Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke & Nicky Clarke
Michael Van Clarke LLP | Big Little Content
13 episodes
4 weeks ago
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 ...
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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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 state banquets, and memorable moments with Princess Diana and the Queen herself. From Pavarotti in the Park to preventing tiaras from toppling into soup, they share the quick thinking, trust, and discretion needed when working at the highest level and why...
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 hairdressing is headed and whether it can revive the artistry that makes a haircut truly exceptional. They also reflect on iconic celebrity hairstyles that defined eras. From the precision of the Purdey' and the flicky, layered 'Farah Fawcett' cuts to th...
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 opportunities, including a dream Grosvenor Square salon, and how loyalty, ambition, and family dynamics influenced their journeys. From navigating salon life to handling property deals and learning tough business lessons, they reflect on the highs and lows of ...
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 viral TikTok videos that sparked criticism and trolling online. From the value of great assistants and the art of the Diamond Dry Cut, to why so many don’t understand the depth of real craft, Michael and Mitchell reflect on what sets their work apart — an...
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 Bowie, 70s fashion, and chance opportunities, they explore the moments that sparked their creativity and set the foundation for their 50+ year long careers. A nostalgic, honest, and inspiring conversation for anyone who loves stories of hairdressing history, self-d...
Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke & Nicky Clarke
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 ...
