“Colour pop, shape and texture sit at the heart of my Luminescent collection – it doesn’t shy away from experimentation, embracing the alter ego to sculpt hairstyles that embody the spirit of individuality.”–Cos Sakkas, British Hairdresser of the Year

Cos Sakkas 

London, UK

Global Creative Director for TONI&GUY

Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?

I originally went to college to study business and really enjoyed it, but the thought of working in an office depressed me a little bit. My mate worked at TONI&GUY in Covent Garden and always talked about how much he loved being a hairdresser, so suggested I give it a go. My dad’s best friend was a barber and cut my hair from age 3 until the age of 18, and I loved the whole banter between the team and how it didn’t feel like work! So when discovered that TONI&GUY was recruiting, I thought I’d check it out. I regularly walked past the Academy and would see the imagery in the window, so I was aware of the brand, but when I visited, I realized it was what I wanted to do. 

Everyone was having fun, it was interesting, and it felt like an amazing place to be – I signed up there and then! It didn’t come naturally, and I soon realized there was more to hairdressing than picking up a comb and scissors. There were techniques to learn with so many different mechanicals; I found it difficult to coordinate my mind and hands. But it really appealed to the geek in me to solve the different techniques! The precision, the methodology, the elevations, the distributions and the results that came from that. Then, as I started to understand the possibilities of what you can do with it and what can be achieved – the different textures, shapes and lines – it fascinated me. 

What is your signature style/artistic expression in your work?

I love to keep my hair beautiful and feminine but with a touch of ‘something.’ Year after year, this changes; the underlying beauty is the key ingredient. 

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or someone you have worked with?

There have been so many – from working on the TONI&GUY annual campaigns to bringing a designer’s vision to life at London Fashion Week. Most recently, it was working with Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck on our 60th-anniversary show, where we presented more than 50 models, taking influences from the TONI&GUY archives. 

Do you have a career turning point, big break or person that has helped your career? 

Initially, cutting hair didn’t come naturally, and I made lots of mistakes. I failed my first test and was told hairdressing wasn’t really for me. I was devastated and determined to prove them wrong. So I came back the following week and smashed it! I have been incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by amazing people since I started. I was working around Anthony Mascolo, and watching him was a privilege; I learned so much. I watched how he cut hair, moulded and manipulated it into shape, and then photographed hair on photo shoots. I grew up with Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck, and we have worked together since we were young. Her passion and determination have always been incredible. Today, I’m inspired by my team. They are the ones that currently keep me on my toes. We have 35 artistic directors in the Academy, so something new and exciting is always happening. 

What was your scariest and proudest moment in your career?

My first taste of success was when I won Newcomer of the Year in 1999. I had been exposed to photo shoots and loved the way you could work with the models, lighting, and clothes. I then went on to win London Hairdresser of the Year three times and, of course, Artistic Team of the Year more than any other team in British hairdressing. I’ve been named British Hairdresser of the Year twice and International Hairdresser of the Year twice. It’s a real honour.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business? 

Surround yourself with people outside your everyday environment; you may work with some amazing people, but get involved with like-minded stylists, artists and photographers from outside your salon. Learn as many techniques as you can – you want to grow into a confident and competent hairdresser who never has to turn away a client. Most importantly, be yourself. The hair industry is so diverse there’s something for everyone; you just have to grab hold of every opportunity that comes your way. Never give up, never say no, and always be ready for anything!