From Runways to Rituals: Hairstylist Ted Gibson’s Journey to Authenticity
Hair artist Ted Gibson.
I think the role of a hairdresser is often oversimplified. I love what I do; it is so fulfilling. While it may seem glamorous, it’s a job filled with a lot of stress. You are dealing with image—and not just the image you create, but how the client sees themselves. For instance, no matter how perfect the cut or style, if someone isn’t happy within themselves, they won’t be satisfied with the results. And at the end of the day, as you return home, you often carry the weight of others’ energy, whether you intend to or not. In a job that requires you to be emotionally available to others day in and day out, maintaining your own emotional equilibrium can often feel like an uphill battle.
There have been countless moments in my life when I needed support—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Because like everyone else, I am human. In 2003, after living in New York City since 1996, I realized how unique the experience of my vocation is and has been. At that time, New York was like no other. The energy of places like The Roxy, Twilo, The Limelight, and The Tunnel shaped my life. I reveled in it all—until I didn’t. The thrill faded when I lost myself. When I lost sight of the “why” of my life, I found myself drifting, wondering why I was here.
I had begun to build a solid reputation in fashion, working with models for magazines, runway shows around the globe, and campaigns for designers and major department stores. Life was, in many ways, crazy good. But as time went on, I felt changes in my spirit. Partying, once a fleeting escape, became something I needed more than air. I was going to the ER several times a week, without even realizing that the real issue was my growing dependence on drugs.
At the same time, I was preparing to open my first salon, called Ted Gibson, on lower 5th Avenue in Manhattan. I had just flown to London to shoot two covers in one day with Patrick Demarchelier. Yet, I hesitated. I didn’t want to be a "celebrity" hairdresser. Why? Because in New York City, we weren’t just following trends; we were the hands creating them. The designers from London, Milan, Paris, and New York were setting the stage, and those looks—the creations from that magical time—appeared in the pages of every major publication.
Gibson and Keri Russell in 2024.
It was a captivating time. But as it goes with all things, you can get lost. And I did. Some things in life come by chance, and in my case, one of those moments turned out to be a lifesaver. A friend introduced me to The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes—a spiritual movement rooted in New Thought philosophy. This philosophy helped me in my search for self-understanding, aligning with my purpose, and prepared me for the success that was beginning to unfold. As a Black Army brat and gay man, the odds were stacked against me. But this philosophy reminded me that my mind—my thoughts—were the key to making meaningful change. This belief system grounded me, and it became the backbone of my daily routine.
Gibson and Tessa Thompson in March 2025.
My morning practice is as follows: 15 minutes of meditation, 15 minutes of reading, and 15 minutes of writing. This ritual has become my anchor, guiding me through the challenges of moving to Los Angeles, weathering Covid-19, surviving the writer and actor strikes, and coping with the fires that ravaged parts of California. It keeps me connected to a higher power, to something greater than myself—whatever you choose to call it.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a turning point for many of us. It forced me to stay focused on the goodness in this world and reminded me of the law of cause and effect: I am in control of my thoughts, and in turn, my vibration. This understanding led me to create a brand based on adaptogenic mushrooms—ingredients that connect us to the earth and to ourselves, reminding us that everything is, in fact, for our good. These principles are part of my morning rituals, and they shape my days.
Living in Palm Springs has been a dream—one I never expected to live. I moved here in 2023 from Los Angeles, initially thinking I’d only stay for a few months, but with the actors’ strike, my house rental became my permanent home. I still travel back and forth to Los Angeles for work, as my clientele of actors and salon clients keep me busy. And while the drive can be 2-4 hours, I don’t mind it. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, enjoying the time to listen to my astrologer or some good music.
Gibson works on Priyanka Chopra’s hair look.
The desert offers its own kind of intense yet calming magic. The sunsets here paint the sky in fiery pinks and oranges, the mornings greet me with the soft rustling of palm fronds, and lounging poolside feels like a way of life I want to savor every single day. But the desert’s beauty comes at a cost—and here’s where I share my external wellness practices. My skin doesn’t always share my love for the arid climate. The intense sun and low humidity can make hydration feel impossible.
As a hairdresser and someone who takes pride in looking and feeling my best, maintaining healthy skin is non-negotiable. That’s why I’ve created rituals for both internal and external wellness. Every morning, I start my day with a complex blend of four mushrooms and blue-green algae—my own concoction, Ascension—to nourish my body and set the tone for the day. But my morning practice wouldn’t be complete without meditation, reading, writing, and listening to some form of spiritual guidance. Without these, I feel ungrounded. They center me. And with that, I’m ready to face the day with a "let’s go!" mentality.
After my morning routine, it’s time for self-care, which is essential to me. Living in Palm Springs, moisturizing is a must. The dry desert air constantly threatens to strip my skin of its moisture. But I’ve found an irreplaceable skincare product: OSEA’s Day Glow Face Oil. From the first moment I applied this lightweight yet deeply nourishing formula, I knew it was different. It absorbs quickly, without that greasy after-feel some oils leave behind. Packed with seaweed, turmeric, and passion fruit seed oil, it replenishes and protects, giving my skin that dewy, post-facial glow—even after a long day under the desert sun.
What I love most about this oil is how it acts as a barrier against the harsh desert elements. The dry heat and relentless wind can leave my skin feeling parched by midday, but with OSEA’s oil, my face stays soft, illuminated, and protected. Whether I’m heading to my favorite walking spot, Indian Trails; sipping iced matcha in my backyard; or preparing for an evening out downtown, this oil keeps my skin fresh, like I just stepped out of a spa—even amid the cacti and all that sunshine. Living in Palm Springs, where the heat is intense and hydration is key, has made this face oil a daily must. It’s my skin’s best friend and the reason I can coexist with the elements in perfect harmony—that and my sunsets, my mushroom powder, and my sense of mental clarity and strength.