We’ll be chatting with different members 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 Principal Stylist, Mitchell.
Hey Mitchell...
What haircut trends are your clients asking for most right now?
Clients are asking for cuts that move naturally and feel effortless rather than styles that need constant styling. Soft layers, face-framing shapes, and cuts that work with their natural texture are the biggest requests. People want hair that looks great on day one but also looks good weeks later with minimal effort.
Which celebrity hairstyle are you currently loving, and why?
I’m probably a bit of an anti-trends person when it comes to hair. Rather than focusing on specific celebrity styles, I’m always drawn to hair that looks touchable, healthy, and natural. The best celebrity hair never looks overworked — it looks effortless and expensive without trying too hard.
What’s the biggest shift you’ve noticed in how clients want their hair to look or feel right now?
The biggest shift is towards healthy looking hair. Clients care less about dramatic trends and more about shine, condition, and longevity. They want hair that feels as good as it looks and a cut that still sits beautifully weeks later.
Who or what is inspiring you most right now—celebs, runways, TikTok, clients?
Real clients inspire me the most. Seeing how different hair behaves on different people keeps your eye sharp. Trends come and go, but learning from real hair in the chair teaches you far more than anything you see online.
What’s a low-effort trend that still looks high-impact?
A perfectly tailored cut. When the cut is right, the hair falls into place naturally. That always looks impressive even when the client has done almost nothing to style it.
What haircut do you think is the most flattering and versatile at the moment?
A well-balanced layered cut. It can be adapted to suit almost any face shape, texture, or length, and it gives movement without losing fullness. It’s timeless and easy to maintain?
Which cut are you recommending for clients who want a refresh without losing too much length?
Soft internal layering and subtle face framing. It keeps the length but removes bulky, heavy areas so the hair feels lighter, fresher, and easier to style.
What version of the bob are you cutting most in the salon right now?
Soft bobs that sit around the jaw or collarbone with movement rather than blunt heavy lines. They grow out beautifully and feel modern without looking like a severe catwalk haircut.
For clients nervous about going short, which bob would you recommend as a first step?
A longer bob that sits just above the shoulders. It still feels safe because there’s length, but it gives shape and structure so clients can ease into shorter hair confidently.
Why do you think hair health is becoming such a priority for clients right now?
People are more educated now. They understand that healthy hair will always look better than damaged hair, regardless of the style. Social media has also made people more aware of condition, shine, and scalp health.
What’s the most common mistake you see clients making with their hair at home?
Over-styling and using too much heat without protection. Hair doesn’t need to be overworked to look good. Often, less is more.
If someone wants better hair long-term, what’s the first thing you’d tell them to focus on?
Invest in a great cut that works with your natural hair and maintain the condition. When the foundation is right, everything else becomes easier.
Which Michael Van Clarke product is your personal must-have, and how do you use it?
LifeSaver UV Leave-in Styling Treatment. I use it myself and recommend it constantly to clients as it’s the perfect treatment and styler in one. It’s lightweight and easy to use as the hair just drinks it up. It will reduce frizz, give UV protection and enhance natural movement.
Is there a Van Clarke product you recommend to almost every client, regardless of hair type?
Lifesaver Pre-wash Treatment. Healthy hair is the goal for everyone, and it works across all hair types because it improves the quality of the hair itself.
What’s your go-to product for maintaining a cut between salon visits?
Eureka Blowdry Balm. It protects the hair from heat while smoothing and refining the finish, which helps the haircut sit properly between appointments. When the hair is smooth and controlled, the shape of the cut really shows.
Current hair crush?
Healthy, natural-looking hair with movement. I’m less interested in specific trends and more drawn to hair that looks effortless and well cared for.
Favourite cut right now?
Soft layered shapes at any length.
Favourite colour trend?
Rich natural tones that enhance shine and highlight the hair’s natural dimension.
Go-to Van Clarke product?
Lifesaver Pre-wash Treatment.
One hair rule you never break?
Always cut for how the hair falls naturally.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every client would follow at home?
Work with your hair, not against it. When you understand your natural texture and movement, your hair becomes much easier to manage.
If you could describe the ‘Van Clarke hair look’ in three words, what would they be?
Effortless. Healthy. Beautiful.
You can book an appointment with Mitchell or any of the Van Clarke team via the tab to the right of your browser.
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