
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.
How to discuss the topic with your client and make money!





Salon Owner Rick Cooper has seen profits, client loyalty and client satisfaction increase after embracing hair thinning and hair loss as an area of opportunity in his businesses.
It’s fun to talk to a client about the latest bob haircuts or mint green hair color. But when it comes to thinning hair, the conversation can be less fun and even a bit awkward. “Many stylists are afraid to bring up the topic of hair thinning,” admits Rick Cooper, owner of Cooper Alley Salon and Barber Lane in Larkspur, CA. “They see it as a sensitive and negative topic that could jeopardize their relationship with their client and even cause them to lose money.” But nothing could be further from the truth.
At Cooper’s salons, the view is very different. “We don’t see hair loss as a risky topic,” Cooper explains. “We see it as an amazing opportunity.”
If you’re ready to re-frame your view about treating hair loss and thinning hair in the salon, here are three good reasons to support your decision.
You’ll Increase Your Annual Income
Hair loss and thinning hair treatments introduce an entirely new profit center to salons. “One of our stylists, for example, has increased her income by $25,000 a year by recommending René Furterer Complexe 5 and Triphasic Treatments as well as Vitalfan Hair Thinning Supplements,” says Cooper. “And one of our Barber Lane barbers has increased her average ticket from $50 to $75 by performing Complexe 5 treatments.”
Keep in mind however, that these products and systems rarely sell themselves. Because companies like René Furterer have done extensive research and clinical trials on their systems for both gradual and sudden hair loss, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the science behind the products so you can recommend the right solutions for each client and explain your recommendations with confidence and authority.
You’ll Increase Client Loyalty
It’s not only about the money when it comes to hair loss. It’s also about enhancing your relationship with your clients when you can offer solutions for their thinning hair issues that really work. “The incredible revenue increases I mentioned substantially changed the living standards of our service providers,” says Cooper. “But in both cases, not only did our service providers significantly increase their income, they also gave the clients the opportunity to feel better about themselves.” And truly, there’s no better way to cement client loyalty!
You’ll Help People Who Really Need It
In some cases, thinning hair solutions go beyond the cosmetic, into a more profound realm. “One particular client comes to mind and her story is incredibly compelling,” remembers Cooper. “She was diagnosed with breast cancer, and as a result of the medical treatments was told she would lose all of her hair. But by taking the René Furterer Vitalfan hair thinning supplements and by using Complexe 5 and Triphasic treatments from the time she was diagnosed she was able to keep about 50% of her hair! This is exactly why I believe it’s our responsibility to address hair thinning with our clients. We have the opportunity to give them back their dignity and make them look and feel better about themselves. It’s why at Cooper Alley we address hair thinning with every client who is suffering with this issue.”
Drug-Free Solutions
When considering which hair thinning solutions you will stand behind and recommend, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the options. According to Cooper, a client with thinning hair may be wary of hair loss treatment drugs, the most common being minoxidil and finasteride. Both come with significant side effects that can be harmful to health. Minoxidil is a topical drug; finasteride is a prescription oral medication. Both minoxidil and finasteride are effective in promoting hair growth, but they work only with continual use. Once a client stops using either one, the hair growth will stop, and they’ll lose any new growth within 3 to 4 months.
Instead, Cooper prefers the long-standing heritage of botanical expertise offered by René Furterer. “We can provide clients with a natural alternative without the negative effects that can come from using a chemical on the skin or ingesting a drug every day,” he explains.
The company’s newest innovation in thinning hair treatments is the TRIPHASIC Thinning Hair Ritual for visibly thicker, denser, stronger hair. It’s a drug-free solution (free of minoxidil and finasteride) formulated with natural plant extracts and essential oils to address the main factors of hereditary and hormonal, or progressive, thinning hair. The TRIPHASIC PROGRESSIVEconcentrated serum is formulated with Biotrinine, a botanical complex that’s patented in France, that provides nutrients to support natural hair growth while re-densifying existing thin and sparse hair. TRIPHASIC strengthening shampoo is infused with Pffafia® extract, ATP Intensif and encapsulated essential oils to fortify the hair’s strength and resilience.
“At Cooper Alley, hair thinning issues have allowed us increase our annual income, increase customer loyalty, and help people in the process,” says Cooper. “It’s a win-win in every way.”

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

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