How to Create an Avant Garde Hairdressing Collection

Updated on 19th Mar 2025 by Charlotte Grant-West

When it comes to Avant Garde hair, Efi Davies is the queen. In fact her beautiful collections have won her a myriad of awards, including Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year 2024 at the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.

See her amazing #BHA24 collection here!

“I love everything to do with avant-garde hairdressing, from conceptualising the shoot, working on the hair and then seeing it come alive in front of the camera and on stage," explains Efi. "I love the whole process, how it changes while you are working on it, the ups and the downs of avant-garde styling. What’s not to love?” 

With the British Hairdressing Awards now launched for 2025, Efi has some great tips to share.

“If you’re working on an avant-garde collection it should be seamless, clever and technical," she states. "Hair pieces and wigs should work in tandem with the natural hair. The collection should tell a story and be visually striking and beautiful. Above all it should be well executed and clean."

Did you know that for 2025, we are extending the time in which images can have been photographed from one year to two in recognition of the economic uncertainty the industry is facing? Find out more details here.

efi davies avant garde hairdressing collection 2024 tips

Efi's Top Tips for Creating An Avant Garde Collection

  1. Everyone has their inspirations and techniques when it comes to creating an avant-garde collection, but the key word is collection. Everything has to tie together beautifully; the models should look like they belong together.

  2. The photography, the mood, the make-up and the clothes should flow seamlessly. It should tell a story and nothing should distract your eyes. Ensure the colour palette, textures and mood are consistent.

  3. Avant-garde hair is about pushing the boundaries while telling a story – whether it’s editorial, futuristic, organic or architectural.

  4. Avant-garde is all about experimenting so play with volume and symmetry and incorporate techniques such as crimping, braiding or intricate silhouettes.
  5. An avant-garde collection isn’t just about going big – it needs to be beautiful and incorporate a flawless finish every time.

    Entries are now open for the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkpof Professional 2025. Closing date is Friday 27 June, 5pm.

Charlotte Grant-West

Charlotte Grant-West

Published 19th Mar 2025

Charlotte oversees the print magazine, website and social media channels at HJ. With over a decade of experience as a journalist, Charlotte was formerly Editor of Modern Barber and HJ Men, Social Editor at Netmums and Features Writer at Boots Health & Beauty magazine. She loves any products that make her hair bigger and more voluminous, and loves a behind-the-scenes peek at anything hair-related – whether it's a factory tour, BTS on a shoot or backstage at fashion week.

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