
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.
Years ago, there were only two ways to create a blonde – bleach and bleach and tone. Now, there are more options, so every stylist can have their way with a blonde. Patrick McIvor, artistic and TechniCulture director for Goldwell and KMS California shares his four options for creating blonde and saving time.

Years ago, there were only two ways to create a blonde – bleach and bleach and tone. Now, there are more options, so every stylist can have their way with a blonde. Patrick McIvor, artistic and TechniCulture director for Goldwell and KMS California shares his four options for creating blonde and saving time.
1. The No Lift, No Developer Permanent Way
New technology brings new options, so permanent wearability without oxidation can be achieved. Stylists can glaze between foils, creating unique experiences using only the exact amount of color needed, because there is no mixing and no need to transfer the color to a different bottle or bowl when choosing a perfect shade. Stylists can add color, control tone, create shine and choose to be bold and beautiful.
2. The Express Way
Having the option with a demi-permanent color to process up to 20 minutes to glaze or tone hair is great, having the option in five minutes is even better. In the past, stylists had to either shorten the processing time or try a different product. With products like Goldwell Colorance, it’s possible to have both options, you can create endless variations of blonde depending on application, outcome and time.
3. The Old Way
Actually, there was a way to create pastel blondes. In the past, colorists did what many called 'breaking the base,' this was not intended to create that type of end result. This 'pastel toning' technique was meant for an all over very hi-lift, or more likely a double process blonde who wanted that hot, edgy, pinky, violet or smokey under tone. From Miley to Pink, Michele Williams, Carey Mulligan and Shakira, it’s their interesting tone that makes them stand out as great blondes. For pastel toning try - 20mls H2O + 20mls 6% +20mls of a h/l V or P tone blonde like Goldwell Topchic over pale yellow previous lightened hair for a great pastel blonde.
4. A Better Way
Today, instead of breaking, RECHARGE. No more 'breaking the base,' recharge blondes with a color treatment such as the Blonde Recharge service and in 5 minutes have the lift break the base and control/enhance the tone while adding shine down the strand.

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.

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.

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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

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