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 to visit her sister. “I fell in love with the atmosphere, the vibe, the music. We went to three gigs in the first week, and 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 had swapped shampooing to training 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 I’d get to see the amazing creativity from Anthony. Every time he would film and shoot shows, he’d take me to assist alongside the art team back in the 90s and early 2000s. Then on the other side, I would be assisting Toni, seeing his charisma and energy in the salon, not only with the clients but with absolutely everything, and how he was running the business. I was blessed to have that straight away – it gave me the drive.”
Within a year and a half after qualifying, Efi began teaching. “I just worked, assisted and the rest is history!” she laughs. 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 creations 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. “Back in 2005 I won Newcomer of the Year. Sasha Mascolo-Tarbuck asked me what’s next? And I just automatically said ‘I’d love to do Avant Garde’. And so I created an Avant Garde collection 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,” she tells us.
Speaking of different places, Efi believes you gain the best experience by putting yourself out there. Which is what she did when it comes to London Fashion Week. “I assisted some amazing hairdressers and then 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 and your foundations. You need to be quick, and you need to be structured with your technique.”
Structure in personal and professional life though, can sometimes come as a challenge. “Trying to manage time and find balance can be hard. I’m a single mum and I want to do my best to support my family,” she tells us. When talking about professional challenges, it all comes down to techniques. “I try not to repeat myself when it comes to hair techniques,” she says. “I push myself to try and create a new style with each collection and although it’s a challenge, I think it’s healthy because 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 taking a few weeks off with my gorgeous daughter. We’re going to Greece to unwind and spend some time together. Then, I’ve just shot my new Avant Garde collection as well as my British collection. When I come back from holiday, it’s straight to London Fashion Week, the academy looking after some clients, then a few trips on the agenda!” Sounds to us like the best of both worlds…
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