A compassionate leader and a believer in the potential of people, Dennis Langford had an immeasurable effect on so many from all corners of our industry. While we are still grieving the loss of a heroic leader, we’ve gathered some words from some of those he profoundly influenced – people like you and me, who were blessed to know him throughout his epic 40 plus years of hair, writes Cameron Pine.

I met Dennis in 2004 as a fresh recruit into the hair industry and it’s an exchange I’ve never forgotten. I was immediately welcomed and somewhat overwhelmed by his strong sense of conviction coupled with his ability to listen – it’s not often you meet someone at the top in your early 20s who hones in on your strengths and makes you feel at home with instant respect. Fast forward a few years and Dennis was eager to share his new state of the art education space and flagship salon in Paddington. It was time for INSTYLE to write a feature about ‘the guy behind TONI&GUY’ and I went in with my laptop enthusiastic to know more about the past, present and future for the brand. What I didn’t realise at the time was that this set the tone for quirky comments and our relationship for many years to come, for conversations and innuendo around my fast typing skills. As someone who didn’t have a computer on his desk at the time Dennis was amazed at the speed of my typing and almost every time I would see him he’d re-enact keyboard movements and mention my typing speed. This was just one of many moments that will stick with me forever, that and text messages in my phone from Dennis – often funny and to the point.

It wasn’t unusual to receive a random text message from Dennis – one I found back as far as 2011 in my phone the week he passed. “So I am just reading INSTYLE and your note from the editor. It’s a lot to absorb but I really like it. Especially about culture. Thanks my man.” I think it’s worthy to take note of the ‘my man’ reference – that’s the thing with Dennis, he made everyone ‘his’ and feel special about their achievements. There was a sense of buy-in and jovial spirit with Dennis that’s hard to replace – you got to know who he really is early on in the piece.

Despite the incredible milestone achievements at the helm of the TONI&GUY brand since 1995, I wanted to keep this tribute more about him and less about the timeline of TONI&GUY, although it’s important to note that he grew TONI&GUY into an Australian label beyond comparison. Not just a businessman, he was known for his work on stage and presenting at awards, shows and seminars – his stage presence and ability to speak to an audience goes down as one of the best in the industry globally. As a hairdresser back at London’s Sloane Square salon, he quickly took on the position of Art Director and brought the brand and all its glory to Australia in a completely new light for all of us to experience – topping out at 35 salons throughout Australia.

So that’s enough about business for now, and first we wanted to chat to his wife, Sara Langford. No words can describe the shock and sadness she’s experiencing, but her ability to draw on the good and further celebrate the fun and flirtatious dynamic between herself and Dennis is admirable. Thanks for sharing some of your words with us Sara, as well as other members of the industry who wrote to us about the impact of this indelible loss.

SARA LANGFORD

To try and put the immense loss that I have experienced into words feels near impossible. My heart overflows with so much love and joy that I had the privilege to learn so many lessons and spend so many years alongside such an incredible man. Dennis mentored me personally and professionally. He empowered me to be the business woman I am today, to lead with courage and compassion. There are\ lessons learned that I will carry on with me forever.

It was those who were closest to Den that got to see beyond his professional side, for all of his quirks, nuances and love for Bunnings and his farm. Many people have been moved by his ‘Lessons Learned’ but I feel lucky that I got exclusive insight into a few extra. It was probably obvious to some that Dennis’ leadership skills and passion for teaching extended beyond his professional world, but believe me when I say all of the same principles still apply. To just name a few, Dennis taught me to build a deck, cement a driveway and arguably the most important life skill – how to be prepared for a zombie invasion! His zest for life was infectious, even the most menial tasks were abundant with so much fun. I miss my best friend, steampunk dress up partner in crime and my very own John Dutton.

SARA ON THE FUTURE OF TONI&GUY

The future of TONI&GUY Australia is paved with the most incredible team that has grown from within. Our collective vision is aligned with Dennis’ wishes and is ignited by the passion of our support office, salon partners and staff. Our connection with our UK partners feels stronger than ever, even without the presence of our common link. A future without Den feels unparalleled but is a journey that I feel proud and honoured to be part of. Each and every one of us are designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness. His legacy lives on through the people of this company, industry and his family and friends, but also the people who were lucky to cross paths with such an incredible human. As Dennis would say, “The next chapter of your life has not yet been written”.

SANDY CHONG

Dennis Langford was a legend, icon, and industry hero. His legacy will continue with the successful career paths and opportunities he created for countless hairdressers and educators. In business, Dennis was well respected, generous, humble and supportive. On a personal level, I miss my friend terribly. Dennis and I would laugh every time we chatted or spent time together. He was funny, witty and genuine, and sometimes so silly! Every memory of him makes me laugh, and then cry. His friendship is irreplaceable.

JO SMITH

Dennis was someone who always made me want to better! He would always take time to remind me, when I’d be pacing up and down before a show, trying to remember all I needed to say, “It doesn’t matter if people don’t remember what you say! What’s important is they remember how you made them feel”. He was so right as he made everyone that he came in contact with from a client to an apprentice or senior hairdresser feel important, heard and supported.

RICHARD KAVANAGH

As a fellow Kiwi (which all the best Aussies seem to be) I always admired Dennis for his unique approach to the industry. I think what I loved most was you always knew exactly where you stood with Dennis. That’s a rare quality in our industry and one that adds significant value. He will be missed.

PHIL BARWICK

I was a young bloke working with the legendary Sharon Maher at Sydney’s iconic Synergy Hair. One morning Sharon called me over to the front desk and said, “Philip meet Dennis Langford, he’s from TONI&GUY across the street”. Back then there was a lot of concern about TONI&GUY setting up in town and what impact the local industry would feel but what took place next showed me that a true comrade not competition had arrived in town. Much has changed over the years and people like Dennis are more important now than ever.

KATY REEVE

It took me a long time to sift through 18 years of photos, there are some of the traditional ones, smiling at the camera, where everything is “tip top”. It wasn’t always like that, of course, in fact I wish I had secret photos of the ‘in between’ times – the early morning cups of tea and toast at 5:30am before we load the cars before a show, the waiting before catching a plane, sitting with him whilst he made notes on everything. The hours and hours in his office planning, the door that was never closed to anyone, or just having a good chat in the car before we then saw each other all day – we both loved an early morning! It was the ‘in between’ times that I really saw him and he really saw me, for all our good and bad bits. Although it’s been a tough road recently our kinship has never wavered. He played one of the most important roles in my life and I will be eternally grateful.

KELLY PRESTIA

Dennis, the most inappropriate dad joker, the bad and best dancer and the best confidant you could ever wish for. This was my Dennis, and everyone had their own. Dennis was such a generous, compassionate and self-reflective driver. He made you reflect on what you needed and pushed you to achieve what you wanted, even when you didn’t want to hear it. This made him unique and irreplaceable. My mentor, my father figure, my friend. Forever indebted, always loved and a constant driver to be better. Dennis was devoted to TONI&GUY but also to our industry and craft. He devoted his life to making other people feel amazing. The industry saw him for the leader, educator and presence that he was, and will forever be remembered as, but he loved making clients feel amazing and it remained the essence of what he taught.

JACK MORTON

So many of us had a special relationship with Dennis. To me, like many of us, Dennis was a type of father figure. We would look to him for recognition, validation and guidance, which he would always deliver. It was succinct, digestible and, most importantly, useful. I often find myself asking WWDD? – What would Dennis do? I’d like to be more like Dennis when I grow up, just with a little more hair.

LAURIE CREASY

Heart led, unwavering, passion filled and a total advocate for ‘don’t tell them to do it if you’re not willing to do it yourself’. TONI&GUY ran through Dennis’ veins – his fight for the brand was personal, emotional and non-negotiable. Whilst never shying from the spotlight, he spread his own jam (and vegemite and peanut butter) on his morning toast, did his fair share of high vis laden lifting and made sure the title of mate superseded CEO. I met my best friend through him and some of the most magical people in life at his ‘house’ – the academy. Den you were always there, and your legacy and impact is unwavering.

Rest in peace.

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