HJ CAREERS
Adventures of an... AVANT GARDE Extraordinaire
Reigning Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year, Efi Davies, shares working alongside Toni and Anthony Mascolo, London Fashion Week, and her most recent achievement
“I was blessed with the best of both worlds,” Efi Davies tells us as we chat about her early hairdressing days. She’s actually talking to us from inside one of the wardrobes at the TONI&GUY Academy – “I’ve hid myself in here because it’s so busy upstairs!” she laughs.
Originally from Kavala, Greece, Efi first came to London in 1998. “I fell in love with the atmosphere, the vibe, the music. In my first week here I said, ‘That’s it, I’m moving to London!’.” Her first job? A shampooist at TONI&GUY – which is where her hairdressing journey began.
Within a couple of months, Efi was training to be a hairdresser at the TONI&GUY flagship salon on Davies Street, working alongside Toni Mascolo and Anthony Mascolo. “All the major team I used to see in flyers and videos were all there – I couldn’t believe I was there too.”
Soon after, she became Toni and Anthony’s personal salon assistant. “On one side, Anthony would take me on shoots alongside the art team back in the 90s and early 2000s. On the other side, I’d be seeing Toni’s charisma and energy in the salon and how he was running the business. I was blessed to have that – it gave me the drive.”
Now, Efi is part of the International Artistic Team at TONI&GUY, working across Avant Garde, long hair, editorial, session, campaigns, and training. “So, everything apart from colour!” she laughs.
It’s Avant Garde though, that Efi is perhaps most recognised for. After all, she is reigning Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year at HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. “In 2005 I won Newcomer of the Year. Sasha Mascolo-Tarbuck asked me what’s next? And I automatically said ‘I’d love to do Avant Garde’. And that’s how it started!” But it’s the process that Efi is drawn to. “It takes you to different places and really challenges you.”
Speaking of different places, Efi believes you gain the best experience by putting yourself out there. Which is what she did with London Fashion Week. “I assisted some amazing hairdressers. Opportunities came from building relationships, and eventually you start heading shows.” Her number one tip for fashion week? “Always have a Berocca in your bag!” she laughs, before adding: “Practice your basics. You need to be quick and structured with your technique.”
Structure though, can sometimes come as a challenge. “Managing time and balance can be hard. I’m a single mum and I want to do my best to support my family,” she tells us. With professional challenges, it’s techniques. “I try not to repeat myself,” she says. “I push myself to create a new style with each collection and although it’s a challenge, it pushes my motivation and creativity.”
Her proudest moment yet? “Girl, I’m living my proudest moment because I’ve been nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year!” An exciting time for Efi for sure, which leads us to ask… What’s next? “I’m going to Greece with my daughter to spend some time together. I’ve just shot my new Avant Garde collection and my British collection. When I get back, it’s straight to London Fashion Week, looking after some clients, and a few trips!” Sounds to us like the best of both worlds…