Ross the Boss

The business traces back to founder Ross R Badgett III, a former traveling shoe salesman who moved to Tennessee after a franchise contact offered him two Knoxville salons that had gone bankrupt. The salons took the name Ross the Boss in 1980. Original owner Ross R Badgett III sold the business to his son in 2019, and the home page says the salons have operated for almost 50 years.

The salon describes its purpose as building an environment of professional excellence and genuine care. It also says it asks a lot of its staff so that clients are offered the best options available to them. The company describes itself as well known in the industry for its integrity, staff benefits, work environments and education, and says its staff benefits, which include a 401k, health insurance, advanced education and paid vacations, were unusual in the industry when the business began.

A visit usually starts with a conversation about what the client wants. Clients are invited to bring in a picture or an idea of a look they like. Color services include hand-painted balayage, full and partial highlights, grey coverage and dimensional color, and color clients can relax at worktables while their color develops. Pricing is tiered, so clients can ask about options that fit their budget. Appointments are booked by calling the individual salon directly, and clients who give a cell number and opt in receive text reminders.

The team pursues continuing education to keep up with color work. Several stylists teach for Keune Haircosmetics, and over 30 stylists have completed the American Board Certified Haircolorists program. Several stylists are certified for hair extensions, but not every stylist is, so clients are asked to call ahead to confirm a certified stylist is available. The salons occasionally host in-salon classes on hair styling and support several charities.

The salon starts from a client's own idea or photo of a look and aims for a space of professional excellence and genuine care, with ongoing education for its stylists.

The salons describe themselves as fun and free of drama.