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In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Alice

April 09, 2026

In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Alice

The Problems with Alice's hair...

I’d like to say Alice’s haircut was unusual when she arrived, but sadly it sported all the errors I see on 95% of new clients these days. Essentially a badly executed A-Line haircut at the outline with another badly chunked step A-Line about four inches above. I’ve illustrated it with the purple pen to give an idea.

And yes, I think my dog Fido could have chewed a better line. Even if the line had been cut straight the choice of shape was all wrong. Heavy and long around the face shorter at the back it would compel the hair to hang lifeless and straggly, destroying all the sensual energy and fluidity of long healthy hair. Alice is very attractive so you could say it doesn’t matter, but the pictures show the transformation of a great haircut. Alice feels so differently about her hair now that it has come alive, and it’s also easy and quick to adapt into different styles.

1. Alice’s hair is naturally quite straight.
But the right haircut would encourage flexibility and movement.

2. The outline of the haircut was A-Line down to a longer front.
This encouraged the hair to hang straight, flat, forward and straggly.

3. The hair was one-length bar the predictable step layer 4-5 inches up.
The lack of layering meant the ends would struggle to hold any movement.

This is what we did...

1. The Cut

The haircut is the most important part of your hairstyle and should do most of the work. Cutting the hair dry, I kept the length in the middle of the back and graduated the outline up to chin length at the front. Then I layered through to balance the weight of the different sections and create movement in the hair.

Finally, a further precise point-cutting softened the edges and encouraged flexibility into the ends of the hair. The Diamond Dry Cut™ is my signature technique and a natural method of sculpting. We cut hair dry to see the shape evolve in much the same way as Michelangelo would approach a marble bust.

Another benefit of cutting dry is that it’s far less scary for clients as they can see the new shape evolving as it’s cut. Too many clients, used to the wet cutting norm, get an unpleasant surprise once they’ve washed it at home and struggle to style their own hair.

I read an article from a currently famous hairdresser who is renowned for one haircut, on a couple of celebrity clients - the simple A-Line bob (the apprentices’ first haircut). He went on to say how important it was to use the tongs correctly to avoid too much width at the bottom. I’m sorry, but it’s a sad state of affairs in the hairdressing industry when leading lights don’t know how to layer hair properly so are teaching others to compensate for a poor haircut with styling technique. There, I’ve said it. Bang goes my invite to the Crimpers Backslapping Ball this year. 

2. Condition

We gave Alice a LifeSaver Prewash Treatment. Nothing injects moisture, elasticity and shine quite like this. Alice will now continue at home with this unique system of Healthcare for Hair®. Read… The Facts of LifeSaver®

3. Styling

With a great cut, colour and better condition you get to choose from lots of style options. Here we took Alice through three easy styles in the space of five minutes.

“Yesterday was one of the most wonderful days of my life - I absolutely loved Michael and his work. I never had such an incredible haircut and, as I said to him yesterday, you don’t know a great haircut until you have had one! His passion, attention to detail and his expertise are so remarkable and unique. He truly has the power of bringing out the best version of yourself!” – Alice 

For Alice's hair we used LifeSaver Prewash Treatment to rehydrate, then Cashmere Protein UV Protective Shampoo and Conditioner. A little Thicker Quicker blowdry spray and Volumising Mousse helped give body and control. We used the Large Round Brush (soft bristle) to smooth. Then a little Ten Second Transformation to feed and smooth the hair giving a little shine and texture too.

Prep

Styling



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Email: reception@vanclarke.com

 Michael Van Clarke



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