There are stylists who cut hair — and then there are people who change the energy of an entire room just by walking into it. Ricky Hadaway is the second kind. With more than 15 years in the industry, a role as both a salon location manager and a working stylist behind the chair, and a presence that his team describes as steady, caring, and deeply trustworthy, Ricky is exactly the kind of person this month was made to celebrate.
His story is not one of instant greatness. It is one of showing up — day after day, year after year — with intention, humility, and an open heart. And in honor of Stylist Appreciation Month, we are beyond thrilled to put the spotlight right where it belongs: on him.
From Intern to Leader: A 15-Year Legacy
In December of 2010, Ricky Hadaway walked through the doors of what was then W. Daly Salon — not as a stylist, not as a manager, but as an intern. He had no way of knowing that he was not simply starting a job. He was beginning what would become one of the most meaningful chapters in the history of our salon family.
More than 15 years later, Ricky has grown into a cornerstone of Bob Steele Salon. He leads an entire location as manager while continuing to serve his beloved clients behind the chair — a balancing act that requires extraordinary skill, emotional intelligence, and a genuine love for people. And he does it, by all accounts, with grace.
"It's honestly so rewarding to help and watch others grow as I did. Also knowing that someone has trusted me to give me this role and responsibility has truly not gone unnoticed."
When asked what achievement made him feel like he was exactly where he was meant to be, his answer had nothing to do with technique or accolade. It was about people.
"Probably the management side of things," he says. "Watching the newer talents grow — from hiring them to seeing them become career professionals now. I think that's my favorite part."
That is who Ricky is at his core. A builder of people. Someone who measures his own success not by what he has achieved, but by how far the people around him have come.
A Steady Hand Through Change
On March 31st, we celebrated five incredible years since the acquisition of W. Daly Salon and the beginning of our journey as Bob Steele Salon. Five years of growth, transformation, new faces, and new stories — and through all of it, one constant: Ricky.
Transitions of that magnitude are rarely easy. Change creates uncertainty, and uncertainty can shake even the strongest of teams. But Ricky understood what great leaders always understand — that during times of change, what people need most is not someone with all the answers. They need someone who is simply, unfailingly, present.
"Being a calm and unwavering constant was what I felt the team needed and received from me," he reflects. "Even with all of the changes coming, I felt they could look at me and know that I was there for them."
"Even with all of the changes coming, I felt they could look at me and know that I was there for them."
That kind of leadership — quiet, grounded, and deeply human — is a rare gift. The success and warmth we celebrate today at Bob Steele Salon is, in no small part, a reflection of the trust Ricky helped build during those early, pivotal years of transition. We could not be more grateful.
Mastering the Craft, One Chair at a Time
For all of his gifts as a leader, Ricky never lost sight of the first love that brought him into this industry: the art of hair. And like all truly great artists, he is quick to tell you that mastery did not come easy.
"I would say mastering bobs and pixies," he says of his proudest career accomplishments, "because when I started out, I was terrible!"
That honesty is part of what makes Ricky so magnetic. He does not perform perfection. He models growth — the messy, beautiful, worthwhile kind. Today, bobs and balayages are his most-requested services, and that is no coincidence. It is the fruit of years spent choosing to improve, even when it was hard.
His personal styling philosophy is rooted in ease and real-life wearability. "I would probably say more easy and lived-in looks," he describes. "I always tell my clients that if I can style your hair, then I know for sure that you can too — because I had zero experience starting out." That spirit of empowerment lives in every single appointment.
When clients come in for both color and a cut, Ricky approaches the session as one cohesive vision. "I kind of see the color they're wanting to achieve, and then based on the cut they're requesting, I try to customize it with a realistic approach," he shares. "Whether we're doing highlights and then a shorter cut, I try to gear them in a direction where it doesn't look spotty."
And his favorite transformation of all? Not a second of hesitation. "Definitely balayage. I love a balayage."
What He Wants Every Client to Feel?
Behind all the technique, beyond every consultation and every carefully placed highlight, at the very heart of what Ricky does each day, there is one simple and profound intention.
"To feel like they're accepted. And that they know I am here for them. I just hope they have a really good time."
That is it. That is the whole mission. In a world where walking into a salon can feel intimidating — where clients wonder if they will be judged, if they will be heard, if they will truly belong — Ricky creates something different. He creates a chair where you are safe. A space where you matter. An experience where you leave not just looking beautiful, but feeling genuinely seen.
That kind of acceptance is not a strategy for Ricky. It is simply who he is. And it is one of the deepest reasons his clients return, season after season, year after year.
Leading with Authenticity Every Day
In his day-to-day role as manager, Ricky's approach to leadership is grounded in one non-negotiable truth: show up as yourself.
"Showing up as your authentic self each day," he says. "Let others know that even if you aren't perfect, you'll try your hardest to support not just them, but others as well."
He points to two things that have helped him carry both the leadership role and the chair: a natural love of multitasking and a deep love of people. And he is always quick to share the credit. "I also have a wonderful and supportive team," he says warmly. "That makes it even better."
The team at his location does not simply respect Ricky. They feel safe with him. And in a creative, fast-paced environment like ours, that sense of safety is everything.
A Love Story Behind the Chair
Here is a detail that will make you smile: Ricky's husband is also a stylist within the Bob Steele Salon family.
Sharing an industry with someone you love is its own kind of beautiful — and Ricky reflects on it with unmistakable joy. "It depends on the day — just kidding!" he says, laughing. "It's honestly been so nice seeing him grow and stay in a role for so long. He changed careers so many times before falling back in love with this industry. Watching him connect with his clients and be himself has been such a blessing."
Two people who love each other, both choosing this work, both showing up every day to make people feel their very best. It is a reminder that what we do here at Bob Steele Salon is not just a career. It is a calling.
The Introvert Behind the Magic
And now for the plot twist that surprises nearly everyone who meets him.
Ricky Hadaway — the warm, engaging, magnetic leader behind the chair — is, outside of these walls, a deeply introverted soul.
"I am way more introverted than people would think," he says with a grin. "They're always like, 'There's no way you're not an extrovert! And I'm like, 'Oh, trust me, I am very quiet outside of work."
Away from the salon, you are most likely to find him cozied up with a scary movie. "I love scary movies and I'm interested in history," he shares. "I am always down for a scary movie!"
It is a beautiful reminder that the people we admire most are always richer, more layered, and more wonderfully human than the version we see at a glance. Ricky contains multitudes — and every one of them is worth knowing.
A Word of Gratitude
Ricky, thank you for 15-plus years of showing up with your whole heart. Thank you for being the calm in the storm, the warmth in the room, and the kind of leader that people carry with them for the rest of their careers. You have helped shape this salon into what it is today, and we could not be more grateful or more proud. This month, and every month, we celebrate you. ♥
With love, Bob Steele Salon
