
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.
It’s my kind of town… and my kind of show. America’s Beauty Show (ABS) in Chicago reflects the big-hearted city that is its host—bustling with energy, bursting with warmth and welcome and always something new around the corner. And here is a little of what I saw…





It’s my kind of town… and my kind of show. America’s Beauty Show (ABS) in Chicago reflects the big-hearted city that is its host—bustling with energy, bursting with warmth and welcome and always something new around the corner. And here is a little of what I saw…
The man with the can is now the man with the plan. Michael O’ Rourke, the charming creative force behind Rock Your Hair, introduced a new feature to his website and a new way to interact with his brand. Rock Your Hair launched a special Stylist Code (RYHPRO12) for stylists to sign up online at www.rockyyourhair.com to buy direct and share in the reward that comes with carrying his products. Keep watching as they roll out this rock show across the US. www.michaelorourkehair.com
Schwarzkopf came prepared. With a completely buttoned-up presentation and beautifully produced platform, they are serious about their color system, IGORA, and about their Schwarzkopf –specific programs designed to build business in the salon. An international brand with an especially loyal following in Canada, Schwarzkopf is looking at the US and liking what it sees—opportunity. www.schwarzkopfusa.com
Sassoon had me at ‘Mad Dogs and English Men’. I must find out who designed the playlist for their runway show because hearing Noel Coward singing at a beauty show was so unexpected, so cheeky and, well, so Sassoon. I arrived too late to see everything so I’ll plant myself in a chair tomorrow. www.sassoon.com
Robb Dupre talked Kenra Color (“Simply Stunning Results”) to a crowded classroom. Interested to hear Dupre say Ombre is so 2011; he is transitioning into Seamless Diffusion. He asked us to think of a watercolor painting to illustrate this technique in which you don’t see a specific start and stop, but a darker base gradually blended out. www.kenra.com
In the Texture Pavillion, I spoke with Jane Carter, the creator of Jane Carter Solution, Home Grown Hair Care. This natural hair care product line is designed for all hair types and textures. Carter’s message is bigger than how to tame and style. “As the planet evolves, so do our families. In my house, we have just about every different hair texture imaginable.” www.janecartersolution.com
Pollyseon is Polly Shrewsbury and Judy Seonkyng Im. These women have partnered to introduce travel cases for transporting and organizing beauty tools and products. In developing their prototypes, they worked with consultants to NASA and NIKE. www.pollyseon.com
Cosmetologists Chicago celebrated 100 years of serving Chicago’s cosmetologists and Pivot Point celebrated 50 years of educating them all over the world with the Beauty Bash. Thank you for an incredible runway show of hair creations that walked us through ten beautiful decades.
I’ll close with this quote from Pivot Point’s 1960s textbook A Scientific Approach to Hair Designs:
“This book does not end on the final page. It begins here.”
More beginnings tomorrow!

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

"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

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.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

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.

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