Published July 2025
After 30 years behind the salon chair, award-winning Brisbane hairdresser Gregson Gastar has stepped into a different kind of spotlight.
This time, he is wearing an apron as a contestant on The Great Australian Bake Off.
Mr Gastar, who began his working life as a dishwasher, always knew he wanted to be an artist.
While he found creative expression through hairdressing, earning numerous awards and running a successful salon franchise, his passion for baking quietly grew alongside.
“I’ve always wanted to be an artist,” he said.
“What really inspired me was The Women’s Weekly magazine and their cookbooks. The first thing I ever baked was a chocolate cake from one of those books.”
After migrating from the Philippines, Mr Gastar began experimenting with nostalgic flavours from his heritage.
Growing up in a home where cooking was not a priority, he often took charge in the kitchen.
Now, that cultural connection inspires his baking, especially his signature ube chiffon cake, a Filipino dessert made with purple yam.
“There’s a popular flavour in the Philippines called ube, which is purple,” he explained.
“It’s hard to describe. Kind of like an earthy vanilla. It has a distinct taste, but it’s subtle. Definitely nostalgic for me.”
Years ago, Mr Gastar was invited to appear in a pilot for The Great Australian Bake Off after Fremantle Media, now the BBC, discovered his baking content on Instagram.
At the time, however, he had just opened a new salon and had to pass on the opportunity.
“Way back when Instagram first started, Fremantle Media found my baking account and offered me the chance to be part of the show,” he said.
“But I had just opened a salon, and it wasn’t the right time.”
Last year, after launching a new cooking Instagram and TikTok, Mr Gastar was approached again. This time, the timing was perfect.
“One of the producers got in touch and asked if I would like to audition,” he said.
“I just felt like it was my turn. I auditioned, and before I knew it, I was on the show. It all happened so fast. It was surreal.”
Being able to share his story and heritage on national television was a meaningful experience.
“Coming to Australia as a Filipino immigrant, it made me feel seen in a way I hadn’t before,” he said.
“In my forties, I’ve become more comfortable in my own skin, but this meant so much to me.”
Mr Gastar hopes viewers will feel joy watching him on screen and be inspired to pursue their own passions.
“I hope people take away a sense of joy and the courage to be brave. Just go for whatever it is you want to do. If that comes through in my baking, then I’ve done what I set out to do.”
