ricardo santiago

Ricardo Santiago

International Guest Artist/ Artiste invité international
In the hair industry now for 10 years, Ricardo has been called the "Jack of all trades;” specializing in everything from vibrant/mermaid colors, rich naturals, to perfectly blended balayage and highlights. With a special emphasis on styling to accentuate his cuts and colors, Ricardo incorporates every aspect of this industry into his work as another weapon in his arsenal, down to his barbering roots. He has a constant hunger for more education and is doing what he can to learn more and better improve his skills in hopes of passing that knowledge onto others.

Ricardo Santiago

ricardo santiago

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 and 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 who come see me from all over the world and the U.S for balayage, fashion color, blonding, gray coverage, textured hair services, precision cutting, and barbering.

MAJOR MILESTONES: YOUR AWARDS, ACCOLADES, AND SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY…

  • BTC One Shot Nominee and Finalist
  • Modern Salon Top 100
  • Salon Magazine Featured Educator
  • Modern Salon Featured Cover
  • 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 Majorca, Spain with some of my mentors. Also, being a featured headliner at Joico 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 I’d probably work at a zoo!

ONE PLACE IN THE WORLD YOU’D LOVE TO DO HAIR FOR A DAY

Japan

ricardo santiago

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 the 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 who comes in knowing exactly what they are looking for, but is still 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 Lightener, Vero K-PAK Permanent Color.

YOUR GO-TO COFFEE (OR COCKTAIL/MOCKTAIL) ORDER

Boulevardier and a Cortado.