Cutting to the Chase: Ted Gibson

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DON'T KNOW TED GIBSON? Just wait. The hairstylist to the stars — who's coiffed celebs from Anne Hathaway to Demi Moore — has just opened his first D.C. salon in Hela Spa's Chevy Chase outpost (5481 Wisconsin Ave. NW; 301-951-4445). He's also expanded his hair care line to Target and will start selling fuss-free tress extensions on QVC later this month.

» EXPRESS: Your salon in New York is famous for great cuts. Why choose D.C. as the site of your second outpost?
» GIBSON: I always think about new markets where I can make a difference, and it made sense to be in D.C. It may be a little bit conservative, but there are definitely women here who want to be modern and current.

» EXPRESS: What would you consider to be your defining traits as a hairstylist?
» GIBSON: My beauty mantra is, "Beauty is individual." One thing about my salon in New York is that it's multicultural, in the respect that you can be sitting next to a black woman next to a white woman next to an Indian woman. It's a new thought process in the way a salon operates.

» EXPRESS: What can a client expect when she sits down for a cut from you?
» GIBSON: Well, my haircuts are $950. One of the reasons I charge that much is that, usually, when you go a high-profile hairdresser, you're passed around through many different people. In my salon, you're with me for the entire hour and a half.

» EXPRESS: Does that $950 get me more than a cut? A diamond, maybe?
» GIBSON: I give advice on beauty in general. If I make a big change to your hair, I'm going to recommend a different lip color or even a different style of clothes that will show off the haircut. The whole look should work together. When I do a red carpet event for Annie Hathaway, Gabrielle Union or Debra Messing, I'm always thinking of that as well.

» EXPRESS: So, what's the trick for getting gorgeous, red carpet-worthy tresses?
» GIBSON: Great hair is all about what's in your bag. A woman probably carries two or three lip colors. I also think it's necessary to have some hair products as well. I make a product called Hairsheet Styling that's the equivalent of a makeup remover towelette. You can rub it on to refresh and restyle between the office and a night out. Another product a girl should never be without is a travel-sized hair spray.

» EXPRESS: Really? Hair spray in your purse? That seems so '80s to me.
» GIBSON: The new technology in hair spray makes it so different now. You can get a soft, light control formula - it's not heavy or sticky. A little hair spray is essential because it delivers both body and control.

» EXPRESS: Fill us in. What's the biggest trend in hairstyles right now?
» GIBSON: I still think the bob is really strong, but if you've been wearing it straight, then maybe try waving or curling it. That will update the look and add a little soft texture.

» EXPRESS: Now that you're in D.C., we have to ask about Michelle Obama's hair.
» GIBSON: I hated when she had the flip, but I think her hair is fine now. I think I'd put a little more texture in it, just a little bit of wave; it's a little too straight as is.

» EXPRESS: And what about Barack Obama? Should he do anything different?
» GIBSON: I'd take it a little shorter on the sides and longer on the top. And I'd want to put some color in it, like a dark brown.

Photo courtesy Ted Gibson Salon