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
Australia’s Colorist of the Year's Secrets for Brilliant Color
Read about his rules around mixing, sectioning, and placement.
January 16, 2019
Hair color: Stevie Corthine | Hair Stylist: Kobi Bokshish | MUA: Cherine Waddell | Styling: Lydia Jane
David Mannah
1/2
3 min to read
Over the coming months, Australia’s 2018 Color Technician of the Year and Matrix Global Director, Stevie Corthine @stevieenglish, will be conducting education in cities around the US. With multiple awards to his name, Corthine, the owner of Stevie English in Glebe, Australia, is the consummate educator and his approach to color is to try anything, but do it well and on-message.
"I always stick to what’s on-brand for me; I can’t do muted, earthy tones, that’s not my aesthetic," says Corthine, who will participate in the Matrix Trends 2020 photo shoot early on in 2019. "You want your work to be recognizable because, ultimately, you’re creating your own personal brand."
It's not just the shades he uses that guarantee beautiful finished looks every time, it’s also his approach. He can experiment with ease because he is so fastidious over the basics – making sure the color is mixed properly, applying it almost forensically, and color-blending perfectly.
"Sometimes hairdressers can get a bit lazy. It’s easier just to give the client the same color every visit rather than explore a new direction. But that conversation is crucial to giving your client the color she or he wants. It also enables you to introduce variations in color, which secures loyalty. Otherwise, she’ll get bored of you as she gets bored of her hair," he explains. "That laziness, or satisfaction with ‘okay’, also extends to the actual mix, which leads to sub-standard results."
Corthine is a huge fan of Matrix Bond Ultim8, adding it frequently to his formulas. He also loves bright, bold color, as evident in the winning 2018 collection that perfectly captured his aesthetic. But as with any color, it needs to be mixed fully.
"Not just a few swipes around the bowl. When you apply color that has been inadequately mixed you can get variations that will show up in the hair, which you can’t have when working with either the minimalist pastels or the rainbow brights. You can’t hide badly applied, badly mixed color. I always urge my audiences to buy a Ping so their colors get mixed properly every time."
His other ultimate rule is to be exact with sectioning and placement.
"I always think about my color palettes, picking out what I want, and then I look closely at how I can translate that, how they might work with the cuts and other colors, where and how to apply and the synergy between them. You can’t apply every color exactly the same way every time; it just doesn’t work like that."
Corthine already has numerous dates in his diary, not just for the US but also Europe and Asia, even one date in New Zealand. At every show or seminar he will be preaching the ‘Stevie English’ take on color: an uncompromising approach to placement, a fully aerated and blended product and an adventurous approach to shading.
Photo Credits:
Hair color: Stevie Corthine | Hair Stylist: Kobi Bokshish | MUA: Cherine Waddell | Styling: Lydia Jane
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