Richie Miao
>> Age: 45
>> Occupation: Owner, Dada Salon
>> Residence: Moiliili
With his sharp fashion sense and perfectly coiffed hair, Richie Miao cuts a chic figure as one of Honolulu’s top hairstylists. But life wasn’t always so swank for the soft-spoken Miao, who was 13 years old when his family moved from Hong Kong to Honolulu in 1984.
“We left our home in China where we shared one small two-bedroom apartment with a total of six people,” he said. “America was the land of opportunity. As long as you are willing to work hard, you will be successful.”
He first started cutting hair as a youth in Hong Kong after his grandmother bought scissors so the family could cut their own hair to save money. “I took the responsibility and would go to Chinatown and watch the barbers cut hair, then come home and repeat it on two of my brothers. Word got out, and friends began asking me to cut their hair.
“I wanted to learn more about women’s hairstyling but couldn’t afford the formal education, so I would go to the high-end salons and watch from outside the window. I wish we had YouTube back then,” Miao chuckled.
More recently Miao delved into fashion, starting several lines and opening more than a dozen stores in China. He eventually sold the businesses to focus on his passion for hairstyling, opening Dada Salon last year in the 808 Center on Sheridan Street.
“Hair is like a plain canvas,” Miao said. “When you can control and create any texture or silhouette or tone of color to match a person’s complexion and face shape, it can really change a person’s life.”
>> Describe your style: “Modern, edgy with comfort in mind. Since I’m in all sorts of positions with my arms, the clothes have to be comfortable. I can go from a designer Comme des Garcons shirt to a simple top from Zara. I don’t get too attached to labels.”
>> Wardrobe MVP: “Stretch denim and a comfortable V-neck tee. I find myself choosing clothes with fabric that is breathable, nice quality and conforms. You will always find me in four-way stretch denim.”
>> Tools of the trade: “As a stylist I’ve used many products throughout the years, and my staples are Mizutani scissors and Japanese YS Park combs for their strength and flexibility.”
>> Travel necessities: “Bose headset to listen to music or watch movies and Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm to keep my lips moisturized while flying.”
>> On the road: “I always pack extra underwear and a comfortable cardigan. I also like to bring the Clay Definer molding pomade and Master Wax styling wax from Shu Uemura because my hair is thick, so these work well to tame and hold shape.”
>> Favorite skin care product: “I use Kiehl’s Facial Fuel body and face wash.”
>> Styling tips for men: “Not very many men value a blow-dryer. But getting a good blow-dryer and a vent brush is how you start. You always have to have dried hair before you add in finishing products. Blow-dry the hair into the desired shape, then add the product to reinforce the silhouette.”
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By Lacy Matsumoto, special to the Star-Advertiser. Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.
