We caught up with celebrity hair stylist and innovator Gustav Fouche Originally hailing from South Africa, Gustav Fouche has become one of London’s premier hair stylists and salon owners during the course of the last two decades. Known for his innovative 3D Dry Cut, flawless up-dos and blow-outs, he’s also created many a jaw-dropping red-carpet look for the likes of Kate Hudson, Gal Gadot and Leanne Rimes. He’s a master collaborator when it comes to editorial shoots and TV commercials, but crucially to us, he’s a veteran of hundreds of weddings. His TikTok and Instagram tutorials have amassed a huge following too and he’s most recently launched his own haircare line, GF Fabulosity. CWM beauty editor Kelly Andrews, caught up with the charming Gustav at Claridge’s earlier this year, to learn more about his newest salon opening and product launches, while seeking out his top tips for our beautiful brides. Exciting news that you’ve now launched your newest salon in Weybridge Surrey, adding to your existing branch in Notting Hill. What made you choose Weybridge? Eleven years ago, one of my clients told me she was pregnant and moving out of London, and asked if I could do her hair at home. She moved from Wandsworth to Hersham, and every six weeks the arrangement was I did her hair and one other person’s. From two people, this increased to six, until eventually it became too much. I then found a salon I could rent a space from, and that’s how I started in the area. I rented in one salon for six years, then moved to another while I set up Gustav Fouche Weybridge. I’m very proud and grateful to be there. What tips can you offer a bride for looking after her hair in the lead up to the big day? I always recommend you start by reducing the amount of heat and removing hair silicone from your routine completely. It’s important to make sure your hair is in optimum health for your wedding, especially if you want something like waves or curls. This is because moisture will maintain the structure of the hair and help your style last much longer. I also encourage regular cuts and have a plan with your stylist. Work towards where you want to go for optimum health. Colour-wise, if you’re going to do any drastic changes, do it at least three months beforehand so you feel comfortable and don’t look like someone else on the big day! Do you have a signature bridal look that you love to style? My personal preference is anything soft and feminine. Even if it’s a very structured style, there’s a certain level of softness and making it look pretty. Beautiful hair is what I like to do. That’s probably my first choice, but as long as the bride looks amazing, that’s my dream come true. What are brides asking for this year? At the moment, we’ve got everything from hair up, to hair down, but the most popular is half-up and half-down, as this is the style that makes them feel most like them – they still have their hair down with the security of having part of it up. How can a bride decide on what style to opt for? It’s easy to become confused by choice, and it’s difficult to have a good understanding of what’s realistic or will suit. Choosing the right hair is as important as choosing the right dress. For one, it’s vital to understand the feel you’re going for. Is it a city edge, a glamorous look, a bohemian vibe or a rustic feel? Once we know this, look at your face shape and consider what you’re already doing with your hair. Do you wear it up usually or do you prefer it down, or again, even half up and half down? It’s also important to consider whether you’re going for multiple looks for the evening with a dress change – how will a hair up do affect those dresses? FABULOUS Feeling 76
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=