ABOUT ME
RICARDO SANTIAGO
JOICO GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
With over 15 years in the hair industry, Ricardo has earned a reputation as a true “Jack of All Trades. ” His expertise spans everything from healthy platinums and creative color to seamlessly blended balayage, precision cutting, textured hair, and barbering. Originally from Puerto Rico Ricardo is based in Orlando, FL, and operates from an independent studio salon, while also serving clients in other major cities. In addition to working behind the chair, he collaborates with top brands in education, sharing his knowledge and skills with fellow professionals in both English and Spanish. As Joico’s Artistic Director of Education, Ricardo is deeply committed to both artistry and hair integrity.
He believes that beautiful hair starts with a healthy foundation—empowering clients with confidence and self-expression. A passionate educator, Ricardo travels internationally to inspire and train other stylists while continuously seeking new opportunities to refine his own craft. His dedication to lifelong learning not only enhances his expertise but also elevates the industry as a whole, ensuring exceptional results for every client & fellow Stylist!
ORLANDO,
FLORIDA
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE THE TECHNIQUES OR SERVICES THAT YOU SPECIALIZE IN AND ARE BEST KNOWN FOR?
Pretty much everything. I have clients that come see me from all over the world and U.S for balayage, fashion color, blonding, gray coverage, textured hair services, precision cutting, and barbering.
HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY AWARDS, ACCOLADES, OR SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY? IF SO, LIST THEM HERE.
- BTC one shot nominee and finalist, Modern salon top 100
- Salon magazine featured educator
- Modern salon cover featured
- Best of Orlando hairstylist
ONE PRO TIP EVERY STYLIST SHOULD KNOW
Education never ends.
CAREER HIGHLIGHT OR PROUDEST MOMENT
Teaching at a curly hair conference in Mallorca Spain with some of my mentors. Also, being a featured headliner at destination education!
IF YOU WEREN’T A HAIRSTYLIST, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I’ve tried just about everything else I thought I would want to be except for a zoologist. So probably a zoo
ONE PLACE IN THE WORLD YOU’D LOVE TO DO HAIR FOR A DAY
Japan
MY
WORK
PERSONALITY
YOUR SPECIALTY?
Everything! Blonding, fashion color, precision cutting, barbering, textured hair, balayage.
WHAT’S YOUR HAIR PHILOSOPHY?
Healthy hair and client experience will always be my highest priorities. (In salon)
WHAT'S YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE OR GO-TO TECHNIQUE
Typically a long balayage but my personal favorites are precision bobs and fantasy color!
WHAT’S ON YOUR PLAYLIST WHILE YOU WORK?
Pretty much anything from the 90’s and 2000’s
YOUR DREAM CLIENT (PAST OR PRESENT)
The client that comes in knowing exactly what they are looking for but is open to my professional opinion
IF YOUR CAREER HAD A TAGLINE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Let your passion guide you
JOICO PRODUCTS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
KBond20, LumiShine liquid toners, Blondelife balayage powder, vero kpak permanent color
YOUR GO-TO COFFEE (OR COCKTAIL/MOCKTAIL) ORDER
Boulevardier and a cortado
