
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.
Here’s to the beauty of BLONDE! When I see a good one, it really helps make my day! Sadly, we see the occasional burned, over-processed, fried or totally yellow hair paraded up and down the red carpet … until now!

Beth Minardi
Enter great, healthy looking blondes like Taylor Swift, whose lush blonde on blonde waves are lustrous, shiny, bright and really beautiful. Her blonde shade reflects modern blonding at its best. Hats off to the smart, respectful and totally professional colorist who helps Taylor remain beautifully blonde.
Here's what's so special: The hair defines the shade-on-shade vibrance today's colorists are more easily able to achieve. Why? Because we have products that make our work easier than ever. It's up to us to use our creativity and skill to create these unforgettable tones.
If you have a client who is Level 4 or lighter, try to stop thinking single process, all- over color. That's the easy way out ... but usually not the best. Instead, highlight the hair in a zig-zag pattern. Weave some of the sections as you slice other (tiny) sections. So that the hair does not take on an old-fashioned frosted look, place sections of lowlights in between every forth or fifth highlight.
Use an acidic-creamy no lift demi-permanent formula. I like using a level B9 shade like Joico's K Pak Chrome no-lift color.
Then, treat this fragile hair with a shampoo and conditioner created for use on highlighted, lightened hair. To serve this special purpose, try Minardi Wash Three and After Wash Three.
When performing a retouch on this luscious blonde hair, restrict application of lightener to the regrowth area only and twist the previously lightened ends of the hair shaft out of the foils.

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