In May 1972, John Ryan opened the first hair care clinic, and called it John Ryan Associates. The door opened May 13th, and with it a new era in hair care began. From the start, things were different. Unlike a beauty salon, John Ryan Associates did not set, or force hair into the "latest style". No longer were there rows of big hooded dryers. The time had come for a "daily cleansing" instead of a "weekly comb-out". The stiff artificial "hairdos" of the past were destined for oblivion - inevitable to give way to the attractive, clean and sensible shapings of today. Indeed, the woman's beauty salon of the past had given way.

Things were difficult though. Michigan's law prohibited licensed cosmetologists from cutting men's hair. Barbers however, were allowed to cut both men's and women's hair. Proclaiming "Hair has no Sex", John Ryan challenged the law and was actually arrested by Keego Harbor police for operating a barber shop without the proper license in July of 1973. Three years later, the State Court of Appeals ruled that there was no chemical or material difference between men's and women's hair, and that cosmetology training equipped one to cut men's hair as well as women's. By openly defying the law, John Ryan and John Ryan Associates had established themselves as leaders in the field of hair care.

Salon owners said it wouldn't work. "What will you do when a customer tells you they want a set?", they asked. "We'll teach them why our way is a better one.", was the reply. And they did. And as they did, the Associates gained the respect of cosmetologists everywhere and became well known for their vast knowledge of hair and very specialized skills. As their reputation grew, so did John Ryan Associates Hair Care Clinics. Today, computers are used to keep track of our clients, and our "better way" has become a concept imitated by many. But, one thing remains the same; John Ryan Associates still offers exceptional quality service and attractive work at a fair price