HJ Guest Editor
Passing The Torch
British Hairdresser of the Year Efi Davies writes an open letter to the industry stressing the importance of passing on knowledge and skills
There’s a moment every educator experiences that makes everything worthwhile. It’s when a student you’ve mentored executes a technique with such precision and understanding that they haven’t just mastered what you taught them, they’ve taken it further. They’ve made it better. That moment, when someone pushes beyond your own creative boundaries, is the truest measure of success in our industry. There really is no better feeling than seeing a student become better than you.
As British Hairdresser of the Year, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive recognition for my work. But the accolades that matter most to me aren’t the ones with my name on them. They’re the moments I watch former students step onto stages, build thriving businesses, and create work that challenges me to think differently about hair. That, to me, is the real legacy of our craft, and something we should all be working towards.
We have a responsibility that reaches far beyond the salon floor. Every generation of hairdressers inherits an industry shaped by those who came before us, from Vidal Sassoon and Trevor Sorbie to the Mascolos and Robert Lobetta, to name a few. Because of them, we had something solid to build on. They set standards that gave us direction, discipline and possibility. Now it’s our turn to make sure we pass on something even stronger, more vibrant and more resilient than what we received. This isn’t just about technique or sharing knowledge, it’s about passing on values, standards and passion that can sustain a lifetime in hairdressing.
Today’s emerging stylists face challenges many of us never did. They’re navigating an industry where social media can distort what success looks like, where filters can mask skill, and where recognition can disappear as quickly as it arrives. In this environment, our role as mentors is more important than ever. We need to ground the next generation in fundamentals: precision, creativity, technical excellence and genuine connection with clients – the things that will stand the test of time.
We’ve all worked hard for our expertise, and I understand why some people are protective of what they know, but gatekeeping doesn’t protect our industry. If we want hairdressing to grow, we have to be willing to make the next generation better than ourselves. By doing that, we elevate the craft as a whole.
We can’t lower the bar to make things easier or faster. Instead, we need to look closely at the skills we’re teaching and the benchmarks we’re setting. One of the greatest strengths of our industry is that there is room for everyone. By nurturing talent, supporting growth and sharing knowledge, we build a community that raises the profile, respect and future of professional hairdressing.
To truly survive and thrive, the next generation needs mentors who will challenge them, support them and believe in them. Because real success isn’t measured in likes or followers, it’s measured in the standards we uphold, the relationships we build, and the lives we touch through our craft.