Made popular by the starlets on the big and small screens, the modern chignon, demonstrated in the video by celebrity hair stylist Ted Gibson, is surprisingly simple. The up-do takes but a fraction of the time you need to straighten your hair! The reason why he starts the process with the flat iron though, is to give Charrisse’s hair that extra smoothness and shine that she would not have achieved otherwise.

Not all tools are created equal however. I bought my sister a relatively inexpensive one some years ago not realizing the difference and after one trial, it got demoted to the back of the cabinet under her sink and has been gathering dust ever since. The key to a good flat iron I found out, is being able to control the temperature. Different types and textures of hair require different degrees of heat to quickly and effectively straighten them so if you don’t have one that gives you that option, you’re taking the risk that it might not work too well. Even if it’s twenty dollars, it’s still twenty dollars that you burn.

Another unique product that Ted introduced me to is the Hair Sheet. A creation of his own, it is a leave-in conditioner in a towelette form and it’s soaked in proteins and vitamins that increase flexibility, shine and softness. I immediately recognized its travelling benefits. It’s not a “liquid” so you can keep it in your carry-on bag during a flight! It’s hassle-free and you don’t have to worry about exploding or leaky bottles. I’m not too crazy about having to throw away the towelette once it’s used, but it sure is convenient and very interesting. The Ted Gibson line is available exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada or online at www.tedgibsonbeauty.com.

Product development is one of Ted’s unique talents. After completing his education in the field, he impressed the executives at Aveda so much that they recruited him straight from school. With the company, Ted travelled the world as an educator conducting creative seminars and demonstrating bold new techniques. He also created successful products like Aveda’s Self Control Hair Styling Stick, Phomollient Styling Foam, and the Purefume Brilliant product line. After a rewarding career with the beauty giant, Ted left to fulfill another passion and became a freelance editorial stylist.

Ted is now one of the most sought-after editorial, runway, and celebrity hair stylists in the businesses. His work has appeared in publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and Allure and backstage at runway shows such as Chanel, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana. Ted is perhaps most known for toiling over the tresses of top celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightley, Diane Sawyer, and Jessica Alba.

An influential style maker, Ted is a regular contributor on “The Today Show” and has also appeared on shows such as “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” “Good Morning America,” “Inside Edition,” and “Entertainment Tonight.” It’s hard to imagine him having any extra time, but when he’s not travelling the world, he can be found at his successful Flatiron Salon in New York City, which he runs with partner and equally sought-after hair colourist Jason Backe. Next time you’re in the Big Apple, look them up and set an appointment for an incredible makeover. Be sure to book one a couple of weeks in advance though!