Celeb Hairstylist Ted Gibson Returns To Reality TV With ‘Blowing LA’

Celeb hairstylist and icon Ted Gibson is back on screen with a new reality TV show, “Blowing LA.” The unscripted drama looks to be as luxe, over-the-top, and glossy as Gibson, himself.

[SEE ALSO: Celeb Hairstylists Ted Gibson & Jason Backe Launch #OpenSalonsNow Campaign, Defy California Shutdown Orders]

The former resident hair guru on TLC’s “What Not to Wear” makeover series, now stands as one of the most sought-after editorial, runway, and celebrity hairstylists in the industry. Gibson has worked his magic on a who’s who list of celebrities, including Lupita Nyong’o, Logan Browning, Tessa Thompson, Gabrielle Union, Priyanka Chopra, and Angelina Jolie. His work has appeared in dozens of publications and runways, including “Vogue,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” “Elle,” “Vanity Fair,” “People StyleWatch,” and “W.”

“Blowing LA” will showcase Gibson in his element, serving up high-end looks for his jet-setting clients and operating STARRING by Ted Gibson, the world’s first smart salon that he owns and operates with his partner Jason Backe.

Of course, you can’t have a show about beauty without a little bit of ugly drama. Cutting edge meets cut-throat in the eight-episode series as Gibson and his team are pitted against another top celebrity hairdresser, Kim Vo. Vo is a celebrity colorist and runs his own namesake Kim Vo Salon. Both of their salon teams will also be featured.

Commissioned by Paramount+’s UK division, the show is produced by Fulwell 73 in association with Fifth Season.

“The show is naturally full of jeopardy as it looks at two of California’s hottest rival salons—both home to the top stylists in LA—and they are very much aware of one another,” Liz Tang, Fifth Season’s Executive Director of Acquisitions, told Deadline. “The rivalry is fierce and the desire to be on top is even fiercer.”

STARRING By Ted Gibson promises to be a marquee attraction, as well. The duo just celebrated the salon’s four-year anniversary. After closing their Manhattan salon and moving west, Backe shared they took two years to reimagine the salon experience. “We wanted to exaggerate the things that we loved and get rid of the things that we less than loved,” Backe told Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide when the salon reopened after pandemic closures. 

Aimed at redefining and raising the bar on the luxury salon experience, the voice-activated salon took clients through a touchless experience, “from the moment she books her appoint to the moment she arrives at the salon to event retail,” explained Gibson.

Instead of a traditional front desk or reception area, guests can relax in a state-of-the-art entertainment lounge. They can access a screened washing area and a powder room. Even the retail area is digital, with shoppable window displays with products that can be ordered and delivered right to their door. 

“We built the salon of the future, but we really did build the salon of today,” Gibson added. And it makes sense for the man who’s known for $2,000 (and up!) haircuts. 

“It doesn’t matter where you are, it’s really important to know your worth,” said Gibson about hairstylists. Especially now, with everyone riding what Backe coined the “Black bandwagon” in the wake of 2020’s racial reckoning, Gibson said taking on opportunities must be weighted with your value. 

“As Faatemah [Ampey, celebrity hairstylist and friend] says, ‘Don’t let anyone use your intellectual property for free.’ That is your mind, that is your hands, that is your Blackness. That is everything. Don’t let them use it for free.”

“Blowing LA” will make its streaming debut on December 7 on Paramount+ UK. It is slated for global release in early 2023.