Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maryah Padgett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Maryah, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve always been passionate about hair and makeup. Growing up, I was that friend who was constantly experimenting—cutting, coloring, and styling my friends’ and sisters’ hair. I attended cosmetology school, where I learned the basics of hair, skin, and nails, but most of my techniques and skills were honed through hands-on experience with senior stylists at the salons I’ve worked at. I’m grateful to have been mentored by some incredibly talented hair artists throughout my journey.

Looking back, to speed up my learning process, I wish I had gone straight to cosmetology school after high school instead of trying to pursue a university degree first. I grew up in a town where there was a strong emphasis on obtaining a four-year degree, and I was often told that to make ‘real’ money in the beauty industry, I’d need to move to places like California or New York.

The most essential skills, in my opinion, are communication and the ability to truly understand and determine a client’s needs and desires when it comes to their beauty goals. While technical skills in cutting and coloring are vital, a thorough consultation and a great finishing style can make all the difference. Understanding the color wheel and color theory is also crucial.

One of the obstacles I’ve encountered in learning more is working with senior stylists who believe they’ve learned everything there is to know and no longer see the need for ongoing education. This mindset can be particularly challenging when these stylists are in leadership roles or are salon owners who cater to a specific clientele, limiting opportunities for growth and learning within the team.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Maryah, but everyone calls me Ryah! You might know me as @TheRadicalHairstylist on social media, or as the co-host of the podcast @BlackBehindTheChair. I’ve been in the hair and makeup industry for nearly 10 years now, based in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally, I’m from West Virginia, but I grew up in Lincoln County, Missouri. After high school, I attended the University of Central Missouri and then transferred to the University of Missouri–St. Louis. However, the traditional college path wasn’t for me, so I dropped out and enrolled in cosmetology school at Grabber School of Hair Design, where I truly found my passion.

Cosmetology offered me a creative outlet that includes hair coloring and cuts, glam and SFX makeup, lashes, brows, facials, and more. I currently work at Locke Hair and Wellness in Webster Groves, where I’ve been for the past four years, and it’s the best salon experience I’ve had. I offer a range of hair services, including color, cutting, styling, education, and relaxation methods like scalp and shoulder massages and mini facials with a hot towel.

Beyond the obvious services like fixing color corrections and rescuing botched haircuts, I like to think I offer my guests a unique perspective on life. People often forget how intimate my job can be; I hear everything from the joyous moments like births and graduations to the tough times like losses and divorces. I often serve as a sounding board or a ‘hairapist,’ as many of us like to call ourselves, because we end up being part hairstylist, part therapist for our guests.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and creating a safe space for all. There’s sometimes a negative stereotype that hairstylists aren’t smart or that our work isn’t seen as a ‘real job.’ I remind people that I’ve had extensive training, completing 1,500 hours and passing both practical and written exams. Personally, what makes me different is that I’m brown, fat, queer, and radical. I’m not afraid to discuss real issues—whether it’s politics, religion, sex, or money—because I believe these are often the root of many problems simply because we avoid talking about them. I strive to provide a safe space, especially for my marginalized guests.

I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come in my career, despite being told I wouldn’t make a living or that I would struggle. I’ve overcome many obstacles, from graduating cosmetology school when others doubted me, to being one of only three stylists hired out of 50+ applicants at a top Aveda salon and spa in St. Louis. My makeup work has even been featured on the cover of a magazine. I’ve carved my own path, and at only 30 years old, I’m not afraid or ashamed to be my true, authentic self.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I remember being a young girl going in for a haircut, and the stylist didn’t know how to handle curly hair. I specifically recall her saying, “No one knows how to deal with curly hair,” and as a result, they flat-ironed it before cutting. That experience has always stuck with me throughout my career. When I decided to become a hairstylist, I made a promise to myself that I would never let anyone feel like their natural beauty needed to conform to mainstream definitions, especially as trends come and go.

My goal as a hairstylist is to uplift my guests and help them feel confident in their natural beauty, enhancing it if they wish, but never masking it. My mission is to showcase and celebrate beauty standards beyond the traditional image of blonde, wavy hair. I want my guests to embrace their curls, grays, beauty marks—everything that makes them unique and beautiful in their own way.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A tough lesson I had to unlearn is that not everyone you work with wants to see you succeed. I used to work at a high-end Aveda salon, and I witnessed firsthand how ideas and progress could be shut down simply because a senior stylist didn’t see the benefit. The salon often offered to pay for continuing education, so when I suggested incorporating classes on Black hair education, I was met with resistance. I remember someone in a leadership position saying that not everyone would want to learn about Black hair, and if there wasn’t widespread interest, the owner wouldn’t provide that education.

When I first entered this industry, I was a bit naive in thinking that it would be a more supportive environment—that women would be friendly, accepting, and mature. But the reality is, some people never outgrow that high school ‘mean girl’ mentality. It was a hard realization, but it taught me to stand firm in advocating for what I believe in, even if it means pushing through resistance and finding my own path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lockehair.com/stylists
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradicalhairstylist?igsh=MWdodHNsZzM4ZmdldA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mwah.Marvelous?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqN_cm2SIpGK5mSik_m1ZikCSa3CAVmJJ&si=Qs9vfXzpjOj_nvBJ

Image Credits

Angie Knost Photography
https://angieknost.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaagHnv-cOUOHD0cs_xH6uLOdC6dHNocOq4FWWSnGgZcwwQ93hN8UMmX3ek_aem_DPrWb6LELGOkKf1jeo7WWA