Gustav: Founder
In a career spanning two decades, Gustav has become one of London's premier hairstylists and salon owners. Originally from South Africa, this passionate innovator is known for elegant and easy three-dimensional cuts, rich on-trend colour (blondes are his forte), as well as flawless up-do's and blow-outs.
Gustav has created spectacular looks for red-carpet events, editorial shoots, TV commercials and hundreds of weddings. He has styled and travelled with VIPs and celebrities, including Kate Hudson, Gal Gadot, Leanne Rimes and Peter Andre's bride, Emily. He has worked with designers like Oscar De La Renta and Jenny Packham. Although often finding himself with glamorous collaborators in exclusive locations, there is nowhere Gustav would rather be than in his Westbourne Grove salon working his magic to make each and every client sparkle like an A-lister.
Education is the driving force behind everything Gustav does. It has guided his entire career journey. In 2006 he made his first trip to London to train at the Sassoon Foundation. He decided then that he would move to London and one day open his own salon. After moving to London in 2011, he realised this ultimate dream in 2019, when he opened Gustav Fouche in Notting Hill.
Always training and learning, Gustav has achieved the rank of Wella Master Colourist, the highest colour certification in the industry. An enthusiastic educator, he is an instructor at Wella and judge for their Trend Vision Awards. His daily TikTok and Instagram tutorials have a large loyal following. He is building on the success of these tutorials and will soon launch a digital education platform. It will feature resources for industry professionals covering everything from the latest bridal trends to detailed steps for successfully opening a salon business. The platform will also host tutorials for clients to style their favourite GF looks at home.
Gustav’s insatiable desire for knowledge and excellence has led him to discover more natural ways of caring for hair of all types and textures. This quest will soon disrupt the haircare industry, when he launches his all-natural, silicon-free haircare range, GF Fabulosity.
Personal relationships that nurture and empower are at the core of Gustav’s life philosophy. He wants everyone—clients, GF team members, industry peers—to realise their full potential. When clients leave the salon, Gustav wants them to feel radiant, confident that they can conquer the world. He loves mentoring his team members, seeing them grow and supporting them in the pursuit of their own ambitions. Gustav has achieved his wildest dreams. He helps his clients and peers realise theirs too.