For almost four decades, Michael Van Clarke has opened the doors of his prestigious Marylebone hair salon to a glittering clientele of royalty, rock stars, and politicians. Now, he's taking the unprecedented step of closing them to members of the Labour Cabinet.
A Protest Against 'Tax and Spend' Policies
The celebrity hairstylist, whose clients have included the late Princess Diana, has declared he will quietly but firmly turn away any Labour minister requesting a cut and blow dry. This dramatic move is a direct protest against what he describes as a "crippling" tax burden imposed by the government, which he claims is pushing businesses like his to the brink.
Van Clarke argues that while a haircut at his luxury salon starts at £100, the industry faces immense fixed costs. His business employs around 50 staff and contends with high rents, equipment outlays, and soaring energy bills, exacerbated by the electricity needed for dryers and straighteners.
The Stealth Taxes Strangling Business
He highlights that beyond the visible 20% VAT, a host of other levies are squeezing viability. The phasing out of Covid-era business rate relief, coupled with a sharp rise in rateable values, means many salons, pubs, and restaurants now face bills nearly double post-pandemic levels.
Further burdens include the 15% employer's National Insurance contribution, costly "green levies" on energy, expensive parking and congestion charges for clients, and various licences. However, Van Clarke identifies the stealth tax on staff incomes as particularly damaging. Frozen tax thresholds failing to keep pace with inflation mean his team pays more, demoralising young talent.
"My young staffers tell me that the crippling tax on their salaries has killed their aspirations of working in a salon," he reveals. They can earn similar amounts doing informal, cash-in-hand work from home, avoiding the heavy tax deductions.
The Wider Threat to High Streets and Confidence
The cumulative effect, Van Clarke warns, risks the future of salons and the wider hospitality sector that animates town centres. He observes London's West End "going downhill day by day" as businesses reduce hours or shut entirely to save costs.
He points to a telling economic indicator once monitored by the Treasury: the 'mean time between haircuts' (MTBH). When people stretch the period between trims, it signals falling spending power and economic confidence. Van Clarke notes this trend is already visible in his own salon, with regulars waiting longer between visits.
"Labour seems to believe that if they tax businesses until the pips squeak, they can somehow make everyone better off, when actually the opposite is true," he states. He condemns the policies as a failed collectivist 'tax and spend' ideology, reminiscent of the 1970s, which stifles the entrepreneurs who drive wealth creation and employment.
Van Clarke concludes that until the government stops "persecuting entrepreneurs and punishing aspiration," he will continue his protest. And as he shows any Labour Cabinet member the door, he promises to deliver his own discreet version of the 'hairdryer treatment', explaining exactly why they are no longer welcome.
Michael Van Clarke has run his successful Marylebone salon for 38 years and co-hosts the podcast 'Heads Together' with his brother, fellow celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke.
