Saturday with Gareth Bromell: 'I'm not into trends — everyone has their own style'

Gareth Bromell (42) is a globally renowned hair stylist from Limerick known for his work with celebrity clients that include Cate Blanchett, Cillian Murphy, Catriona Balfe, Keanu Reeves, Martin McDonagh and Taylor Swift. He splits his time between London, New York and LA where he lives in Los Feliz with his partner, a film editor.

Sat, 08 Jun, 2024 - 18:37

Ruth O'Connor

6.00

Most mornings I wake up at 6.00 or 7.00 without an alarm, unless I’ve been out the night before which is a rarity these days.

The first thing I do is have hot water with lemon. Then I have a coffee and do Wordle.

8.00

I prefer breakfast to brunch. My go-to breakfast at home is oatmeal or eggs. Myself and my partner will cook for each other.

He is amazing at pancakes and French toast with lots of maple syrup (he’s Canadian).

We’re pretty clean eaters but we tend to have a sweet tooth. If we’re eating out [in LA] we’ll meet friends at Little Doms where they do an amazing brunch.

Their fried potatoes with garlic and parsley are delicious.

11.00

We live just below Griffith Observatory.

The weather is generally great so I’ll go for a hike with my partner (it’s the perfect way to catch up on the week’s events) or by myself if he’s playing tennis.

I do it as a walking meditation – to clear my head, to get some exercise.

I love nature and our area is quite green.

I just throw on my shorts and my sunscreen – Factor 50 is imperative for my pale skin.

Even if I’m out on a Friday night I’ll still try to make the effort.

I’m from Castleconnell in Limerick and when I’m home I love to walk in Killaloe.

I often work or fly at weekends – it’s always in flux and can be very last-minute. It’s a tiring routine but I love it. That’s why I look after myself – keep the body moving.

I have four very large suitcases - one is my European/Irish/UK kit, one is my American kit, one is my male grooming kit and one has wigs and such. I have an entourage of suitcases – I’m like Joan Collins with her Louis Vuittons!

If I’m getting ready to fly I pack electrolytes, Vick’s spray, hyaluronic acid, liposomal Vitamin C packs to keep the immune system boosted – I rarely get sick because I use all that stuff religiously.

14.00

After our hike we’ll do our grocery shopping and decide what we want to eat over the weekend.

My partner likes to bake. He makes incredible sourdough and cakes, he’s amazing. We’ll go to Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods and then come back and cook lunch together.

There’s a lovely wine shop near us called Lou’s and he does a 2011 bottle of Rioja that I love.

17.00

There’s always a possibility after lunch that we’ll get an invite to a friend’s house for dinner or drinks.

If we’re eating out we love to go to Hippo in Highland Park. I’ll order the butternut squash cappellacci.

19.00

I used to go to pubs and clubs a lot years ago when I moved to LA for the first time. I would spend Saturday nights in Georgio’s in the Standard Hotel.

Nowadays it’s more like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned and a catch-up with five or six friends at their homes.

That said, Oscar night was spectacular – we partied all night and ended up at Madonna’s concert the next day!

21.00

I go to bed most nights at around 9pm. I’m a big believer in medical grade skincare. One of my favourite brands is Medik8.

I cleanse with a Sisley gel cleanser, then I use Medik8’s retinol eye and face creams and a Sisley moisturiser.

I’ll have a cup of herbal tea.

I like my hair to look messy and lived-in so I use a texturising spray and a bit of styling paste by äz Haircare. I get my hair cut in London with my friend Lina who works in Vidal Sassoon.

I think it’s all about self care these days for men too – looking after yourself comes down to how you look after your body and what you put on your skin and hair.

I’m all about a good cut. Two of my favourite haircuts this year I gave to Caitrona Balfe and Cillian Murphy.

For Caitrona, a beautiful new haircut for the Iftas, a soft modern short shag. Cillian Murphy has a great head of hair and great style. The cut I gave him for the Oscars is versatile and can be worn in different ways.

I have female clients who have long hair and only need to see me twice a year. With short hair it’s a different story.

Mid-length to shorter hair on women at the moment is a vibe but to be honest I’m not really into trends. I think everyone has their own individual and personal style.