
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.
This is number 4 in a 10-installment blog series of the top-10 things you should say, ask or tell (or should not) when consulting, selling to or interacting with a male client.Are you going to put anything in it? This is a simple consultation ...

This is number 4 in a 10-installment blog series of the top-10 things you should say, ask or tell (or should not) when consulting, selling to or interacting with a male client.
Are you going to put anything in it? This is a simple consultation question. It is used to determine what are real options for this guy relative to how much effort he is willing to put into his look every day?
A good haircut is the result of good cutting. A good hairstyle is the result of some styling. The typical guy has two preferred hairstyling tools. Tool number one is his towel. The towel is applied to the top of his head and aggressively rubbed in a circle. Tool number two is a wide-tooth comb. Not just any wide tooth-comb, but the custom model attached to the far end of his arm. It is his hand, the ultimate wide-tooth comb. Most guys use both tools. They use them regularily. They use them well. But typically, that is all they will use. The rare bird is the guy who will actually pick up a brush, engage a blowdryer or own a comb.
Actual liquid tools are a whole other game. The simple question of “are you going to put anything in it?” opens up the dialog of styling product. You will have the chance to discuss what to use, why to use it, how to use it, how much to use, etc. Or you will not. If you get a strong “NO!” you have created the opportunity to explain the limitations of what is possible with zero product engaged in the project. Do not think of this as a good thing or a bad thing. It is just a thing. Once you know this thing, you can easily adapt your consultations to this guy’s reality. No sense in trying to put a round peg in a square hole. Take his haircut money and move on to the next opportunity
If the client is open to product he has opened a wide world of choices, possibilities and options for his hair and your talent. You know what to do. Do it!

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

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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

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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