I've started going to Ritchie because of the many great reviews. The first two times WOW! I've finally found my salon. My hair looked great! He said that he wanted to get my hair to grow out and longer. Great!, that is just what I am looking for. When he first cut the layers into my hair, I asked him how he was going to follow this unusual cutting style for my future appointments? He stated "Don't worry, I have my methods." Well I found out what those methods were. The following appointment, he did not cut or even trim my hair. Only color was applied. In the upcomming weeks my hair is getting spit ends - of couse, now my hair has not been trimmed for nealy 6 months. OK, its lime for my next follow up appointment. Color is again applied to my roots (not a good match to the existing color, which I commented on and was told it would be just fine.) He now says that he is going to have to cut alot of hair this time. Wait a minute - I thought the purpose of letting me go so long between cuts was to grow it out! So more crazy layers are put it. Now I feel litke BOZO the clown. My hair is a bubble mess. I hate my hair! Well back to square one - find a new salon ):
Reviewed on: 23.06.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I've seen Ritchie twice and will not go back. The first cut that I got from him was fine, nothing too spectacular, but not a massacre either. He showed me a different way of diffusing it with styling products. So it went in the books as a possible stylist to return to (why is it so incredibly hard to find a good curly stylist?!!) Fast-forward a year or so and I had developed major problems with my scalp and chemical/heat sensitivities. I needed something gentle and natural. He scorched my scalp during the shampoo and stuck it under a hot dryer. He assured me that the dye would not cause me any problems. I had giant patches of black skin peeling off of my scalp for over a week. He also curled it with a curling iron to make me look like Shirley Temple and I was seriously embarassed when I had to run into the gas station after the cut. I won't be returning again. The search continues!
Reviewed on: 24.05.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I had a similar experience to one of the other posters on here. I have long layers in my hair because without them I get "triangle head". Ritchie told me there was really nothing he could do as far as the cut because it was so damaged from the prior cuts and coloring (even though I went to an Aveda salon and their color is supposed to be less damaging because of the botanicals) - UNLESS I let him cut my hair to a chin length (about the length of my shortest layers) so we could basically start all over again with growing it out. My hair is just below shoulder length right now, so I wasn't ready to make that kind of commitment. So he snipped a few strands here and there and basically that was it, even though, like another poster, I got charged full price for a hair cut. I do like the color, and the cut, such as it was, was fine. But the styling was horrible! He blow-dried it with a diffuser and it looked pretty nice, but then he said that he just couldn't let me out of there looking like that, so he proceeded to curl only the very top layers with a flat iron(!) and the rest he sprayed with something that made it a frizzy, tangled mess! I went straight home and washed it all out. I am torn about whether to go back or not. He showed me pictures of his other curly clients who had gorgeous hair, but I still don't understand why I have to chop my hair short to start all over. No other stylist, including Deva trained stylists, have ever commented on my hair being in bad shape. Lorraine Massey herself who was in town for a book signing personally commented that if anything my hair was over conditioned! I made another appointment in case I decide to give him a second chance, but I think I may be on the search again.
Reviewed on: 21.03.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I have long hair that is very thick and curly! I only had one lady cut my hair up until college and when we moved from OH I did not trust anyone else to touch my curls. That was until I lived in Ft. Lauderdale and I had a Quidad salon near me with certified hair stylists. They did a decent job, no complaints. But when I went to Ritchie recently I was amazed!!! The main reason I didn't trust anyone was of course because not everyone understands how you cannot take much at the ends or my hair bounces up like Shirley Temple!! Whatever Ritchie did when he cut my hair it felt like pounds had been taken off my head but yet my length was the same just as I wanted it and I had layers all throughout but not too short to put it up like usual. I was beyond happy with him and he's a nice guy which made it all even better!!
Reviewed on: 16.02.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I found Brio and Ritchie after searching curly hair salons in Milwaukee months before I even moved here. My curly-haired fiance needed a haircut and I sent him to Brio to try it out before I did. In the 5 years we've known each other, he has NEVER had a haircut that I've liked... I've always been horrified at the haircuts he ends up with. Even though I love his longer, curly hair, I LOVED his curly short hair cut after Ritchie cut it! I was shocked! While I was there, Ritchie commented that I was not supposed to be blonde... despite my fiance's mini-panic at the suggestion of a non-blonde girlfriend, I decided to make an appointment for a cut and color. Ritchie fixed my cut from a few months ago (even though he didn't take any length off, I can totally tell the difference!) and turned my hair color into something I probably should have been born with! I love it! I have already gotten multiple compliments from strangers! He clearly has an amazing fan base, as all of the clients who walked into Brio loved him and what he has done with their hair. He is HILARIOUS, friendly, and clearly knows what he is doing with hair... which is rare to find with curly hair. He even offered to send a picture of my new hair to my friend since I'm new to the area from his phone and don't have picture messaging... I accidently gave him my own number, but it was his kind thoughts that count! I will be back soon!!!
Reviewed on: 10.02.11
Stylist: Richie
I had a fantastic experience with Richie. We've got some work to do with getting my hair to where it should be, but we started with giving me a cut to enhance my curls. Going in, I was unsure how curly my hair really was any more - it's changed so much from when I was younger. Leaving, my has was SO much more how I remembered it used to be. I felt great about the way my hair looked after leaving. Richie is AWESOME about teaching you how to work with your hair - and he's very honest in saying that you're going to have to keep trying different techniques and products until you find what works best for you. He's really great about teaching you about your hair - how to wash, dry, condition, scrunch, etc. He also is not pushy about selling you products. For a girl with a tight budget, it was nice to have him offer up suggestions on what I could purchase when *I* am ready to do so. He also gave me a couple of samples to work with - something no other stylist has ever done for me. I've already scheduled my next appointment!
Reviewed on: 08.02.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I really can't say enough good things about Ritchie at Brio Salon! I found him through NaturallyCurly.com about 2 years ago, and I was amazed at his level of expertise and his way with curls --plus he's so unbelievably nice and funny. He has transformed my hair with both his wonderful cuts and his exceptional coloring skills. I've enoyed getting to know Ritchie over the past couple of years, and now I not only consider him my stylist, but a friend as well. He's the best!
Reviewed on: 02.02.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I had never had a good haircut before going to Ritchie. Being a guy with curly hair meant that most of the time people would end up giving me haircuts for middle aged women that went out of style before I was born. After going the first time I walked out impressed, not only did he explain exactly what he was doing the entire time but told me what I should be doing at home to style and take care of it which has helped incredibly. After I had my second cut by him my hair stylist friends spent about an hour examining my head, he just seems to know exactly how to do what he wants. Its now my number one most complimented feature which has certainly helped with the ladies. Beside that I don't think I've ever had to try not to laugh as much during any haircut than either time I went to him. Long story short theres a reason I drive all the way down to the new place from Cedarburg.
Reviewed on: 24.01.11
Stylist: Ritchie
When I got to the salon early, I was looking through the style books like I usually do. Ritchie, who I had never met before, came up to me and said "do you really think you're going to find styles for your kind of hair in those books?" He proceeded to tell me what I needed and to give me an amazing, beautiful cut. He is absolutely intuitive with curls. I agree with the previous posters, he is the man for curly girls in the Milwaukee area.
A note, the salon is now on Santa Monica Blvd, same phone number though.
Reviewed on: 18.11.10
Stylist: Ritchie
As a timid salon-a-phobe with hippie hair and a tendency to cry in the chair, I was extremely worried that my hair would be chopped short and blow-fried to the skies like it was when I was little. Not so with Ritchie. He put me at ease by explaining everything he wanted to do with my hair with the confidence that it would look right. He gave my curls the shape and definition they must have been fighting for all my life! I never thought I could have such consistent, healthy-looking curls, but he did it. Ritchie took the healthy hair that Lorraine Massey and this website gave me and made it look even better. He got rid of the messy problems in the back, retained most of my length, and somehow scared my boisterous curls into good behavior, because they haven't tangled yet! I will definitely be going back for the recommended second cut.
Reviewed on: 13.04.10
Stylist: Ritchie
So I went to Ritchie because of the reviews on this site, and I am SO HAPPY I went to him. He is so amazing. He totally understood my hair, explained everything he was doing and I got a great cut.
My curls already look healthier and have more bounce. AND he called me afterward to let me know if I had any questions I could call. Have you ever had a stylist do that? I never have, it was so nice that he did that after my first visit!
Bottom line is: If you live in the Milwaukee area and have curly hair, this is the guy you want to go to!
Reviewed on: 12.03.10
Stylist: Ritchie
So glad I found Brio! Ritchie gives me a fantastic cut every time. He has a great professional philosophy and he is passionate about his work and very client focused. He really considers the curl pattern and shape when he's cutting. After some terrible haircuts by stylists who don't know how to work with curls, Ritchie was a great find!
Reviewed on: 07.03.10
Stylist: Richie
It was a very different experience than previous cuts. Richie didn't make me feel like a freak, which was nice, and also dealt with a bizarre super kinky patch I grew since last pregnancy. I wanted my frizzy inconsistent mess evened out, homogenized, and left in a condition that I could wear every day without a lot of work or product or crunchiness, and he delivered. I don't know if I've gone to especially dull stylists in the past, but Richie was also the first to ingeniously seat himself on a low stool to reach the ends of my long hair rather than make me stand up for most of the cut. In every respect it was a highly satisfactory haircut, and I very much appreciate that he recommended not coming back for nearly 8 months. I really think he had me and my hair's interests at heart!
Reviewed on: 04.03.10
Stylist: Ritchie
I can't say enough good things about Ritchie! I've reviewed him before, but every time I go back to him I come out all smiles! Every curly girl out there should know about him! He's Milwaukee's best-kept secret! Every time I see him he cuts my hair perfectly and the color is amazing. Plus he gives the rare treat of having my curly hair stick straight. (Which my husband absolutely loves!) Plus when I wash it out the curls curl up perfectly and SMOOTHLY every time. I may be there for several hours when I get it cut & colored, but it's worth it every time. Thank you so much Ritchie!!!
Reviewed on: 11.07.09
Stylist: Richie
I am so thankful that I found Richie and Brio. I have seen him a number of times in the past year and my previously unruly, dry, frizzy, and unpredictable hair has never looked better. I am currently sporting the best hairstyle of my life, and I wouldn't trust my tresses to anyone else!
The first time I made an appointment, I was a bit taken aback. Richie recommended that I let him cut my long hair down to a short set of 2 inch curls, so that we could start over after the. I wasn't expecting such a big change and was nervous. Not only did Richie spend the time helping me to understand how the new cut would work better for my hair, how it would grow out, and why he was recommending it, he called another client and asked that she come in so that I could see the same cut on her! And within 10 minutes, her adorable hair and confidence in Richie had me sold as well, and everyone I know was delighted by my new do.
I have spent my life bouncing between the most expensive and well known salons in Milwaukee and the 'burbs and have never been treated as well, or left as happy as I have at Brio. From stylists who insisted that I needed the weight of 3 feet of hair to pull the curl out, to reverse perms and haircuts designed to only ever be straightened, to one great recommendation that I should basically plan to wear my hair in a bun forever. I have heard every possible excuse given by a stylist who didn't know anything about curly hair, but wanted to make it clear that it was my problem.
Richie and Tammy at Brio have a better approach to curly, one that you should not miss.
Reviewed on: 10.07.09
Stylist: Richie
Richie is wonderful. I have learned so much in a year from him. He does have a wonderful "attitude", and he really knows and understands my hair. Now I understand why so many products were not working for me!
Love you Richie!
Reviewed on: 05.07.09
Stylist: Richie
I had a wonderful experience with Richie at Brio Salon. After years of searching for a stylist who knows and appreciates curly hair, I've finally found a stylist who knows what he's doing. I really felt that Richie took his time in trying to understand my individual needs and made very helpful suggestions. This man knows curly hair. He made me feel that my hair was not a curse, but something beautiful that I could be proud of. I can happily say that my stylist search is now over! Thank you, Richie.
Reviewed on: 16.06.09
Stylist: Richie
I had my hair cut by Richie one time- and that was enough to know I will not be going back.
If you have no idea what you want and you desire for someone to tell you what you should do with your hair- then maybe Richie's the guy for you.
I went in wanting to get a shorter cut because I've always had my curly hair long and I wanted to try something different. Richie said "You don't want your hair short, you just think you do because you don't like your hair." He then proceeded to ignore everything I had said while he snipped off pieces here and there and told me what to do with my hair. He styled it into a giant fluff ball of curls that made me embarrassed to be seen in public.
Reviewed on: 10.04.09
Stylist: Ritchie
I have never been more impressed with a stylist in my life. Ritchie is that good. I have been to see him 4 times now --once for a cut, once for a color, a bang trim, and I also brought my curly daughter in for a cut. He did fabulous work each and every time. My hair has never, ever looked so good. He just seems to have a "6th sense" about curly hair, and he knows exactly how to cut it to suit your features. His color skills are superb as well. My color looks like I was born with it. Make an appointment to see Ritche. You won't be disappointed.
Reviewed on: 05.03.09
Stylist: Ritchie
Awesome!
Ritchie has "4 C's" of a great stylist - Great Color, Cut, Conversation, and Coffee!!
This was my first time going here, but I will definately be going back. Ritchie took a lot of time on my hair, explained the "why's" of curly hair and my options. He gave me his opinion on what I should do, and respected my decisions.
There were NO ridiculous comments like "oh wow - you have SO MUCH hair!" or "why would you ever want to straighten it...people pay alot to have curly hair" (generally said by people who have never had really curly hair and don't know how much it does cost to straighten it!) )
I let my last straightener grow out and am leaving it curly, especially now that I've found someone who KNOWS what they are doing!
Thanks Ritchie - you rock!
Reviewed on: 13.02.09
Stylist: Ritchie
For the first time in my 30+ years of having curly hair I have found someone that TRULY knows how to cut it! Just b/c someone cuts curly hair, doesn't mean that they know HOW to cut curly hair! But Ritchie KNOWS HOW. I was impressed by his honesty about what I needed done, and furthermore about what I didn't need done. SO many times I've gone other places to get my hair cut for a TRIM, and I come out "weed-whacked!" Ritchie knew exactly how much to take off and WHEN TO STOP! I can't speak highly enough about Ritchie and the true 6th sense he has for cutting curly hair. Ritchie knows curls! Angie.
Reviewed on: 19.01.09
Stylist: Ritchie
I have finally found someone who can cut curly hair! Ritchie is amazing. The first time I went in he cut a random piece of hair off of the back of my head, got it wet and threw it down on the floor. He said, "See how that curled up on it's own? Your whole head can do that." Just randomly cutting a piece of hair scared me at first, but the results speak for themselves! He was right! If you have curly, even wavy hair call him! You may be surprised how good he'll make your curls look! I just had him cut it a second time last week and it was even better!
Reviewed on: 03.12.08
Stylist: Ritchie
I had my hair cut last weekend by Ritchie and he listened to what I wanted. I love my curls, and love that my hair is long, and I wanted to keep it that way. Ritchie gave me a great cut that really suits me. I've received so many compliments on my hair - it's a subtle enough cut that people aren't sure what I did, but I keep hearing that it looks great and it looks so healthy. I would (and have) recommended Ritchie to curlies all over Milwaukee. :)
Reviewed on: 17.05.08
Stylist: Ritchie
WOW, this has been the best haircut and color I have had. I now have my curly hair the longest I have ever been able to wear it and the color is fantastic. I am getting tons of compliments and feel lucky to have found Ritchie. He is not self taught as a previous entry stated, there is lots of wrong info in that reveiw and I'm not sure why it's so negative. Did that person review the same Ritchie?? Couldn't be. I'm so happy and love my hair.
Reviewed on: 18.12.07
Stylist: Ritchie
Definitly a positive experience. Ritchie is very knowledgable about curly hair, got a great cut and wonderful color. A VERY nice person, explains things thoroughly. I can't wait to have him work with my hair! The self taught stuff in a prior post is not correct, client was not listening, not sure where all of that negative stuff came from, I had a 100% great cut and color.......finally found someone who can do it .
Reviewed on: 03.07.07
Stylist: Ritchie
Sasn't impressed... said he was a curly hair expert and had his own technique for cutting curly hair that was the ONLY correct way (did not attend school, self-taught). but cut my hair according to his technique and not according to what my hair will acutally do, and now my hair is frizzier than it's been in years with pieces of hair sticking out all over my head that won't lay down properly because they were cut too short in the wrong places. I have to wear at least 4 bobby pins now so it doesn't look like I just rolled out of bed (which might look cute for some guys, but not for curly haired girls). I also asked for my hair to be cut to just below my shoulders (which is what I had previously and was happy with) and he said he wouldn't do that because my hair needed to be long (also said that it's a myth that long hair weighs down curls, which I don't think makes sense). I thought stylists are supposed to listen to customers. And to top it off, he only did part of the haircut and color (though I was charged full price) because he said he has to "fix" all that had apparently been done wrong by my previous stylist at New Urban Salon, although I had been pretty satisfied with those cuts (unfortunately my stylist at New Urban Salon left). My recommendation in a sentence is that I am not going back and that when I returned home after getting my hair cut, my family asked me if I got stuck in a wind tunnel.
Reviewed on: 30.09.06
Stylist: Ritchie
I've finally found a stylist who knows what the heck they're doing. I picked Richie because of the recommendations on this site. I loved how he explained everything he was going to do before and during my cut and color. He gave great suggestions for working with my curly hair on a daily basis. I think he did a fabulous job on both the cut and the color and will definately go back. The only thing I didn't like was the way he styled my hair. Although it was curly, it was MUCH too large. I was searching for a scrunchie as soon as I got in the car. But the next morning, once I showered and styled it myself I got tons of compliments.
Reviewed on: 01.05.06
Stylist: Ritchie
Ok, so I'm old enough to know better, but I've been flat ironing my hair and relaxing it for longer than I can tell you. I initially called Ritchie with my mind made up that he, the god of Japanese relaxing in the city, was going to have at it. We spoke over the phone and he explained that he would like to see my hair and discuss my thoughts. This was a consultation appointment we arranged. What I got was an amazing insight into my curls, the first curly hair cut I've liked my entire life and a way to feel good, not hateful towards my hair. I've referred every curly girlie I know to Ritchie and he has risen to the challenge each and every time. What can I say? The guy knows curls!
Reviewed on: 14.04.06
Stylist: Ritchie
I had never had a haircut that I liked enough to return to the same stylist. It's so hard to find someone who really knows how to deal with curly hair, how to anticipate the curl so they don't cut off too much, how to go with its natural flow when styling it, etc. Well I finally found someone. Actually, I should give the credit to my daughter, since she went first. We went to the Beauty Scentre, a new hair salon, to see if we could make a walk-in appointment. With hair that reached her waist, it looked only slightly wavey, but Ritchie took one look at her and said, "I love curly hair! Come with me."
With shoulder-length hair, she had gorgeous, natural curls. It was all in the cut. Clearly he knew what he was doing, so I made an appointment for myself. He also is a wizard with hair coloring. We've been going back for 3 years!
Reviewed on: 18.03.06
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Stylist: Ritchie
I've started going to Ritchie because of the many great reviews. The first two times WOW! I've finally found my salon. My hair looked great! He said that he wanted to get my hair to grow out and longer. Great!, that is just what I am looking for. When he first cut the layers into my hair, I asked him how he was going to follow this unusual cutting style for my future appointments? He stated "Don't worry, I have my methods." Well I found out what those methods were. The following appointment, he did not cut or even trim my hair. Only color was applied. In the upcomming weeks my hair is getting spit ends - of couse, now my hair has not been trimmed for nealy 6 months. OK, its lime for my next follow up appointment. Color is again applied to my roots (not a good match to the existing color, which I commented on and was told it would be just fine.) He now says that he is going to have to cut alot of hair this time. Wait a minute - I thought the purpose of letting me go so long between cuts was to grow it out! So more crazy layers are put it. Now I feel litke BOZO the clown. My hair is a bubble mess. I hate my hair! Well back to square one - find a new salon ):
Reviewed on: 23.06.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I've seen Ritchie twice and will not go back. The first cut that I got from him was fine, nothing too spectacular, but not a massacre either. He showed me a different way of diffusing it with styling products. So it went in the books as a possible stylist to return to (why is it so incredibly hard to find a good curly stylist?!!) Fast-forward a year or so and I had developed major problems with my scalp and chemical/heat sensitivities. I needed something gentle and natural. He scorched my scalp during the shampoo and stuck it under a hot dryer. He assured me that the dye would not cause me any problems. I had giant patches of black skin peeling off of my scalp for over a week. He also curled it with a curling iron to make me look like Shirley Temple and I was seriously embarassed when I had to run into the gas station after the cut. I won't be returning again. The search continues!
Reviewed on: 24.05.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I had a similar experience to one of the other posters on here. I have long layers in my hair because without them I get "triangle head". Ritchie told me there was really nothing he could do as far as the cut because it was so damaged from the prior cuts and coloring (even though I went to an Aveda salon and their color is supposed to be less damaging because of the botanicals) - UNLESS I let him cut my hair to a chin length (about the length of my shortest layers) so we could basically start all over again with growing it out. My hair is just below shoulder length right now, so I wasn't ready to make that kind of commitment. So he snipped a few strands here and there and basically that was it, even though, like another poster, I got charged full price for a hair cut. I do like the color, and the cut, such as it was, was fine. But the styling was horrible! He blow-dried it with a diffuser and it looked pretty nice, but then he said that he just couldn't let me out of there looking like that, so he proceeded to curl only the very top layers with a flat iron(!) and the rest he sprayed with something that made it a frizzy, tangled mess! I went straight home and washed it all out. I am torn about whether to go back or not. He showed me pictures of his other curly clients who had gorgeous hair, but I still don't understand why I have to chop my hair short to start all over. No other stylist, including Deva trained stylists, have ever commented on my hair being in bad shape. Lorraine Massey herself who was in town for a book signing personally commented that if anything my hair was over conditioned! I made another appointment in case I decide to give him a second chance, but I think I may be on the search again.
Reviewed on: 21.03.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I have long hair that is very thick and curly! I only had one lady cut my hair up until college and when we moved from OH I did not trust anyone else to touch my curls. That was until I lived in Ft. Lauderdale and I had a Quidad salon near me with certified hair stylists. They did a decent job, no complaints. But when I went to Ritchie recently I was amazed!!! The main reason I didn't trust anyone was of course because not everyone understands how you cannot take much at the ends or my hair bounces up like Shirley Temple!! Whatever Ritchie did when he cut my hair it felt like pounds had been taken off my head but yet my length was the same just as I wanted it and I had layers all throughout but not too short to put it up like usual. I was beyond happy with him and he's a nice guy which made it all even better!!
Reviewed on: 16.02.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I found Brio and Ritchie after searching curly hair salons in Milwaukee months before I even moved here. My curly-haired fiance needed a haircut and I sent him to Brio to try it out before I did. In the 5 years we've known each other, he has NEVER had a haircut that I've liked... I've always been horrified at the haircuts he ends up with. Even though I love his longer, curly hair, I LOVED his curly short hair cut after Ritchie cut it! I was shocked! While I was there, Ritchie commented that I was not supposed to be blonde... despite my fiance's mini-panic at the suggestion of a non-blonde girlfriend, I decided to make an appointment for a cut and color. Ritchie fixed my cut from a few months ago (even though he didn't take any length off, I can totally tell the difference!) and turned my hair color into something I probably should have been born with! I love it! I have already gotten multiple compliments from strangers! He clearly has an amazing fan base, as all of the clients who walked into Brio loved him and what he has done with their hair. He is HILARIOUS, friendly, and clearly knows what he is doing with hair... which is rare to find with curly hair. He even offered to send a picture of my new hair to my friend since I'm new to the area from his phone and don't have picture messaging... I accidently gave him my own number, but it was his kind thoughts that count! I will be back soon!!!
Reviewed on: 10.02.11
Stylist: Richie
I had a fantastic experience with Richie. We've got some work to do with getting my hair to where it should be, but we started with giving me a cut to enhance my curls. Going in, I was unsure how curly my hair really was any more - it's changed so much from when I was younger. Leaving, my has was SO much more how I remembered it used to be. I felt great about the way my hair looked after leaving. Richie is AWESOME about teaching you how to work with your hair - and he's very honest in saying that you're going to have to keep trying different techniques and products until you find what works best for you. He's really great about teaching you about your hair - how to wash, dry, condition, scrunch, etc. He also is not pushy about selling you products. For a girl with a tight budget, it was nice to have him offer up suggestions on what I could purchase when *I* am ready to do so. He also gave me a couple of samples to work with - something no other stylist has ever done for me. I've already scheduled my next appointment!
Reviewed on: 08.02.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I really can't say enough good things about Ritchie at Brio Salon! I found him through NaturallyCurly.com about 2 years ago, and I was amazed at his level of expertise and his way with curls --plus he's so unbelievably nice and funny. He has transformed my hair with both his wonderful cuts and his exceptional coloring skills. I've enoyed getting to know Ritchie over the past couple of years, and now I not only consider him my stylist, but a friend as well. He's the best!
Reviewed on: 02.02.11
Stylist: Ritchie
I had never had a good haircut before going to Ritchie. Being a guy with curly hair meant that most of the time people would end up giving me haircuts for middle aged women that went out of style before I was born. After going the first time I walked out impressed, not only did he explain exactly what he was doing the entire time but told me what I should be doing at home to style and take care of it which has helped incredibly. After I had my second cut by him my hair stylist friends spent about an hour examining my head, he just seems to know exactly how to do what he wants. Its now my number one most complimented feature which has certainly helped with the ladies. Beside that I don't think I've ever had to try not to laugh as much during any haircut than either time I went to him. Long story short theres a reason I drive all the way down to the new place from Cedarburg.
Reviewed on: 24.01.11
Stylist: Ritchie
When I got to the salon early, I was looking through the style books like I usually do. Ritchie, who I had never met before, came up to me and said "do you really think you're going to find styles for your kind of hair in those books?" He proceeded to tell me what I needed and to give me an amazing, beautiful cut. He is absolutely intuitive with curls. I agree with the previous posters, he is the man for curly girls in the Milwaukee area. A note, the salon is now on Santa Monica Blvd, same phone number though.
Reviewed on: 18.11.10
Stylist: Ritchie
As a timid salon-a-phobe with hippie hair and a tendency to cry in the chair, I was extremely worried that my hair would be chopped short and blow-fried to the skies like it was when I was little. Not so with Ritchie. He put me at ease by explaining everything he wanted to do with my hair with the confidence that it would look right. He gave my curls the shape and definition they must have been fighting for all my life! I never thought I could have such consistent, healthy-looking curls, but he did it. Ritchie took the healthy hair that Lorraine Massey and this website gave me and made it look even better. He got rid of the messy problems in the back, retained most of my length, and somehow scared my boisterous curls into good behavior, because they haven't tangled yet! I will definitely be going back for the recommended second cut.
Reviewed on: 13.04.10
Stylist: Ritchie
So I went to Ritchie because of the reviews on this site, and I am SO HAPPY I went to him. He is so amazing. He totally understood my hair, explained everything he was doing and I got a great cut. My curls already look healthier and have more bounce. AND he called me afterward to let me know if I had any questions I could call. Have you ever had a stylist do that? I never have, it was so nice that he did that after my first visit! Bottom line is: If you live in the Milwaukee area and have curly hair, this is the guy you want to go to!
Reviewed on: 12.03.10
Stylist: Ritchie
So glad I found Brio! Ritchie gives me a fantastic cut every time. He has a great professional philosophy and he is passionate about his work and very client focused. He really considers the curl pattern and shape when he's cutting. After some terrible haircuts by stylists who don't know how to work with curls, Ritchie was a great find!
Reviewed on: 07.03.10
Stylist: Richie
It was a very different experience than previous cuts. Richie didn't make me feel like a freak, which was nice, and also dealt with a bizarre super kinky patch I grew since last pregnancy. I wanted my frizzy inconsistent mess evened out, homogenized, and left in a condition that I could wear every day without a lot of work or product or crunchiness, and he delivered. I don't know if I've gone to especially dull stylists in the past, but Richie was also the first to ingeniously seat himself on a low stool to reach the ends of my long hair rather than make me stand up for most of the cut. In every respect it was a highly satisfactory haircut, and I very much appreciate that he recommended not coming back for nearly 8 months. I really think he had me and my hair's interests at heart!
Reviewed on: 04.03.10
Stylist: Ritchie
I can't say enough good things about Ritchie! I've reviewed him before, but every time I go back to him I come out all smiles! Every curly girl out there should know about him! He's Milwaukee's best-kept secret! Every time I see him he cuts my hair perfectly and the color is amazing. Plus he gives the rare treat of having my curly hair stick straight. (Which my husband absolutely loves!) Plus when I wash it out the curls curl up perfectly and SMOOTHLY every time. I may be there for several hours when I get it cut & colored, but it's worth it every time. Thank you so much Ritchie!!!
Reviewed on: 11.07.09
Stylist: Richie
I am so thankful that I found Richie and Brio. I have seen him a number of times in the past year and my previously unruly, dry, frizzy, and unpredictable hair has never looked better. I am currently sporting the best hairstyle of my life, and I wouldn't trust my tresses to anyone else! The first time I made an appointment, I was a bit taken aback. Richie recommended that I let him cut my long hair down to a short set of 2 inch curls, so that we could start over after the. I wasn't expecting such a big change and was nervous. Not only did Richie spend the time helping me to understand how the new cut would work better for my hair, how it would grow out, and why he was recommending it, he called another client and asked that she come in so that I could see the same cut on her! And within 10 minutes, her adorable hair and confidence in Richie had me sold as well, and everyone I know was delighted by my new do. I have spent my life bouncing between the most expensive and well known salons in Milwaukee and the 'burbs and have never been treated as well, or left as happy as I have at Brio. From stylists who insisted that I needed the weight of 3 feet of hair to pull the curl out, to reverse perms and haircuts designed to only ever be straightened, to one great recommendation that I should basically plan to wear my hair in a bun forever. I have heard every possible excuse given by a stylist who didn't know anything about curly hair, but wanted to make it clear that it was my problem. Richie and Tammy at Brio have a better approach to curly, one that you should not miss.
Reviewed on: 10.07.09
Stylist: Richie
Richie is wonderful. I have learned so much in a year from him. He does have a wonderful "attitude", and he really knows and understands my hair. Now I understand why so many products were not working for me! Love you Richie!
Reviewed on: 05.07.09
Stylist: Richie
I had a wonderful experience with Richie at Brio Salon. After years of searching for a stylist who knows and appreciates curly hair, I've finally found a stylist who knows what he's doing. I really felt that Richie took his time in trying to understand my individual needs and made very helpful suggestions. This man knows curly hair. He made me feel that my hair was not a curse, but something beautiful that I could be proud of. I can happily say that my stylist search is now over! Thank you, Richie.
Reviewed on: 16.06.09
Stylist: Richie
I had my hair cut by Richie one time- and that was enough to know I will not be going back. If you have no idea what you want and you desire for someone to tell you what you should do with your hair- then maybe Richie's the guy for you. I went in wanting to get a shorter cut because I've always had my curly hair long and I wanted to try something different. Richie said "You don't want your hair short, you just think you do because you don't like your hair." He then proceeded to ignore everything I had said while he snipped off pieces here and there and told me what to do with my hair. He styled it into a giant fluff ball of curls that made me embarrassed to be seen in public.
Reviewed on: 10.04.09
Stylist: Ritchie
I have never been more impressed with a stylist in my life. Ritchie is that good. I have been to see him 4 times now --once for a cut, once for a color, a bang trim, and I also brought my curly daughter in for a cut. He did fabulous work each and every time. My hair has never, ever looked so good. He just seems to have a "6th sense" about curly hair, and he knows exactly how to cut it to suit your features. His color skills are superb as well. My color looks like I was born with it. Make an appointment to see Ritche. You won't be disappointed.
Reviewed on: 05.03.09
Stylist: Ritchie
Awesome! Ritchie has "4 C's" of a great stylist - Great Color, Cut, Conversation, and Coffee!! This was my first time going here, but I will definately be going back. Ritchie took a lot of time on my hair, explained the "why's" of curly hair and my options. He gave me his opinion on what I should do, and respected my decisions. There were NO ridiculous comments like "oh wow - you have SO MUCH hair!" or "why would you ever want to straighten it...people pay alot to have curly hair" (generally said by people who have never had really curly hair and don't know how much it does cost to straighten it!) ) I let my last straightener grow out and am leaving it curly, especially now that I've found someone who KNOWS what they are doing! Thanks Ritchie - you rock!
Reviewed on: 13.02.09
Stylist: Ritchie
For the first time in my 30+ years of having curly hair I have found someone that TRULY knows how to cut it! Just b/c someone cuts curly hair, doesn't mean that they know HOW to cut curly hair! But Ritchie KNOWS HOW. I was impressed by his honesty about what I needed done, and furthermore about what I didn't need done. SO many times I've gone other places to get my hair cut for a TRIM, and I come out "weed-whacked!" Ritchie knew exactly how much to take off and WHEN TO STOP! I can't speak highly enough about Ritchie and the true 6th sense he has for cutting curly hair. Ritchie knows curls! Angie.
Reviewed on: 19.01.09
Stylist: Ritchie
I have finally found someone who can cut curly hair! Ritchie is amazing. The first time I went in he cut a random piece of hair off of the back of my head, got it wet and threw it down on the floor. He said, "See how that curled up on it's own? Your whole head can do that." Just randomly cutting a piece of hair scared me at first, but the results speak for themselves! He was right! If you have curly, even wavy hair call him! You may be surprised how good he'll make your curls look! I just had him cut it a second time last week and it was even better!
Reviewed on: 03.12.08
Stylist: Ritchie
I had my hair cut last weekend by Ritchie and he listened to what I wanted. I love my curls, and love that my hair is long, and I wanted to keep it that way. Ritchie gave me a great cut that really suits me. I've received so many compliments on my hair - it's a subtle enough cut that people aren't sure what I did, but I keep hearing that it looks great and it looks so healthy. I would (and have) recommended Ritchie to curlies all over Milwaukee. :)
Reviewed on: 17.05.08
Stylist: Ritchie
WOW, this has been the best haircut and color I have had. I now have my curly hair the longest I have ever been able to wear it and the color is fantastic. I am getting tons of compliments and feel lucky to have found Ritchie. He is not self taught as a previous entry stated, there is lots of wrong info in that reveiw and I'm not sure why it's so negative. Did that person review the same Ritchie?? Couldn't be. I'm so happy and love my hair.
Reviewed on: 18.12.07
Stylist: Ritchie
Definitly a positive experience. Ritchie is very knowledgable about curly hair, got a great cut and wonderful color. A VERY nice person, explains things thoroughly. I can't wait to have him work with my hair! The self taught stuff in a prior post is not correct, client was not listening, not sure where all of that negative stuff came from, I had a 100% great cut and color.......finally found someone who can do it .
Reviewed on: 03.07.07
Stylist: Ritchie
Sasn't impressed... said he was a curly hair expert and had his own technique for cutting curly hair that was the ONLY correct way (did not attend school, self-taught). but cut my hair according to his technique and not according to what my hair will acutally do, and now my hair is frizzier than it's been in years with pieces of hair sticking out all over my head that won't lay down properly because they were cut too short in the wrong places. I have to wear at least 4 bobby pins now so it doesn't look like I just rolled out of bed (which might look cute for some guys, but not for curly haired girls). I also asked for my hair to be cut to just below my shoulders (which is what I had previously and was happy with) and he said he wouldn't do that because my hair needed to be long (also said that it's a myth that long hair weighs down curls, which I don't think makes sense). I thought stylists are supposed to listen to customers. And to top it off, he only did part of the haircut and color (though I was charged full price) because he said he has to "fix" all that had apparently been done wrong by my previous stylist at New Urban Salon, although I had been pretty satisfied with those cuts (unfortunately my stylist at New Urban Salon left). My recommendation in a sentence is that I am not going back and that when I returned home after getting my hair cut, my family asked me if I got stuck in a wind tunnel.
Reviewed on: 30.09.06
Stylist: Ritchie
I've finally found a stylist who knows what the heck they're doing. I picked Richie because of the recommendations on this site. I loved how he explained everything he was going to do before and during my cut and color. He gave great suggestions for working with my curly hair on a daily basis. I think he did a fabulous job on both the cut and the color and will definately go back. The only thing I didn't like was the way he styled my hair. Although it was curly, it was MUCH too large. I was searching for a scrunchie as soon as I got in the car. But the next morning, once I showered and styled it myself I got tons of compliments.
Reviewed on: 01.05.06
Stylist: Ritchie
Ok, so I'm old enough to know better, but I've been flat ironing my hair and relaxing it for longer than I can tell you. I initially called Ritchie with my mind made up that he, the god of Japanese relaxing in the city, was going to have at it. We spoke over the phone and he explained that he would like to see my hair and discuss my thoughts. This was a consultation appointment we arranged. What I got was an amazing insight into my curls, the first curly hair cut I've liked my entire life and a way to feel good, not hateful towards my hair. I've referred every curly girlie I know to Ritchie and he has risen to the challenge each and every time. What can I say? The guy knows curls!
Reviewed on: 14.04.06
Stylist: Ritchie
I had never had a haircut that I liked enough to return to the same stylist. It's so hard to find someone who really knows how to deal with curly hair, how to anticipate the curl so they don't cut off too much, how to go with its natural flow when styling it, etc. Well I finally found someone. Actually, I should give the credit to my daughter, since she went first. We went to the Beauty Scentre, a new hair salon, to see if we could make a walk-in appointment. With hair that reached her waist, it looked only slightly wavey, but Ritchie took one look at her and said, "I love curly hair! Come with me." With shoulder-length hair, she had gorgeous, natural curls. It was all in the cut. Clearly he knew what he was doing, so I made an appointment for myself. He also is a wizard with hair coloring. We've been going back for 3 years!
Reviewed on: 18.03.06