At the most recent Artist Session workshop in NYC, the artists in attendance pulled out some contemporary tricks and trends to make a hybrid blend of classic shapes with modern touches. Fantasy DollJoanna Rivera of NYLA Hair Studio in ...
Maggie Mulhern・Beauty and Fashion Director, MODERN SALON
At the most recent Artist Session workshop in NYC, the artists in attendance pulled out some contemporary tricks and trends to make a hybrid blend of classic shapes with modern touches.
Fantasy Doll
Joanna Rivera of NYLA Hair Studio in Springhill, Florida, is known for her color designs, but also her bridal finishes. She shares that she attended the Artist Session photoshoot workshop, to learn more about a professional shoot and to work on a professional model. Rivera decided to create what she calls a “fantasy doll,” by setting the hair in a classic set using a 1-inch Hot Tools curling iron, and then decorated the finish with flowers and beads that were placed artistically on the surface of the design. For dimension and volume, Rivera added several extensions in a complementary but fun shade, and threw in a few surprise braids.
Ad Loading...
Hair: Joanna Rivera
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Makeup: David Maderich for M.A.C.
Fashion styling: Rod Novoa assisted by Dennis Pinto
Golden Touch
Gay Dering, owner of the Beauty Kasbah in Sonoma, California, knew she wanted to create something a bit unusual for this, her fifth Artist Session. “I’ve been inspired by all the looks we are seeing where bobby pins and accessories are so visible,” Dering says. “I love all the metal that is on the surface of the hair. It is practical but also decorative.” Dering blended this contemporary look and merged it with what she calls an “egyptian wig” design, combining classic elements with fashion touches.
Ad Loading...
Hair: Gay Dering
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Makeup: David Maderich for M.A.C.
Fashion styling: Rod Novoa, assisted by Dennis Pinto
Fashion: Issey Miyake
Ad Loading...
Free Spirit
Adrian Gutierrez of the Free Spirit Salon in Alpharetta, Georgia, assisted by colleague Morgan Dewald, decided to challenge himself for his second Artist Session. He selected one of MODERN’s favorite models, Snow, specifically because she had such fine, thin hair. “One of the most important things I’ve learned at Artist Session is to select a model based on her face and attitude and just make the hair great,” he says. Using the Gothic Era as his inspiration, Gutierrez and Dewald crimped the hair adding volume, texture and width. “I wanted the hair to explode,” Gutierrez says. “It’s a classic shape, but totally outsized.”
Hair: Adrian Gutierrez, assisted by Morgan Dewald
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Makeup: David Maderich for M.A.C.
Fashion styling: Rod Novoa, assisted by Dennis Pinto
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
"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.
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.
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.
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.