Heads Together with Michael Van Clarke

From winning a UK breakdancing championship to becoming one of Britain's best known TV hairdressers, entrepreneur and educator, Michael Douglas has built a career that's anything but ordinary. In this episode of Heads Together, he joins Michael Van Clarke to share the stories, decisions and setbacks that shaped his journey through the hair industry.
Michael reflects on his early days in hairdressing, how teaching led him into television, and why he believed hair deserved the same mainstream attention as cooking and interior design. He also shares the story behind launching his own haircare brand, the reality of raising investment, navigating business partnerships, surviving Covid, and the mindset needed to build a successful company.
The conversation explores creativity, entrepreneurship, content creation, social media, branding, business resilience and why the best businesses solve real customer problems. Michael also explains why he believes hairdressing is about far more than hair, discussing confidence, self image and the role hair professionals play in helping people feel their best.
Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke
Follow Michael Douglas: @mdlondon

CREDITS
Producer: Ben Lifton
Editor: Big Little Content
Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

Award-winning hairdresser, educator and salon owner Ken Picton joins Michael Van Clarke to share the remarkable story behind building one of the UK's most respected salon businesses. From discovering hairdressing as a teenager after a life-changing first haircut, to opening his own salon at just 21 using an unconventional funding strategy, Ken reflects on the ambition, determination and calculated risks that shaped his career.
He opens up about the realities of growing a business through recession, overcoming financial pressure, managing rapid expansion, leading large teams and navigating unexpected challenges, including staffing shortages, maternity leave, Covid and the ever-changing landscape of the hairdressing industry. Along the way, he shares the lessons he learned through international education, award-winning work, leadership and innovation, while discussing why investing in people remains at the heart of long-term success.
This inspiring conversation explores entrepreneurship, resilience, creativity and the future of professional hairdressing, making it an essential listen for salon owners, aspiring hairdressers and anyone building a business with a long-term vision.
Follow Michael Van Clarke: @michaelvanclarke
Follow Michael Douglas: @kenpicton
CREDITS
Producer: Ben Lifton
Editor: Big Little Content
Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

In this episode of Heads Together, Michael Van Clarke welcomes back salon entrepreneur Sean Hanna for an honest conversation about building a hairdressing business over five decades.
Sean shares how he went from aspiring airline pilot to salon owner, the risks he took opening his first salon, and the lessons learned from growing a successful multi salon group. He also reveals the story behind Skyler London, his ambitious attempt to reinvent the salon experience, why it ultimately didn't succeed, and what losing one and a half million pounds taught him about innovation, leadership and resilience.
Together, they discuss salon growth, financial management, taking calculated risks, navigating setbacks, and what success really means after 50 years in the 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 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
Follow Simon Bryer: @mvc_hairbysimonbryer

CREDITS
Producer: Ben Lifton
Editor: Big Little Content
Sound Engineer: TYX Studios

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