HE’S the go-to celebrity hairdresser with an impressive list of clients on his books.
And Ricky Walters’ own face is becoming increasingly familiar after appearances on Instagram alongside the likes of Nick Grimshaw, Laura Whitmore, Love Island’s Eyal Booker, Iain Stirling and Strictly champ Rose Ayling-Ellis.
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Not only does his Soho salon double as a private members’ club but Ricky is also making waves on the high street having landed a contract with Debenhams to sell his own range of shampoo.
A relaxed and personable demeanour combined with a flare for stylish cuts sets Ricky out from the crowd.
His Instagram videos with star names feel like a cross between Carpool Karaoke and Gogglebox and are full of revelatory insights and laugh out loud moments.
Radio icon Nick Grimshaw revealed his first visit to SALON64 changed his whole perspective on haircare and inspired him to book in for regular cuts.
He said: “It was a haircut that changed the trajectory of my life.”
While Love Island narrator Iain had a good giggle with Ricky as he tried to keep a straight face while recording his own cut, acknowledging he wasn’t as relaxed as Doctor Ranj, who is also a client.
Ricky’s journey to the top of the stylist pile in a trendy London district seemed a million miles away when he left school at 16 without qualifications.
He previously told us: “Although I had a great time at school I actually achieved very little.
“The shock of entering the real world at 16 with no qualifications partnered with my love of the idea of earning my own income was a wake-up call.
“I completed my training in a Mayfair hair salon first, and then moved to a likeminded competitor to start building a client base.
“So I was cutting hair within a five star London hotel, rubbing shoulders with plenty of people of influence and celebrities.”
He continued: “I decided to pitch to the clientele I had been building up over the last five years with the idea of investing in SALON64.
“A year later when turning 26 I was also turning the key into my own Soho salon.”
SALON64 is now six years old with a huge passion and community at its core.
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He said: “Our latest innovation is CLUB64. A private members club side of the business founded by its members/ clients who simply loved hanging out in our space.
“I would love to see the 64 brand take over this industry with the same success it’s had in the hair industry.”
With Ricky’s drive and flair for innovation, it feels like it’s just a matter of time.
