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Salon Spotlight - Joel: Stylist

February 13, 2026

Salon Spotlight - Joel: Stylist

Welcome to Salon Spotlight, our new series where we go behind the chair to get the inside scoop from our talented team. We’ll be chatting with different members of the team to uncover their favourite cuts, the trends they’re currently obsessing over, and the must-have products they swear by. Get to know the faces behind the salon and find the perfect inspiration for your next appointment!

This week we meet Salon Stylist, Joel.

Hey Joel...

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What haircut trends are your clients asking for most right now?
Low maintenance is key. Times have changed, the days when women could spend a whole day in the salon are long gone. Women have real jobs and real lives, so something that works for day-to-day life is essential.

Which celebrity hairstyle are you currently loving, and why?
The Gracie Abrams Bob. I love how effortless it looks. I’ve always felt a bob can sometimes make someone look older, but in her case it’s the opposite, she looks younger. There’s something really understated about it. I personally believe beautiful things don’t ask for attention, they just are beautiful, and that’s how I feel about Gracie’s bob.

What’s the biggest shift you’ve noticed in how clients want their hair to look or feel right now?

Embracing natural texture more than ever, especially among the younger generation. Healthy hair is the real flex now. Hair that actually feels healthy, not just looks healthy. For that, I’d recommend the Pre-Wash Treatment Ultra.

Who or what is inspiring you most right now—celebs, runways, TikTok, clients?
Howard McLaren, founder of R+Co. There’s something very magical about the way he cuts hair.

What’s a low-effort trend that still looks high-impact?
Putting a woman’s hair up quickly. It feels effortless, classy, elegant, especially with some wispy pieces left out at the front.

The Cut

What haircut do you think is the most flattering and versatile at the moment?
Slightly layered, more layering at the front, but the layers have to be connected all the way through. That’s what makes it versatile. You can wear it straight, bouncy, wavy, natural, curly. If it’s cut correctly and connected, it works with everything.

Which cut are you recommending for clients who want a refresh without losing too much length?
Face-framing layers and long layers through the back. It changes the shape without feeling drastic.

What version of the bob are you cutting most in the salon right now?
A more natural looking bob – soft bob!

For clients nervous about going short, which bob would you recommend as a first step?
First, I’d like to understand why they want a bob. If there’s a good reason and it makes sense, I’d just go for it. If they’re really nervous, we can work with a long bob and gradually take it shorter every time they have an appointment with me.

Healthy Hair Tips

Why do you think hair health is becoming such a priority for clients right now?
People are more educated now, and healthy hair just looks more luxurious. Clients want hair that naturally feels good, not just styled well.

What’s the most common mistake you see clients making with their hair at home?
Overheating the hair and not having regular trims. I know it sounds biased, but genuinely long hair shouldn’t go more than 12 weeks without a trim, and shorter hair shouldn’t go more than 8 weeks.

If someone wants better hair long-term, what’s the first thing you’d tell them to focus on?
Less is more. A good quality shampoo and conditioner goes a long way.

Product Know-how

Which Van Clarke product is your personal must-have, and how do you use it?

The Van Clarke Holding Spray. It’s very light, doesn’t feel sticky, and you can apply it in the morning and brush your hair through in the evening with no problem. It actually does the job. I’ve tried many decent hairsprays, but they’re just don’t have the same feel and natural hold.

Is there a Van Clarke product you recommend to almost every client, regardless of hair type?

The Lifesaver Ultra Intense Pre-wash Treatment.

What’s your go-to product for maintaining a cut between salon visits?
Again, the Lifesaver Ultra Intense Pre-wash Treatment.

The Quick Cut

Current hair crush?
Brad Pitt… always!

Favourite cut right now?
Anything that involves details, the harder it is to achieve, the more chances you have to mess it up. I just find that fascinating. It forces me to be present!

Favourite colour trend?
Lived-in blondes like Margot Robbie!

Go-to Van Clarke product?
Lifesaver Ultra Intense Pre-wash Treatment.

One hair rule you never break?
Always use heat protection.

Finishing Touches

What’s one piece of advice you wish every client would follow at home?
Keep it simple invest in good products and be consistent with cuts.  If you could describe the ‘Van Clarke hair look’ in three words, what would they be? Precise, perfectly layered.

If you could describe the ‘Van Clarke hair look’ in three words, what would they be?
Precise, perfectly layered.

Thanks so much Joel.

You can book an appointment with Joel or any of the van clarke team via the tab to the right of your browser.


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