
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.
Tip #3 of 10 in the series - Think of time as units – To manage your book better and manage your time better stop thinking of time as time. Start thinking of time as units.All units are created equal. Not units carry equal ...

Tip #3 of 10 in the series - Think of time as units – To manage your book better and manage your time better stop thinking of time as time. Start thinking of time as units.
All units are created equal. Not units carry equal value to you at the end of the day, week, month or year.
All services should be broken down into units. The shortest time duration service serves as a single unit. For instance, if a haircut can be delivered in 15 minutes and this is the shortest duration service you offer think of this haircut as one unit. Perhaps a haircut with beard trim is 2 units, a shave is three units a haircolor service is three units and so on.
Days are divided into units and services are booked in units. A unit is assigned a value based on your single unit service. If a haircut costs $25 and takes 15 minutes a single unit is a quarter hour and is valued at $25. All other services need to be priced, at minimum, based on unit value. A two unit clipper graphic design must cost minimum $50. A three unit shave service must coast at minimum $75.
Once you begin to think of time in units you will quickly work hard to avoid delivering services whose timing and cost do not make up your unit minimum. This is why I cite frequently, in classes, the notion that shaving is not really economically viable as a shop service. The example goes that a 15 minute haircut at $25 establishes a unit value of $25. A shop with a $25 haircut might typically charge $35 for a shave… But that shave takes three units to deliver in a manner of service consistent with the environment and its expectations. Therefore rather than MAKING $35 every time you shave you are actually LOSING $40!! (three units are valued at $25 X 3 = $75).
As soon as you begin to think of time as units you will turn your appointment book into a revenue producing ATM.
Your appointment book is your interface between you and the world of your clients. Your appointment book does way more than just tell you who to cut and when to cut them. In this 10-installment blog post series I will share my top 10 tips for managing your appointment book. You can extract the maximum value to you and your business from this powerful resource and tool. I welcome your comments and discussion.

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