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

Follow Sean Hanna: @seanhannasalons

CREDITS

Producer: Ben Lifton

Editor: Big Little Content

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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

Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer

CREDITS

Producer: Ben Lifton

Editor: Big Little Content

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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

Follow Toby Dicker: @tobyjasperdicker

CREDITS

Producer: Ben Lifton

Editor: Big Little Content

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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

Follow Jayne Lewis Orr: @jaynelewisoor

CREDITS

Producer: Ben Lifton

Editor: Big Little Content

Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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