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
Be Color Safe: Follow Directions
You can tell mucho about a color company by the way they give directions. How to mix a tinte comes in a variety of presentations from economical to snazzy.
October 4, 2012
3 min to read
You can tell mucho about a color company by the way they give directions. How to mix a tinte comes in a variety of presentations from economical to snazzy.
There is the company that likes to tell a historia, the tint being the major persona, with developer, level and maybe a beaker or bowl in supporting roles. Only colorists with eagle eyes, that can read a font 3, can use this tint. The directions come in a multi-fold wrapper in several ideomas. One Spanish translation directed us to mix tinte in a bucket, another to rinse animal hair until water runs clear.
Bueno, let’s award an A for effort, at least they tried.
Carlos Valenzuela
You must be muy rapido or experienced colorists to use the directions on the tube option, because once you start squeezing el tubo, the directions, and warnings are useless. ¿Que dice?
There is the instrucciones on the inside of the box option, which you totally destroy upon opening the box. I don’t neatly cut a box open consequently; I have never really read these directions.
If you are new to your salon’s color line, the next challenge is understanding a fellow worker’s directions.
“Martha, comodo you mix this tint?”
“Ay, mi amor, you need certification classes before you do anything.”
“Ok. But, en este momento, I have a client in my silla. I am thinking these two in equal parts and 20 volume for a chestnut, brown effect?”
“I used one of them on a woman who just had surgery, and it turned pink. I am thinking this had something to do with it.”
“Ok. Forget it”
“Cuidado, because Señora Lopez, said it made her look muyold. She is almost 60,quepasa?”
“Ok, gracias.”
It is a well-documented fact that hombres will not ask or give you good directions. This has to be a biological thing.
“Just mix it up, Dude. Beat the developer until it gets muy creamy.”
“Bueno,” as you give a high cinco and run.
Here is my insurance on how to stay color safe.
One: talk to the cliente,
~Ask client what she likes and dislikes about her color.
~Ask client where she wants to go, what would she like to see?
~Do this using the color chart as a tool to point out colors/shades
Two: Take a buen look at what you are working with.
~Before you recommend a color service, study the condition of the hair: what is the natural level, the tinted level, the condition of the hair, is it short or long. What is realistically possible?
~Recommend a color that preserves the integrity of the hair as much as possible, Keep healthy, bouncy, vibrant hair in mind.
Three: How to formulate a color?
After 35+ years of using multiple color lines, I always come back to the beauty school rules:
What is the level?
1. What do you want to achieve?
2. Select color level+developer to attain your results.
Hasta pronto,
Carlos
Carlos Valenzuela is president of Carlos Valenzuela Resources, LLC, holds a Masters in International Management; he is a consultant on Latino outreach/marketing, a licensed instructor, author, and motivational speaker.
Contact Carlos at www.getcarlos.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlos.valenzuela.3551
Twitter: @i_fabuloso
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