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The Van Clarke Styling Guide

July 03, 2026

The Van Clarke Styling Guide

Whether you're creating a bouncy salon blowdry, a sleek summer updo or enhancing your natural texture, the right products and techniques make all the difference. Here are three of our favourite looks, along with Michael's expert tips for recreating them at home.

The Van Clarke Classic Blowdry

A great blowdry isn't about spending longer with a hairdryer, it's about using the right products, the right tools and the right technique. The Van Clarke Classic Blowdry is all about natural movement, shine and lasting volume without weighing the hair down.

You’ll need

For the complete salon experience at home, the Ultimate Blowdry Set combines everything you need: Eureka Blowdry Balm, Thicker Quicker Volumising Blowdry Spray, Volumising Mousse and our professional Round Styling Brush.

Together they protect against heat, smooth frizz, build lasting body and create effortless bounce.

Top Tips from Michael

Remove excess moisture first.
Hair should be around 80% dry before reaching for your brush. This speeds up styling and reduces unnecessary heat exposure.

Layer your styling products.
Apply Eureka Blowdry Balm through the mid-lengths and ends for heat protection and smoothness, then add Thicker Quicker at the roots for lift. If you want maximum volume, finish with a small amount of Volumising Mousse.

Work in small sections.
Smaller sections allow the brush to create tension, giving a smoother finish and longer-lasting shape.

Keep the dryer moving.
Always direct airflow down the hair shaft towards the ends to smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.

Don't over-dry.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is continuing to dry hair that's already dry. Stop at around 98% and let the final moisture evaporate naturally to help preserve the hair's own hydration and prevent brittleness.

Finish each section before moving on.
Allow the hair to cool briefly in shape before releasing it from the brush. This helps lock in movement and bounce.

Salon Secret:
Great styling always starts with healthy hair. Heat protection isn't optional, it's the difference between a blow dry that looks good today and hair that continues to look beautiful month after month.

The LifeSaver Heatwave Slick Back

When the temperature rises, the slick back bun or ponytail becomes the ultimate go-to hairstyle. Chic, practical and effortlessly polished, it's perfect for keeping hair off your face while protecting it from the summer sun.

The secret is choosing styling products that don't just hold your style - they actively protect, hydrate and strengthen the hair while you wear it.

You'll Need

LifeSaver Sun Leave-In Styling Treatment, the No.1 Brush and the Holding Spray.

Top Tips from Mitchell

Start with protection.

Apply LifeSaver Sun Leave-In Styling Treatment through damp or dry hair to shield against UV damage while leaving hair silky, protected and glossy

Brush, don't pull.

Use the No.1 Brush to smooth hair back gently. Its flexible Japanese nylon bristles glide through the hair without snagging, helping you achieve a sleek finish while minimising breakage.

Hydration is key.
Heat and sun can quickly dry out the hair. LifeSaver Sun keeps hair hydrated and manageable, preventing that dry, brittle feeling often caused by prolonged UV exposure.

Lock it in.

Finish with Holding Spray for flexible, brushable hold that keeps flyaways under control without leaving hair stiff or sticky.

Perfect for every summer event.
Whether you're heading to work, the gym, a festival or even Wimbledon, this look stays elegant while helping protect your hair from the elements.

Salon Secret:
The best summer hairstyles don't just look good, they work hard too. Styling with UV protection helps preserve your hair's colour, moisture and condition, so it looks just as healthy at the end of summer as it did at the beginning.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaADTDoMdjW/?igsh=b3E0Z2YxZXV1d3l1

The Van Clarke Natural Waves

The secret to effortless beach waves isn't fighting your natural texture, it's enhancing it with moisture, lightweight hold and definition. This simple routine enhances your natural texture while keeping curls soft, bouncy and most importantly frizz-free.

You'll Need

LifeSaver UV Leave-In Styling Treatment, Volumising Mousse and Magic Oil.

Top Tips from Lamphane

Start with freshly washed hair.
Gently squeeze away excess moisture with a towel, leaving the hair damp. This gives your natural texture the best chance to form soft, defined waves.

Protect and hydrate first.

Work LifeSaver UV Leave-In Styling Treatment evenly through the mid-lengths and ends. This lightweight formula hydrates, helps control frizz and provides UV protection without weighing curls down.

Build lasting definition.

Apply Volumising Mousse from roots to ends, then flip your head forwards and gently scrunch the hair upwards towards the scalp. This encourages your natural curl pattern while adding body and hold.

Dry with patience.
Allow curls to air dry or use a diffuser on a low heat and low airflow setting. Avoid touching your hair too much while it dries, as this can break up the curl pattern and create frizz.

Add some magic.


Once your hair is completely dry, warm 1–2 drops of Magic Oil between your palms and gently scrunch through the curls. This smooths away frizz and leaves curls beautifully defined with shine.

Salon Secret:
The biggest mistake people make with curly hair is touching it before it's dry. Let your curls set naturally, then finish with a small amount of Magic Oil to reveal soft, defined curls with movement and shine, not crunch.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaDPQWSIg6J/?igsh=MXZhNWhuemdoOW82eg==

Whatever your signature style, healthy hair is always the best foundation. By choosing styling products that protect as well as perform, every blow dry, bun and wave looks better and your hair stays stronger with every style. Explore the full Van Clarke Styling Collection to create your favourite looks at home.

Michael Van Clarke



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