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
A Young Hairdresser Prepares for a Long Career
Paying attention to her physical and mental health gives a stylist a good start while she's still in her 20s.
May 23, 2017
1/2
3 min to read
Before she was a stylist, Amber Noll was a competitive cheerleader, so challenging her body to perform—often in uncomfortable positions—is nothing new. Neither is the emotional stress that tends to come from a high-achieving, busy life. Now the manager at Blackbird Salon in Richmond, Virginia, Noll takes seriously every lesson she’s learned for “keeping body and soul together.” She says she has little choice.
“I feel like I’m 27 going on 72!” Noll laughs. “My back hurts, and I have arthritis in my knees. I wear insoles to alleviate the pressure from standing—I’ve learned the hard way that cute footwear is not all-day work footwear. I should be more aware of posture, but I do make sure my arms are at the proper height to keep the strain off my shoulder blades so they don’t tighten up. My cosmetology school included instruction in how to hold tools correctly, but poor arm position is a hard habit to break.”
Some of those habits were formed in childhood. “My parents divorced when I was about six,” Noll explains. “When I was at my dad’s place, I wanted cool hair but my dad just towel-dried it. I taught myself how to make a ponytail, curl hair and use accessories.”
Today Noll makes nutrition a priority, eating organic foods as often as possible. “I live near grocery stores that offer locally produced, non-GMO (non-genetically modified organisms) foods,” she explains. “The digestive tract can become sensitive to modified seeds, and when my stomach hurts I can’t give as much as I should to my clients. I avoid red meat and keep a pescetarian diet of chicken and fish.”
Noll works exercise into her day with a stationary bike that faces her TV. “With my bike, I don’t feel bad about binge-watching,” she confesses. “I lost 12 pounds while watching the Gilmore Girls revival last year! I do the bike as many days as I can until my back hurts, and then I’ll take a few days off before going back to it. I go fast enough to break a sweat but not so fast to hate what I’m doing.”
Recently Noll left her salon’s flagship location to work instead at a newly launched second location not far from her home. Now her physical health gets a boost because she walks to work, and she says her mental health benefits as well.
“I was excited to take a sideways step,” she says. “It’s easy to get depleted as a stylist, let alone a manager. We’re busy at our new location, but it’s still calm. I’m behind the chair five days a week and in the salon all the hours that we’re open. At the busier flagship location, I felt that I wasn’t giving my clients the attention they needed.”
For emotional support, Noll relies on companionship—both the human and the pet variety. “My boyfriend is a magnificent listener and has a background in psychology,” she says. “I’m thankful I have him, because I’m a sensitive person. And my rescue dogs are amazing. I have two dachshunds that are incredible stress-relievers. If I know I will be having a stressful day, I even take them to the salon.”
A big fan of Prince, Noll finds comfort in listening to his music. “If I’m overwhelmed or upset,” she says, “I can put on a Prince song for an instant fix.”
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