Martyn Gayle

Westbourne Grove hair guru Martyn Gayle, who has been based in the area for almost 20 years, gives his views on local life and offers haircare tips for summer

Grove magazine: You’ve had a salon in Notting Hill since 1989, how have you seen the grove change since then?
Martyn Gayle: I’ve seen the area change greatly, but there’s something about this area that still allows it to maintain its identity, and individualism.

Grove magazine: What’s your favourite aspect of Notting Hill? 
Martyn Gayle: The walk from the salon to Portobello Road.

Grove magazine: And, what frustrates you?
Martyn Gayle: Negativity towards the Notting Hill Carnival.

Grove magazine: How did the collaboration with Lookfantastic come about? What impact has it had on the Westbourne Grove salon?
Martyn Gayle: Peter Crown, CEO of Lookfantastic, wanted to expand the brand and to establish a London flagship. We were introduced at an industry gathering and hit it off straight away. We just took it from there. Our partnership with Lookfantastic has had a very positive effect,
it’s an amazing opportunity to take the business even further.

Grove magazine: What or who inspired you to get into hairdressing?
Martyn Gayle:To be honest, there was no flashing lights or anything. I was due to go to college and study graphics, but in the summer holidays I needed a job. I saw a sign in a salon window and went for it. I found the environment really fun, creative and individual, so decided to stay.

Grove magazine: What would you do if you were Mayor of London for the day?
Martyn Gayle:I would offer everyone free public transport for one working week.

Grove magazine: Where do you go for a good night out in Notting Hill?
Martyn Gayle:To the homes of local friends or to the Electric.

Grove magazine:Whose hair would you most like to style?
Martyn Gayle: Gisele Bündchen. For me she is the personification of the title supermodel.

Grove magazine: Describe the quintessential Martyn Gayle client
Martyn Gayle: Unpretentious, honest and stylish.

Grove magazine: Which celebrity has been your favourite to work with?
Martyn Gayle: I recently worked with James Nesbitt, he was great. I did his grooming for an editorial interview for a national glossy magazine.

Grove magazine: Are you going anywhere nice on holiday this year?
Martyn Gayle: I don’t have any time for holidays!

Grove magazine: Tell us about your involvement with the Working Parents Task Force.
Martyn Gayle: I was invited to be part of a 12 person panel, the Working Parents Task Force, who contributed to creating a policy which allowed working parents more flexibility in the workplace. I was very honoured to do this as it is not only an issue which affects large businesses but small businesses too. As a result of our work on this we were invited to Buckingham Palace, which I must say – apart from the birth of my children – was one of the proudest days of my life.

Grove magazine: What’s your secret for fitting so much into life?
Martyn Gayle: There is no secret. You have one life, and I feel that it is important to seize as many positive opportunities as you can, and spread some ‘love’.

Grove magazine: What do you think will be the the key hairdo of Spring/Summer 08?
Martyn Gayle: I don’t really think there will be a ‘key’ do as everybody should be individual, but I think that there will be a bit more emphasis on a rougher texture in the hair, but still with volume.

Grove magazine: What are your top tips for maintaining luscious locks?
Martyn Gayle: Get your hair in fabulous condition with regular professional hair treatments, and then get a great haircut which you should then ‘sharpen’ up a least every six to eight weeks.

Grove magazine: What do you have planned for LookFantastic for 2008?
Martyn Gayle: We are always expanding the brand and giving our existing and new client base added value, and a great service.

Martyn Gayle @ Lookfantastic,
102 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, W2
020 7243 6047