
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.
Awards season is among us and though your clients may not get an invitation to hit the red carpet, there’s no reason they can’t have award-worthy hair at their viewing party.
Awards season is among us and though your clients may not get an invitation to hit the red carpet, there’s no reason they can’t have award-worthy hair at their viewing party. For the latest in styles, Pam Kelly, National Director of Technical Services for Fantastic Sams Salons, reveals her favorite red carpet-worthy styles that will be sure to turn heads.

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Dressy Buns: The bun is a simple style—both elegant and feminine—but can be modernized and made youthful with a few simple tricks. Add drama to low and loose buns with face-framing pieces or a deep side part. A trendy take on this classic is to weave a braided fringe into the style. Top knots are essentially buns placed high on the head. To create this high-impact style, pull the hair high and tight to the crown, securing into a large, texturized bun. Top knots can be both smooth and sleek or funky and fun.

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Half updos: This versatile style is the best of both worlds. Although the front—which is pulled up— complements the face, this style still allows length and texture to steal the show. This is a great alternative for long- or mid-length hair and has a youthful, elegant appeal.

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Swept away: Some of the most popular special occasion hair trends have tresses styled to the side. Whether it’s a low side chignon, a loose braid, or hair styled into glamorous waves, side-swept hair adds an element of drama to any look. It works with a range of styles and lengths, and can be used on straight or textured styles. The side-swept style should depict undone sophistication with a touch of glamour and softness.

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Crimped: For a modern, youthful look, crimped hair is making a huge comeback. Crimping adds texture and volume to any design.

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Accessorize: Embellished headbands, hairpins, barrettes, and other jeweled accessories add a fun and glamorous touch to any style. The best accessories are not only pretty, but functional as they help hold hair in place. If hair is worn in a short style, hair accessories will add instant glamour and femininity to the look.
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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