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.
by Anne Moratto
5 Consultation Tips from Kris Sorbie at Scruples Symposium
Scruples Symposium brought launches, educators and special guests to Riviera Maya, Mexico this week. One of those guests was Redken Global Artistic Ambassador Kris Sorbie, who led a color technique presentation for all attendees. Sorbie, known ...
January 19, 2016
2 min to read
Scruples Symposium brought launches, educators and special guests to Riviera Maya, Mexico this week. One of those guests was Redken Global Artistic Ambassador Kris Sorbie, who led a color technique presentation for all attendees. Sorbie, known for making the ombre famous, taught Symposium guests about color aesthetics like placement and blending, but also spoke about best business practices, specifically, what she deems as the most important part of any service, the consultation.
Here are Sorbie’s must-use tips and things to consider for any consultation:
1. Use positive terminology. For example, rather than calling a service “highlights,” tell your client you want to draw attention to their best features or contour their hair for their face.
2. Your client’s lifestyle. “The more we know without getting too personal tells us what we can and can’t do,” Sorbie says.
3. Income. This can be a touchy subject, but Sorbie says there is a good way to ask this important question. Asking “how often do you think you can visit the salon,” gives a good idea on what a client is willing to pay. This question makes a difference in what type of service you can perform. If they say three months, balayage may be a better technique than traditional highlights.
4. Face shape. Again, you can use this as a guide as to what you want to try drawing attention to or what will best suit them.
5. Always have visuals. Sorbie keeps an iPad of images she has curated organized into different folders for specific color families. “A picture tells 1,000 words; it tells what your clients want or don’t want,” she says. This way, clients can show her what they want, rather than play a guessing game of what "red” means.
Bonus tip: After appointments or consultations, be sure to keep record cards for your clients. This includes formulas and even what you and your client talked about. “If you bring up something that touched their hearts (i.e. their dog’s name), they feel appreciated and loved and taken care of [when you bring it up next time you see them],” Sorbie says.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"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
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
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.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
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.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
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.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
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
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
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.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
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.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
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.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
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.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
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.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
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