Ted, how did your hairdressing career begin?
With a dream and a desire. A good friend of mine was “guilty” of it. He was a hairdresser and he had a good car, good clothes, and a good house. I liked his life! I decided to become a hairdresser too. I went to a hairdressing school in
What exactly did she give you?
Besides cutting and styling techniques, she also explained to me the importance of client relations. A hairdresser should be a psychologist as well. She also stressed the importance of retail service.
Where did you start working after school?
I worked for AVEDA for 7 years creating products, teaching and traveling the globe spreading their message. I had to win a contest to work there. But now I am a salon owner. I own my own salon with my partner Jason Backe who is the Master Colorist. It is called Ted Gibson and is located on
Your salon has an image of a celebrity salon. Do ordinary people go there?
Ordinary people visit with the celebs and we provide equally excellent service to each client. Black, white, yellow, from 25 to 6o. I'm glad they are not only from NY, but from the other districts.
Whose stylist (from today's celebrities) would you like to be?
I am already the hairdresser to some of the most beautiful women in the world and it doesn't get any better than that.
And who they are, if it's not a secret?
It's not a secret. I love my clients in the salon and out. Angelina Jolie, Renee Zellweger, Gabrielle Union, Joy ryant, Jessica Alba, Keira Knightley.
Ted, how much time passed from the first time you tried to make a cut until your first star client?
About 10 years. I didn't know I wanted to work with celebs. I always wanted to do fashion. The first celeb whose hairdo I did was Angelina Jolie. She is fantastic and she has fantastic sexy long hair! All this time she has remained my client. The first time I was scared by the great responsibility, but my advice to anyone is to be yourself and not let your ego get in the way.
Can you share a secret? How do stars choose their stylists?
I never thought of it; it's my agent's business. It's normal when you work at this level to work with an agent. This person seeks clients for me and recommends me everywhere. But I suppose that celebrities
also share their thoughts about stylists, listen to advice and give it.
What personal qualities does a stylist need to work with the celebrities?
Be a really good hairdresser. Know how
to do an amazing French twist, chignon
and bun. Take all the basics and make
them modern. Always be able to be in a
good mood and to give of yourself and
take care of them. You always have to be
able to keep your mouth closed and your
eyes open.
Do the celebrities try to follow the trends or create these trends themselves?
Is it easy to convince such a person to do the haircut you like?
It is not always easy to do a trendy haircut
on a celeb. They have an image that they
have to project. I think a collaboration
with a celeb can make a hairdresser´s
career.
Which of today stylists are interesting to you?
I think Eugene Suleiman from
Ted, what do you think about hairdressing contests?
They are very, very important! I started with them, and I think it's the only way to success. But now I don't take part — I have practically no time for them.
Does a famous stylist promote the salon he works in or does a well known salon makes a stylist famous?
I think both. It was important for me to open my own salon because it completes me as a professional. Salon, celebrity, fashion shows, and products. We just launched 2 products called Hairsheet Styling and Hairsheet Treatment for all hair types
Have you ever seen people in the streets copying the haircuts that you've done for your star clients?
Yes, and it's a fabulous feeling! The most popular celebs to copy are Madonna, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Anniston and Paris Hilton. They influence most if not all of the actual American trends.
What person's (past or present) image would you like to have created?
Josephine Baker, the jazz artist of the 20s.
What is the best praise of your work for you?
A thank you!
What trends do you think are actually popular in coloring, length, texture and cuts?
Blondes beige and ash, shoulder and above for length, wave and texture is still really hot here in the
What would you like to wish our readers and all your colleagues in the New Year?
Abundance, prosperity, and acceptance of self.
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