Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke – Details, episodes & analysis

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-discovery, and the golden days of London's hair scene.

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkeuk

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 — and why they’re happy to let the trolls talk.

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 working alongside (and sometimes against) each other.

A must-listen for anyone interested in family, entrepreneurship, and the world of top-level hairdressing.

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkeuk

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 the more recent influence of Victoria Beckham’s blow-dry styles. Michael and Nicky 

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkeuk

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 these royal encounters have stayed with them for life.

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkeuk

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 honest reflections on the challenges of mentoring, they reveal the attitudes and behaviours that separate those who thrive in the industry from those who fall away – and why pushing people beyond their comfort zone can unlock their true potential.

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Mitchell Scott: @mvc_mitchelltscott

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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 unloved Marylebone backstreet building, and through some complicated property manoeuvres securing the whole thing as his own.

With stories of odd tenants, financial juggling, and the unexpected help of his foreman father, this is an honest look at the reality of leaving the safety of a thriving career to create something new, without quite knowing what you’re walking into.

Follow Michael Van Clarke: @mvanclarke

Follow Nicky Clarke: @nickyclarkeuk

Credits:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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:

Producers: Michael Van Clarke, Louise Ortelli, Louise Oakley & Ben Lifton

Editor: Ben Lifton from Big Little Content

Production Coordinator: TYX Studios

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios