Breaking the Beauty Rules: Who is @ridin.high?
In a world full of "clean girl" aesthetics and perfectly polished waves, something grittier is taking over. People are tired of the same old salon looks, and the "anti-beauty" movement is finally giving us something real to look at. At the center of this shift is @ridin.high an artist who treats hair more like a science experiment than a standard service.
We’ve been sharing his work on the Elevate Hair Instagram for a while now because he’s setting a new standard. He’s leaning into that "un-pretty" look that’s actually way more interesting than perfection.
Why "Underground" is the New Mainstream
The look @ridin.high champions isn't just a random choice; it’s a comeback for rebel style.
- The 80s & 90s Vibes: From David Bowie’s spiky red locks to the heavy black hair of The Cure, the underground has always used hair to say "I don't fit in".
- The DIY Era: Think back to the "scene" and "emo" days of the 2000s where kids were dyeing their own hair in their bathrooms. That same energy is back, but with high-level professional techniques.
- The Brand Identity: Today, underground artists use their hair to build their entire brand—think Lil Uzi Vert or the "Boyfriendz" collective .
The Interview: In the chair with @ridin.high
Elevate Hair: When and how did you know you wanted to be a hairdresser/artist?
@ridin.high: Talking about how I became a hairstylist—it started when I was 15, after I dropped out of middle school. Back then, my sister suggested I give hairstyling a try. She said it was a craft, a skilled trade, and more reliable than working as a server. Plus, it would open up many possibilities for the future. That’s what she told me. Since I had already left school and didn’t know what else to do, she pointed me toward this path, and I decided to go for it.
Elevate Hair: Where do you find inspiration?
@ridin.high: My inspiration comes from life and beautiful things—and I truly love this job! I look for inspiration in every session, and throughout the process I refine each hairstyle’s presentation. A spontaneous idea is exactly what’s in the moment; I don’t overthink it—the present moment gives the best inspiration. For example, when a client comes to me today, I’ll chat with them about their hobbies, like their clothing style, makeup style. Then I’ll take into account their preferred hair color and shape, and create a hairstyle that I think suits them. Of course, it’s mostly my own ideas—improvised on the spot. ^_^
Elevate Hair: What was your biggest obstacle on your journey and how did you overcome it?
@ridin.high: In the hair industry, I think the hardest time was the phase when an assistant transitions to a stylist. Making choices was really tough back then—like which salon to go to as a stylist, how to start working with clients, finding what suited me. But the way I got through that phase was by deciding not to go to any salon at all. I started booking my own clients. I would cut and color hair at my clients’ homes, travel to different cities, and arrange appointments with local clients in hotels.
Elevate Hair: How do you fight artistic complacency and monotony?
@ridin.high: As for feelings of complacency and monotony, I actually think that as long as I keep doing things and moving forward, those feelings will lessen a lot. I also don’t keep chasing a perfect outcome—enjoying the process itself is the best kind of fulfillment.
Elevate Hair: What’s been your proudest moment as an artist?
@ridin.high: What I’m most proud of is that the hairstyles I create are something only I can replicate. For every piece of work, I design and create with the ideal of making it truly one of a kind. Whenever I finish a hairstyle, take photos, and look at them in my gallery—those are moments I feel really proud of. And then posting them on my Instagram account—those are all moments of pride for me. It’s a joy that comes from within.
Elevate Hair: If you could go back in time, what advice would you tell yourself?
@ridin.high: If I could go back to the past, I would tell myself: everything you’re thinking right now is right. Trust your own thoughts. Don’t dwell on things. Don’t make negative assumptions about things that haven’t happened yet.
2026 Trend Watch: Experimental Aesthetics
To stay ahead of the curve, you have to be willing to look at things that aren't "traditionally pretty". Publications like Dazed and 032c are already hailing the return of "anti-beauty"—a mix of unkempt and high-fashion looks. Here is what to watch for in 2026:
- Cyber Neons: Think neon pink and "Space Cowgirl" green that pop under UV light. It’s a total rejection of the muted "clean girl" look.
- Icy Platinum: Opaque white or "Cloud Dancer" blonde that acts as a tech-forward frame for your face.
- Color Melting: Blending two or three shades so smoothly they look like liquid—perfect for bold "You Hair" statements.
Check out more trend reports and artist spotlights on our Hair Hub or join us at our next Elevate Show to see this kind of magic happen live.
The Bottom Line: Whether you’re into "un-pretty" textures or neon highlights, the future is about being a "one of a kind" artist—just like @ridin.high. Trust your thoughts and don't play it safe.
