
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.
ABS is looking for stars! Enter in the STARS and RISING STARS Photo Competition or the ABS BeautyBASH Talent Showcase for recognition and prizes at ABS 2014.
America’s Beauty Show has two big ways you can showcase your star power in 2014: The STARS and RISING STARS Photo Competition, and the 2014 ABS BeautyBASH Talent Showcase. The photo deadline is February 14, and the BeautyBASH audition deadline is February 28.
The STARS and RISING STARS Photo Competition has eight categories for contestants to enter pictures of dramatic, inspiring and fashionable looks, plus an ultimate STAR will be chosen from the submissions. Enter one or more submissions for the following categories:
*Makeover Expert
If you have done a dramatic before-and-after look, make sure to submit photos for this group. Looks should be improved from the “before,” of course, as well as contemporary and with professional make-up. Submit one “before” and two “after” shots (close up and full-length fashion shots).
*ColorAmerica Colorist of the Year
Judging in this contest is based on how current fashionable hair color techniques were applied. Submit one “before” and two “after” photographs.
*Hair Fashion Visionary – Avant Garde
Stylists with big imaginations and lots of talent will want to submit their innovative work in this category. Provide one “before” and two “after” pictures of the style from different angles.
*Texture Champion
Well-cut and styled textured and/or multicultural hair will make for a winner in this group. Think creative and thoughtful perming, texturing and styling with one “before” and two “after” images.
*Day to Night
This category is a great way to showcase functionality with a styled-down look for daytime and a restyled, glam up-do for night. Submit one “before” image, one “after” with daytime and one “after” with nighttime styling.
*Men's Look Champion
Stylists and barbers alike should consider entering fashionable and functional men’s looks into the Men’s Look Champion category — one “before” and two “after” photos.
*International Nail Technician of the Year
Submit two images of creative, technical work on natural nails or enhanced. Make sure to include the model’s full hand.
*RISING Star of ABS
Current cosmetology students can enter their dramatic, contemporary, professional looks for some recognition with one “before” and two “after” looks.
THE ULTIMATE STARS AWARD will be awarded to an entrant who submits photos for three or more categories and receives the highest overall score for those looks. The award is good for $1,000 as well as the Leo Passage Gold Trophy.

A BeautyBASH performer sings at ABS 2013.
Babak
In addition to the photo contests for ABS 2014, the especially creative members of the salon community are encouraged to audition for BeautyBASH, which recognizes stylists who also sing, dance, play a musical instrument, perform stand-up or some combination of the four.
The chosen winners will receive $300 for travel to the show, hotel rooms for March 21–22 and, of course, the opportunity to perform in front of ABS attendees at the BeautyBASH Showcase.
If your 2014 resolution was to become a star, ABS has plenty of opportunities for you to shine!
For more information on the STARS and RISING STARS contest and to submit photos, visit www.americasbeautyshow.com/AMERICASBEAUTYSHOW/STARSPHOTOCONTEST/tabid/333/Default.aspx.
Find BeautyBASH audition information at www.americasbeautyshow.com/AMERICASBEAUTYSHOW/EVENTS/BeautyBASHAuditions/tabid/379/Default.aspx.
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