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Salon Spotlight - Jeyan: Graduate Stylist

April 17, 2026

Salon Spotlight - Jeyan: Graduate Stylist

Welcome to Salon Spotlight, where we go behind the chair to get the inside scoop from our talented team. 

At Michael Van Clarke, excellence is not only crafted at the highest level, it’s nurtured from the very beginning. Through the Michael Van Clarke Salon Academy, our apprentices are trained in the precision, discipline and philosophy that define the salon, learning from some of the industry’s most respected experts. Combining hands-on experience with a deep understanding of hair health and technique, they represent the next generation of talent. We caught up with one of our Graduate Stylists to learn more about their journey so far, what inspires them, and what it means to train within the luxury salon.

Hey Jeyan...

What inspired you to pursue a career in hairdressing, and how did your journey begin?
I was fascinated from a very young age, as my big Turkish family owned a number of salons, both hairdressers and barbers. I grew up around it and developed a real love for seeing how happy and confident people felt after having their hair done. That feeling really stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to be able to create that same experience for others myself.

What attracted you to train at the Michael Van Clarke Academy?
I worked at two salons prior to joining Michael Van Clarke, starting my first role at just 14. While I gained valuable experience, I felt I needed more of a challenge and a higher level of training. The Michael Van Clarke Academy has such a strong reputation for precision, education and developing some of the best talent in the industry, so it really stood out to me. I was fortunate to be offered an interview by Mitchell, and from the moment I joined, I knew it was the right place for me. I’ve loved being here ever since.

How would you describe your experience training within the salon and Academy so far?
Training within the salon and Academy has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a constant stream of valuable knowledge from highly experienced stylists, combined with ongoing support and a really positive environment. I feel encouraged every day to learn, grow and develop my skills further.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your training?
I think understanding the importance of a thorough consultation before every client’s service has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned. It provides reassurance for both the client and myself, ensuring we’re completely aligned on the desired outcome. At the Academy, there’s a real emphasis on precision cutting and tailoring every look to the individual, and that all starts with a strong consultation. It’s taught me that great hairdressing isn’t just about technique but it’s about communication, trust and delivering a result that truly suits the client.

What skills or techniques have you enjoyed learning the most so far?
I’ve really enjoyed developing a range of skills, from blowdrying to client care, but one of my favourite things has been watching other stylists create incredible hair-ups using techniques I didn’t even know existed. Being able to learn those techniques and then practise them and eventually recreate them on my own clients has been really exciting and rewarding.

What has been the biggest challenge, and how have you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges so far has been building my confidence with gents’ haircuts. I’ve overcome this through a lot of practice, along with guidance and support from the team, which has helped grow my confidence hugely.

How important is hair health within your training, and how does it influence your approach?
Hair health plays a huge role in a client’s confidence. Not only does it look better, but it also makes the hair much easier to manage and style day to day. At Michael Van Clarke, there’s a strong focus on long-term hair health, and that really influences my approach, ensuring every service supports the condition of the hair, not just the immediate result.

What does a typical day look like for you in the salon?
A typical day for me starts with preparing the salon, ensuring everything is beautifully set for the day ahead, from fresh flowers to creating a calm, welcoming environment for our clients. I assist a Principal Stylist and spend time with my own clients, but I also make the most of every moment by observing the team, learning from their expertise and continuing to develop my skills. Being part of such a luxury, detail-focused environment means there’s always something to learn and take inspiration from.

What are your goals for the future, and what kind of stylist do you hope to become?
A big goal of mine is to build a strong, loyal clientele and continue developing my own style as a stylist. I’ve found myself naturally drawn towards bridal work, especially seeing the success of the MVC Bridal Team and the beautiful results they create for their clients. In the future, I’d love to become more experienced and specialised in bridal hairstyling, and potentially expand into makeup as well, to offer a more complete service.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in hairdressing?
I’d advise anyone considering a career in hairdressing to approach it with a committed and open mindset. Patience and confidence in yourself are essential when starting out in the industry. It’s also so important to find an established academy that offers hands-on training and really integrates you from the very beginning, like the Michael Van Clarke Salon Academy. Because that level of support and experience makes a huge difference to your growth and confidence.

What is your favourite current hairstyle or trend?
I’m currently enjoying the natural looks at the moment, soft dimension that colourists can
create joined with an elegant style to enhance the natural beauty of someone’s hair and
appearance I think is so powerful.

Do you have a favourite celebrity haircut right now?
I love it when someone’s hair genuinely matches their vibe and overall style. Like Zendaya, she changes her hair a lot, but it always feels authentic to her and suits her look really well. That kind of natural fit stands out to me more than any particular hairstyle.

Who or what inspires your favourite hair looks?
I’m really inspired by a mix of social media and the environment around me in the salon. Platforms like Instagram showcase a wide range of new trends, styles and techniques, which keeps things fresh and exciting, but I also take a lot of inspiration from watching the stylists and colourists I work alongside every day. Seeing their creativity and attention to detail up close is incredibly motivating.

Is there a Van Clarke product you would recommend to your friends or can’t be without?
A Van Clarke product I always recommend, especially to friends with similar concerns to mine, is the Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. I have quite a sensitive scalp that can become itchy, red and flaky, and this really helps to soothe and calm those issues. It’s packed with fresh ingredients like peppermint, menthol and aloe vera, which leave the scalp feeling refreshed and rebalanced.

I use it at least twice a week, alongside LifeSaver Ultra Pre-wash Treatment on my lengths and ends for added hydration before washing. These together leave both my hair and scalp feeling clean, calm and revitalised, while helping to reduce irritation and inflammation.

LifeSaver Ultra Pre-wash Treatment is available in 100ml tubes aswell as 325ml and 1litre bottles

The Quick Cut

What or who inspired you to start hairdressing?
My Family.

Favourite skill you’ve learned so far?
The precision cutting – Diamond Dry Cut.

A technique you’re excited to master?
Gents haircuts.

Your go-to Van Clarke product?
Exfoliating Scalp Treatment.

Your dream client or hair look?
Someone who is open to a style/cut that enhances their natural features.

One word to describe your journey so far?
Evolving.

Thanks so much Jeyan.

You can book an appointment with Jeyan or any of the Van Clarke team via the tab to the right of your browser.



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