Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke & Nicky Clarke
Step inside the salon chair and beyond, with Heads Together, the new podcast from legendary hairdressing brothers Michael Van Clarke and Nicky Clarke. With over 50 years of experience shaping the hair of royalty, celebrities, and fashion icons, they reveal untold stories, industry secrets, and personal moments you've never heard before.
From red carpet glamour to the realities of building iconic businesses, they explore sibling rivalry, family dynamics, and the highs and lows of life at the top. Alongside special guests, they share honest insights and practical advice for fellow hairdressers, creative entrepreneurs, and business owners.
For hair pros seeking inspiration, long-time fans craving nostalgic stories, or anyone fascinated by fame and beauty, this podcast is your backstage pass to it all.
Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke & Nicky Clarke
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
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