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Simon Bryer - A Life in Hair

April 10, 2026

Simon Bryer - A Life in Hair

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

Few stylists can say they’ve witnessed nearly five decades of hair history firsthand. Simon Bryer has been part of the hairdressing world since 1978, experiencing the bold experimentation of the ’80s, the precision-led ’90s, the texture revolution of the 2000s and today’s return to effortless, health-focused hair.

A longstanding and valued member of the Michael Van Clarke team, Simon brings not only technical expertise but perspective, understanding not just how trends change, but why. His career has spanned eras, editorial shoots, international travel and thousands of transformations in the salon chair.

We asked Simon to reflect on how the industry has evolved, the trends that defined generations, and what continues to inspire him today.

Hey Simon...

You’ve been in hairdressing since 1978, how have salons changed the most over the decades?
Back in 1978 salons were rows of hood dryers, clients drinking coffee and reading magazines. Weekly sets, the smell of perm solution, lots of backcombing and clouds of hairspray.

I was part of the shift away from that, introducing the wash and blow-dry, relying more on the haircut and a more natural finish. It felt like a real turning point. Slowly we moved from weekly sets to a six-week cutting cycle, with the focus on the haircut lasting between visits not just the styling.

How have hair services evolved since you first started?
One of the biggest changes for me has been styling products. I remember the first mousse replacing setting lotions and a green gel from Woolworths called Country Born... rock-hard styling! Now the focus is far more on hair health, better ingredients and supporting the haircut rather than forcing the hair into shape.

What was your favourite era of hairdressing and why?
The 80’s, without a doubt. It was bold and brave, we ripped up the rule book. Some fantastic haircuts came out of that time… although a few shocked clients and models along the way!

You’ve seen countless trends come and go but what makes a hairstyle truly timeless?
A timeless look is one that doesn’t date, it’s not too trend specific. It comes from the right haircut for the right texture, face shape, and hair fall. When that works together, you’re not torturing the hair into shape, it naturally sits the way it should, creating something individual to the client. Condition, shine and the right finishing products simply enhance that.

Which past trend do you think deserves a modern comeback?
The simple elegance of Mia Farrow’s gamine crop from the film Rosemary’s Baby. It still looks amazing today. More generally, I think it’s time to bring back bold, beautiful shorter shapes - naturally textured, soft, effortless, and feminine.

What’s the biggest shift you’ve noticed in how clients care for their hair now compared to earlier in your career?
Hair health is a much bigger focus now. Years ago we often coated the hair in oils and silicones to beat it into submission. Now it’s about working with the hair and improving its natural structure rather than smothering it.

Better condition creates ease so the hair looks better and styles more effortlessly.

What has been your favourite shoot or look you’ve ever created?
I’ve always loved black-and-white imagery, although not great for promoting colour, I hasten to add! I was inspired by the iconic Hollywood looks of Veronica Lake and Lauren Bacall - that seductive hair falling over one eye. My favourite image is a modern take on a bygone era.

Is there a memorable trip or industry moment that has stayed with you?
Working in Japan in the late 80’s, presenting the latest London style to the Japanese hair industry. Everything came together - the team, the models, the energy.

It was one of those rare moments of professional clarity where everything just clicked.

What would you consider your greatest professional achievement so far?
Quite honestly, not any hairdressing award but having the privilege of looking after my amazing clients, some of them for over forty years. Thank you to all of them for sticking with me. Now that’s an achievement.

What do you love most about working at Michael Van Clarke, and what makes the salon unique? And why has it maintained such long-term success?
Of course there are the standards, the precision cutting, and the focus on hair health. But what really makes it special is the atmosphere. It’s warm, friendly, and welcoming. I call it the “Cheers factor” where everyone knows your name. It feels like a real salon family.

You’ve worked with countless product ranges, what makes the Van Clarke range stand out?
I’ve worked with a lot of product ranges over the years. What I like about the Van Clarke range is that it’s designed to support good hairdressing.

It’s about performance and condition. It really delivers on its promise.

Is there a particular Van Clarke product you consistently return to in your work, either backstage, on shoots, or in-salon and why?
I always return to Eureka Blowdry Balm. It protects from heat, creates manageability, and makes my job much easier when styling hair. What's not to like?

The Quick Cut

A trend you’re loving right now?
Natural texture with softened edges so the haircut blends effortlessly around the face.

Favourite celebrity hairstyle?
Mia Farrow’s gamine crop in Rosemary’s Baby. Still chic, still relevant.

Your must-have Van Clarke product (and why)?
Eureka Blowdry Balm… heat protection, manageability, and it makes styling easier.

One hair health rule everyone should follow:
Don’t overload the hair. Less is more.

The secret to great hair at any age:
Work with your texture and colour. A great haircut suits any age and any colour. Just look at me!

Thanks so much Simon.

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



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