
Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
You've probably seen Hai Tran (@hai.stylist)'s viral-on-Instagram post about the color journey from black to blonde, which maps out the time, cost, and sessions it takes to a client to get from a box-dye black to a pale silver. But, the rest of his page is just as well-organized and beautifully organized. Learn more about Tran here.



You've probably seen Hai Tran (@hai.stylist)'s viral-on-Instagram post about the color journey from black to blonde, which maps out the time, cost, and sessions it takes to a client to get from a box-dye black to a pale silver.
You've probably seen Hai Tran (@hai.stylist)'s viral-on-Instagram post about the color journey from black to blonde, which maps out the time, cost, and sessions it takes to a client to get from a box-dye black to a pale silver. But, the rest of his page is just as well-organized and beautifully organized. Learn more about the L'anza educator here.
Salon: Hai Salon, Wichita, Kansas
Specialty: Balayage, color melt
Followers: 7,416
Most viral post: Color correction chart “black to blonde”. Most people can’t visualize things too well, so I mapped out a graphic to help explain the process down to the smallest details. This benefits both the stylists as well as the clients. MODERN SALON posted it while back, as did many others, and continuing reposting. It is AMAZING that people finding the chart so helpful.
Favorite apps: Inshot for quick video editing; PhotoCollage for before and after; Adobe Illustrator for mapping out placement for color and cut for educational purposes.
Favorite hashtags: #wichitastylist #wichitasalon #balayage
I follow: @matt.swinney @ammoncarver @leahfreeman1 @natasjakeijzer @guytang
Pro tips: Consistency, post what you’re best at; composition, clear and precise focal point for each post; education, people love tips and tricks, formulas, tutorials; hashtags, tag what is trending.
Hidden beauty talent: I can do makeup. Painting on a on a canvas, hair. face etc.—it’s all art.
Hidden talent: I can do the helicopter dance move!
How social media changed my life: The number-one thing for me is INSPIRATION. Seeing awesome work by some of the most amazing stylists inspires me to do more. It has given me a local status and now I’m working on branding myself nationally and perhaps globally.
The first time I was featured on MODERN’s Insta: I SOL (screamed out loud) and was screen-shotting that on my phone to text my family and friends. It was the long icy blue waves that I spent so much time trying to perfect my formulas, and I finally got it and got featured. It definitely one of those moments that made me feel like all the hard work (6+ hours) was definitely 100% worth it.
See the full 2018 MODERN SALON 100 here!

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic

Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.

Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.

Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.

Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips

Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.

Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.

In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.

Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty