“St. Louis has the best hair stylists,” says Darico Jackson, celebrity hairstylist. And he is one of them.
Darico Jackson, affectionately called “Rico,” has been styling hair for over 20 years. He has made his stamp on the hair industry nationwide, and he is taking his brand to broader borders.
His latest endeavor, “Hair 4 Media Workshop,” is an interactive education opportunity for hair stylists to learn what it takes to become a sought-after hair stylist to the stars. And with a packed class of students expected on Sunday at the Hilton St. Louis Ballpark Hotel, Jackson came back to where it all began.
Jackson worked in several popular salons throughout the St. Louis area before opening his own hot spot in the Delmar Loop area. He is now based out of Los Angeles, where is clientele range from Beverly Hills housewives to platinum-selling recording artists. His dedication and love for hair goes beyond making women look gorgeous. He believes in sharing his knowledge and giving back.
The “Hair 4 Media Workshop” gives stylists an in-depth experience of what it takes to be a celebrity hairstylist. It covers hairdressing and the business of hairdressing, focusing on taking techniques to the next level.
“Coming to L.A. from St. Louis was overwhelming,” Jackson said. “No one ever told me the right or wrong thing to do; I had to figure it out for myself. So I’m taking what I’ve learned and I’m bringing it back to the masses. Being in L.A. and with my clientele, I have the inside track on current trends and hair-dressing techniques.”
When it comes to passion about hair and being hip to trends, the man does know his stuff. With everyone going natural, he emphasizes the new focus of hairstyling is texture, even for our white counterparts.
“Many of my clients, white or black, want to see how their natural hair will look,” he said. “Women are growing their Mohawks and shaved sides back in, letting their hair do its own thing.”
Jackson said his A-list clients feel they must stay current, but he also doesn’t count out the average woman who has to maintain her appearance too.
“Most women do pride themselves on keeping their hair done,” he said. “Your hairstyle is the greatest part of your overall presentation. If you have on raggedy shoes, but your hair is on point, no one would even give your shoes a second thought.”
As a part of the class, students previewed Jackson’s new line of hair-styling tools by One Tools. His featured item is the Darico Magic styling iron. He is also in the works for releasing his own product line within the Darico Magic brand.
“I am by no means thinking that I’m a better stylist. I just want to equip those who want to transition from the salon into the celebrity/freelance world,” he said. “I have gained a different perspective and am sharing what I have to offer with people who have the same passion for hair as I do. ”
Darico Magic, as well as tickets to future “Hair 4 Media Workshops,” can be purchased at www.hair4media.com.
