Martinborough · New Zealand
Film Hair & Makeup Artist
Forty years in New Zealand hair and makeup — from Lord of the Rings and The Frighteners to Turret Salon & Spa, an exclusive hair, makeup and massage salon in Martinborough.
About Gail
“I started working in the New Zealand film industry when I was nineteen years old and a hairdresser in Queenstown.”
From New Zealand and overseas television commercials to major feature films, Gail travelled throughout the country with local and international crews. Employed on set as a hair & makeup artist and in wardrobe styling, she has been involved in music videos, television commercials, short films, documentaries and feature films.
Gail, who originally hails from Queenstown, feels it is important to bring her work-related experience in the film industry as a makeup artist and hairdresser to the everyday person, so they can feel special, pampered and beautiful.
Since 2003 she has been Managing Director of Turret Salon & Spa, her hair, makeup and beauty salon in Martinborough. Alongside the salon she serves on the South Wairarapa District Council Community Board and was awarded the 2020 South Wairarapa Rotary Community Service Award.
Notable Film & Television
From the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Frighteners to The Tribe and more than 150 TV commercials — hair and makeup credits across feature films, television series, short films and music videos.
View on IMDb
Feature Film Trilogy · 1998–2003
3foot6 Ltd · directed by Peter Jackson.
Hair & Makeup Coordinator + PA to Peter King — winner of the Academy Award for Best Makeup for The Return of the King (2003).
Hair & Makeup Coordinator + PA to Peter King
I feel extremely humbled to have worked with some amazing people — from Elton John and Billy Joel to writers Alex Hayley and Denis E. Waitley, and actors Michael J Fox, Orlando Bloom, Miranda Kerr and Brooke Shields, to fabulous producers and directors Sir Peter Jackson and Ridley Scott — to name a few.
Feature Film
Wingnut Films · Peter Jackson
Makeup/Hair Assistant
Feature Film
Wingnut Films · Peter Jackson and Costa Botes
Makeup/Hair
Television Series
Cloud 9
Makeup Supervisor
Commercials Directed By
Hair and makeup across more than 150 New Zealand and international TV commercials, working with crews from Shoot NZ, Spooky Pictures, Silverscreen Productions and Cranbrook Films.
Music Videos
Hair, makeup and styling for New Zealand and Australian music videos.
For the complete filmography, commercials list, music video credits and editorial work — see the full CV or her IMDb page.
The Salon
An exclusive salon and spa in Martinborough. A luxurious experience with a variety of services in stylishly equipped premises — a wet room with massage and scrub facilities, alongside professional hair and beauty services.
The salon specialises in weddings and takes great care that clients receive a memorable experience. Some of the furniture comes from Egypt, with the building’s exterior given a French villa appearance — a warm, relaxing atmosphere by design.
Hair
Cut, colour, style and grooming in a private space. Davines colour.
Makeup
Forty years of film-industry experience brought to everyday clients.
Spa
Relaxation massage and salt-scrub treatments in our wet room.
Weddings
Packages for brides and the wedding party — at the salon or on location.
Community Service
An elected member of the South Wairarapa District Council Community Board, and recipient of the 2020 South Wairarapa Rotary Club Community Service Award.
2020 Award
For work and service to the community.
Training
Forty years of formal training and ongoing professional development — from a Trade Certificate in Hairdressing in the early 1980s through to Davines colour and Reiki certification.
Hairdressing
1982 – 1985
Makeup
Renee Van Cooten School of Makeup · 1999
Special Effects
Sydney Film Technical School for Film and Television
Colour
2014
Wellbeing
Includes Bach Flower Remedy
Plus business and money management courses (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa) and ongoing Davines continuing education.
Full Training History on CV