Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke & Nicky Clarke

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 [https://www.instagram.com/mvanclarke/] Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal [https://www.instagram.com/nickyclarkepersonal/] Credits: Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Production Coordinator: TYX Studios Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 [https://www.instagram.com/mvanclarke/] Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal [https://www.instagram.com/nickyclarkepersonal/] Credits: Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Production Coordinator: TYX Studios Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 [https://www.instagram.com/mvanclarke/?hl=en]Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott [https://www.instagram.com/mvc_mitchelltscott/?hl=en] Credits: Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Production Coordinator: TYX Studios Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 [https://www.instagram.com/mvanclarke/] Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkepersonal [https://www.instagram.com/nickyclarkepersonal/] Credits: Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Production Coordinator: TYX Studios Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 [https://www.instagram.com/mvanclarke/?hl=en]Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott [https://www.instagram.com/mvc_mitchelltscott/?hl=en] Credits: Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Production Coordinator: TYX Studios Sound Engineer: TYX Studios