Gibson Girl in a Gibson World

If you’ve been a MGC reader for even a little while, you know that I have a no-holds-barred relationship with my hair. I don’t mess around or compromise on any level when it comes to the style and cut of my hair. There have been a few painful and poignant lessons learned in the past-followed by YEARS of post traumatic stress syndrome and reconstructive therapy (slight exaggeration).

I know how it feels to have my hair torched by a rookie and groomed by a professional. The difference is black and white, night and day, sunshine vs tornados. Extreme.

One of my very first posts on this site was a goofy little experiment about nothing other than my hair. Those days I was safely in the hands of my former stylist/colorist Steven Husted at Five Color Cowboy in San Jose, California. He was my main hair guru (and remains the same for my mom and sister) for upwards of 12 years. The breakup when we moved was tearful and petrifying.

When we arrived in NYC, I gambled with a trip to a taxidermist/hairstylist that I found through the Bumble & Bumble website. I was honestly quite impressed with both my colorist and stylist for over a year, however the hike to the salon coupled with the dead animals perched around the salon felt slightly less than glamorous. When you’re spending top dollar for your locks, the overall experience is pretty crucial. I’m not knocking the salon, but for me it wasn’t a perfect fit.

Flash forward to J. Mendel’s show, Fashion week, Fall 2010 . I am introduced to The Man, Ted Gibson. Watching the way he floats around the models creating hair magic with the grace of an artist both wowed and inspired me. Backstage at Rachel Roy, Spring 2011, he asked me whether or not I had been to his salon in the Flatiron district yet. Wait… he has a salon around the corner from where I live? It was a moment I was short for words, to say the least. “It’ll change your life” he told me.

I spent the following two months ignoring the pitiful state of my mop on top until I could get an appointment at Ted Gibson. It was well worth the wait.

Ted Gibson and Jason Backe

The salon itself is dripping in pink chandeliers and gorgeous cherry blossoms. It’s glamorous and chic while managing to feel completely un-intimidating. I was treated like a queen, with complimentary hand massages, beverages, and kindness without attitude (very rare for a top notch salon).

Most of the staff, including Ted and Jason, had been whisked away to snowy Chicago to tape none other than the Oprah Winfrey Show.

My colorist, Ronnie Dieterich was attentive and amazing while Danielle Harper, my stylist, cut my hair with the ease and charm of a master.

Before

I asked to be given “the Ombre”, the latest style on the block. I wasn’t sure exactly how extreme they were going to take it, but I was pleasantly surprised with the results, even if it was a little darker than I had hoped. It’ll grow out nicely with very little maintenance-something that was key for me for many reasons (pregnancy).

After

Being the staunch supporter of Bumble & Bumble, they even managed to turn me on to Ted Gibson hair products. The Clarity Color Shampoo is delicate and leaves my hair with tons of body and shine. Ted Gibson for L’Oreal Professional’s Lift Extreme Texture Expert has effectively changed and upgraded my morning hair routine. The volume is out of control amazing.

Ted was right. His salon did change my life. It feels pretty awesome to have a salon that is not only within walking distance from my apartment, but I completely trust them and look forward to the visit. It’s a zen feeling, honestly, one that I can only relate to with fellow hair aficionados.

I’m officially a Gibson Girl.

(The boys look adorable as usual! I loathe this photo of myself, but had to include it! Ah, pregnancy)

Disclosure: I received my hair cut and color courtesy of Ted Gibson Salon for purposes of this review. I purchased all product myself. All opinions, as usual, are my own.