If I could be anywhere right now, it would be here
Hairstylists and colorists often play the role of therapist (perhaps more often than they’d like)—but did you know a rare few are clairvoyant as well? This is exactly the case with celebrity stylist Ted Gibson and his all-around partner colorist Jason Backe, who basically designed the salon of the future before we even knew we’d need it much sooner than expected.
Welcome to STARRING by Ted Gibson, which is pretty much the only salon I’d feel comfortable stepping into at the moment (despite the fact that it’s 2,700 miles away), and what was originally conceptualized as a “smart salon” has emerged as a contactless, socially-distant haven for all things hair. All appointments and payments are made online, and if you want to shop for products, you simply scan with your phone to order through Amazon.
I caught up with Gibson and Backe (who actually treated me to an out-of-this-world color experience back in 2013) via Zoom a few weeks ago for a virtual tour of the space, and I’m telling you, it put L.A. at the top of my post-pandemic travel list. The avant garde layout itself consists of distinct pods (which Gibson and Backe refer to as “clouds”) so you’re always at least six feet from other clients. And BTW, each “cloud” has a sophisticated, voice-activated lighting system that not only enhances whatever mood you may be in (or want to be in), but lets you see what your new-and-improved color will look like in different conditions before you even leave the salon. Throw in several selfie-friendly spaces and it’s basically hair heaven.
While I was “there,” Gibson shared his top three hair trends for Fall/Winter, so naturally I wanted to share them with you…
Texture: Forget tousled waves and get reacquainted with a crimper—albeit one with wider grooves rather than its 90s predecessor. This tool is so much easier to use than a curling iron, and it delivers a more modern take on this throwback look. (Bellami’s Deep Waver fits the bill perfectly!)
Half-up-half-down: Yup, my middle school go-to is back. Simply gather all of your hair from the ears up, brush through lightly (Gibson recommends a Mason Pearson, natch), create a little front pouf and secure with a bungie elastic (which he prefers way more than traditional hair ties).
Claw-clip updo: I never thought I’d live to see the day when claw clips were cool (again), and this time around the bigger the better.
Of course there’s a STARRING by Ted Gibson product that will take all of the above to the next level, and it’s the Shooting Star Texture Meringue. It looks and feels like a mousse, but you emulsify it between your hands before applying to add light, touchable texture and hold to either wet or dry hair—and smooth your half-up-half-down pouf!
