the future could look like. This is a thought provoking conversation about leadership, business, community and why human connection remains the greatest asset hairdressing has to offer. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    27 min
  2. Jayne Lewis Orr: Leadership, Legacy & Letting Go

    Jun 4

    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 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 with passion, challenges, and unforgettable moments that shaped the industry. Running events for over 28 years, Jane reflects on the wild energy of 1700+ hairdressers celebrating their craft. The stories are legendary, from unexpected mishaps to heartfelt connections. As she steps back, she reminds us: if you love what you do, keep going. The hairdressing world needs that passion. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke Follow Jayne Lewis Orr: @jaynelewisoor CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    20 min

  3. 10/10/2025

    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 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 heritage, and laugh about the moments when fashion, personality, and hairdressing collided in unexpected ways. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    22 min

  4. 10/03/2025

    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 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

    24 min

  5. 09/26/2025

    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, 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 created stability, loyalty, and a family-like team that stands apart from the industry norm. The conversation also touches on the challenges of apprenticeships, the undervaluing of hairdressing compared to other skilled professions, and why clients are willing to pay more — if they receive true expertise and service. It’s a candid look at how partnership, professionalism, and long-term thinking can transform a salon and the industry at large. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    23 min

  6. 09/19/2025

    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 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 expensive hairdresser,” and how a 12-week waiting list became a media sensation. The conversation delves into their shared heritage at Leonard, the evolution of cutting methods that shaped a generation, and why both still believe the foundation they came from is the strongest in the craft. Along the way, expect candid stories of salons within salons, waiting-list hacks, Parliament debates about hairdressing, and the lessons learned from mentors, and mistakes. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    13 min

  7. 09/12/2025

    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 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 investments, sleepless nights, and the sheer relentlessness of being a business owner, Michael and Mitchell explore the lessons learned along the way. They also debate the future of salons: franchises, partnerships, and why strong structures and engaged teams make all the difference. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    20 min

  8. 09/05/2025

    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 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 what the pursuit of recognition has meant for their careers, and why both eventually stepped back. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton Editor: Big Little Content Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

    16 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Van Clarke LLP | Big Little Content
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2026 Big Little Content Productions
  • Show Website
    Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke

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