
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.
Stylists who excel in the art of the updo often develop clever little tricks for creating outstanding work. Here are three go-to techniques, created by Sexy Hair artists, used to create the three looks in their latest collections.



The upstyling pros at Sexy Hair don’t fool around. They take updos to the next level with work that is bespoke, polished, versatile and professional. “We don’t want to create looks you can find all over Instagram or Pinterest,” explains Stephanie Polansky, Sexy Hair Director of Education and Shows. “We develop inspiration for the advanced hairdresser.”
Stylists who excel in the art of the updo often develop clever little tricks for creating outstanding work. Here are three go-to techniques, created by Sexy Hair artists, used to create the three looks in their latest collections.
FOUNDATIONAL IRON SET
Every great upstyle starts with a great foundational set. Here’s how Sexy Hair Artists use Hot Sexy Hair Protect Me and the Sexy Hair Curl Lock Pro Curling Iron to create this firm yet flexible set.
DOUBLE PIN PONYTAIL ANCHOR
Many updos begin with ponytails that are then shaped and molded into the ultimate style. This double bobby pin trick is a perfect way to anchor your ponies in place without fear of losing your grip! See how Sexy Hair Artists do it, using Long Sexy Hair Luxe Blow Out Spray, Healthy Sexy Hair Styling Paste and Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable.
LOOP NEEDLE PINCURLS
Here’s a new way to create the looped Mohawk shape that makes this style equally feminine and fierce. Sexy Hair Artists use a loop needle to form interlocking pin curls, supported by Hot Sexy Hair Protect Me, Sexy Hair Curl Pro Curling Iron, Style Sexy Hair Spray Clay and Big Sexy Hair Get Layered Spray.
More Sexy Hair Content: Discover Sexy Hair Artists’ 3 Must-Have Upstyle Sprays

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