The Gandalf of Hairdressing: Simon Bryer on Career, Clients & Growth

The Gandalf of Hairdressing: Simon Bryer on Career, Clients & Growth

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back long time colleague and friend Simon Bryer for a candid conversation about longevity, mentorship and what it takes to build a successful career in hairdressing. After more than 35 years working together, Simon reflects on the importance of client relationships, developing the next generation of stylists, and why great hairdressing is about far more than technical skill alone. The conversation explores salon culture, education, personal growth, industry changes, television appearances, awards, unforgettable salon disasters and how client expectations have evolved over the decades. From hilarious stories involving blue highlights, QVC mishaps and smoking salons, to thoughtful advice for young hairdressers entering the profession, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour and real insight into a life spent behind the chair. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer [https://www.instagram.com/mvc_hairbysimonbryer/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Sean Hanna: The Truth About Building Wealth and a Salon Business

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with salon entrepreneur and industry leader Sean Hanna to explore 50 years of change in the hairdressing industry. From starting out during the aftermath of the Sassoon revolution to building a successful multi salon business, Sean shares the lessons, mistakes and turning points that shaped his career. Together, they discuss salon growth, leadership, wealth creation, financial management, business expansion, property investment and the realities of running a profitable salon business. This candid conversation challenges common assumptions about success, revealing why many salon owners focus on income instead of long term wealth, the importance of understanding your numbers, and the business decisions that can make or break a company. A must listen for salon owners, hairdressers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in business growth, leadership and building lasting success in the hair industry. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Sean Hanna: @seanhannasalons [https://www.instagram.com/seanhannasalons/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Simon Bryer: When Clients Smoked in the Salon. Hairdressing Then vs Now

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke sits down with veteran hairdresser Simon Bryer to explore a career that has spanned nearly five decades in the hair industry. Simon shares how he rebelled against expectations to become a hairdresser in the late 1970s, the reality behind the industry's glamorous reputation, and his journey from apprentice in the North of England to international educator, creative director and global ambassador. Together they reflect on the golden era of hairdressing, travelling the world for stage shows and education, working with major brands, and the dramatic changes the industry has seen over the years. From unforgettable stories in Beirut and Japan to salon life when clients smoked in the chair, this episode offers a fascinating look at a very different era of hairdressing. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer [https://www.instagram.com/mvc_hairbysimonbryer/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Toby Dicker: How to Build a Salon That Lasts

In this episode of Heads Together, host Michael Van Clarke welcomes back Toby Dicker, co founder of Chapel Salons and founder of the Save Our Salons campaign. Toby returns for a candid conversation about leadership, salon growth, industry advocacy and the realities of running a modern salon business. From developing future leaders and building strong teams to challenging government policy and fighting for a fairer future for salon owners, Toby shares the lessons he's learned from nearly three decades in the industry. The conversation also explores the origins of the Save Our Salons movement, the challenges facing employers, the importance of apprenticeships, and why Toby believes hairdressing offers far greater opportunities than many people realise. Alongside the business discussion, Toby opens up about personal growth, family life, health, and the mindset shifts that have shaped both his career and his outlook on life. An honest and thought provoking episode about resilience, leadership, purpose and the future of British hairdressing. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker [https://www.instagram.com/tobyjasperdicker] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Jayne Lewis Orr: The Future of Hairdressing, Business and Talent

In this episode of Heads Together, hosted by Michael Van Clarke, we welcome back Jayne Lewis Orr for a fascinating conversation about her extraordinary career in hairdressing. From her early days in beauty publishing to becoming the driving force behind the British Hairdressing Awards for nearly three decades, Jayne shares the stories, challenges and unforgettable moments that helped shape one of the industry's most celebrated events. Together, Michael and Jayne discuss the people working behind the scenes who keep the hairdressing industry moving forward, the balance between creativity and business, and why passion remains the key ingredient for long term success. Whether you're a salon owner, stylist or simply passionate about the industry, this episode offers a unique perspective from one of hairdressing's most respected figures. Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke [https://www.instagram.com/michaelvanclarke] Follow Jayne Lewis Orr: @jaynelewisoor [https://www.instagram.com/jaynelewisorr/?hl=en] CREDITS Producer: Ben Lifton [https://www.instagram.com/benlifton/?hl=en] Editor: Big Little Content [https://www.instagram.com/biglittlecontent/?hl=en] Sound Engineer: TYX Studios