50 YEARS OF TONI & GUY

Toni & Guy hair salons, known for constantly pioneering new hair trends and providing an innovative insight into the world of hairdressing through their academies, have been cutting hair for 50 years. This milestone achievement comes at a time when they are undertaking their ninth year as official London Fashion Week partner and third year as official sponsor of the British Fashion Awards. These guys are at the top of their game, but the question we have been asking ourselves is what the journey to the top was like? After all, fifty years is a very long time.

Like any good, long standing business, there is always a razor sharp family partnership behind the brand and in Toni & Guy's case, that would be the Mascolos. Toni Mascolo, son of established hairdresser Francesco Mascolo, arrived in England with his mother and brothers at the age of 14 during 1956 and in two years became manager of a large salon. The first Toni & Guy salon opened its doors in 1963 and it was this moment that sparked the next 50 years of success. Ensuring standards never slipped, the Mascolo brothers worked tirelessly to develop the TIGI line of hair products and in 1979 they finally launched the line allowing clients the ability to easily maintain their haircuts at home. 

Fast forward nine years and Toni's daughter Sacha is following in his footsteps after being awarded the British Hairdressing Award's 'Newcomer of the Year' award at the youngest ever age of 19. It is also during this time that Toni & Guy noticed the opportunity to expand and opened the first UK franchise in Brighton, just three years after the first international salon opened in Tokyo, Japan. 

With expansion on the rise and the brand on the road to becoming a super brand, 2001 saw the focus of the company become closely aligned with the fashion industry. Sacha became Global Creative Director and with that also brought exciting collaborations such as the partnership with London Fashion Week. 

Despite being around for 50 years, Toni & Guy still have big plans for the next 50 years. There appears to be no boundaries when it comes to this brand's capabilities and we are eagerly awaiting for the next stage of their plan to be unveiled. There is no stopping these guys. 

To see more from Toni & Guy, visit their website here

WORDS | GRACE MOLAN

IMAGE | TONI & GUY