New to Van Clarke? Subscribe to our newsletter for 15% off your first order. Start your haircare journey today.

All

Michael's Kitchen Takeover - Fasolakia

Michael's Kitchen Takeover - Fasolakia

February 18, 2023

Half the time, there’s a cake-fest going on in our kitchen so Gaby needed relocating temporarily. Banksy’s inspiration was timely 😀.

Some classic recipes just go on and on. And this is a favourite of adults and kids at our full-house dinners.

If I have our apprentices up for after work, they’ll often say, “Don’t bother asking, just do the chicken and beans!” A lamb cutlets version was

Continue Reading

Fear of Conversation

Fear of Conversation

February 08, 2023

I hate to think of any client feeling anxious about their time in the salon.

Rosie the Londoner (Professional Influencer) highlighted this issue on her last visit and set our whole team talking. Not just the issue itself which we’re sensitive to, but the stream of responses on her IG site chiming in with those feelings. 

Continue Reading

Gaby's Bakery - Ghreyba - Moroccan Coconut Cookies

Gaby's Bakery - Ghreyba - Moroccan Coconut Cookies

February 04, 2023

Always on the search for local delicacies, we came across Ghreyba in Marrakech. These Moroccan cookies can be made with different kinds of flour; ground almond, sesame, walnut or semolina usually, so gluten free. Noted for their 

Continue Reading


Winter Sun - Marrakech

Winter Sun - Marrakech

February 04, 2023

When Aman Resorts gate crashed the 5-star market in 1987 it blew the gilt off luxury and ushered in a quieter understated quality of hospitality.

Instead of overt excess, luxury could be less. Less bells, less whistles and most importantly, less other people. Here was a resort with

Continue Reading

In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Jack 2023

In the Chair - Real People Real Hair - Jack 2023

January 27, 2023

Would you let your twin brother cut your hair? How do you persuade a child to have their haircut? “What if James has a go at cutting your hair and we’ll film it and make you a Tik-Tok star!”...

Continue Reading

Fighting Inflation Part 2

Fighting Inflation Part 2

January 14, 2023

Is it old age that gives rise to ranting and casting opinions on authority? Or just that most of the people dictating our lives are younger than me now? But then hairdressers have always had opinions along with black-taxi drivers. 

Continue Reading


Fighting Inflation

Fighting Inflation

January 14, 2023

Declining productivity has been the Western World’s conundrum these last few decades. Whether you blame social media, low interest rates, WFH or ‘The Age of Entitlement’, there’s no denying the zeitgeist, and as a business, we haven’t been immune.

Continue Reading

Do You DIY?

Do You DIY?

December 31, 2022

Are you fed up waiting around for builders? Or even getting them to commit to a time and day? I believe that for ourselves and society’s sake, we should mostly operate at our highest level of value. I’m responsible for a salon team of 50 staff looking after 5000 clients. I run a...

Continue Reading

Cool Down Your Colour

Cool Down Your Colour

October 28, 2022

One of the after effects of the long hot summer can be unwanted warmth in the colour of your hair. Now I’m not talking down gingers, as I proudly lean that way with my natural warm Nordic-blonde tones!

Continue Reading


Gaby's Bakery - Nerf Gun Rainbow Cake

Gaby's Bakery - Nerf Gun Rainbow Cake

September 24, 2022

Every birthday I make a themed cake for the boys in tune with what’s going on for them currently.

Right now they’re crazy about Nerf guns. I think Michael would love it if they were equally keen on flower arranging but they are eight-year old boys at a boys school and obsessed with guns, ninja warriors, secret agents, bombs, bows and arrows etc.

Continue Reading

Is Selfcare Selfish?

Is Selfcare Selfish?

September 17, 2022

It’s now a few weeks since schools returned. The chill of winter is breezing through intermittently. The holiday glow has faded and the hair may reveal the dry, faded consequences of zero sun-protection. Aggravated scalps may also be flakier.

This seasonal shift beckons us to assess, repair and renew, ready for the next chapter. Investing in

Continue Reading

Farewell Mum ❤️ 1923 – 2022

Farewell Mum ❤️ 1923 – 2022

September 09, 2022

I’ve spent 20 years worrying about Mum (mostly needlessly) and thinking of this day. But it still didn’t prepare me for the sudden loss of the enormous energy field she held and the waves of grief that follow. Grief… the price you pay for love, as Queen Elizabeth II said. RIP - mother figure of our nation. Another shock this week. We’re all carrying much sadness.

Continue Reading