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
Bleach And Tone For The Perfect Blonde
"The backstory on this hair transformation began with a referral from another one of my beautiful blonde clients who travels all the way from New Orleans to have her blonde touched up every 6 weeks," says Marilyn Cole ...
May 24, 2016
1/5
3 min to read
"The backstory on this hair transformation began with a referral from another one of my beautiful blonde clients who travels all the way from New Orleans to have her blonde touched up every 6 weeks," says Marilyn Cole (@marilynrockshair), who owns a private studio in West Hollywood, California. "This particular client came into my chair expressing how no one could or would dare to take her to the brightest of blondes that she had desired. After looking through the Pinterest and Instagram inspiration photos she saved, it was clear this was definitely going to be achieved best with a double process - bleach and tone. I am an artistic advisor for Aloxxi so my first 'go to' is always our incredible consultation book, which allowed me to pinpoint her exact starting level and she was able to show me the tone of blonde she preferred. She was interested in becoming the Aloxxi hair color personality 'Sparkling Prosecco'. Her starting natural level was a 6 at the base into the mid lengths and her ends were a combination of a level 7, 8 and 9. It had been about 7 months since she last had her color done, and the last process was just an all over highlight over her natural color."
Here Cole shares the steps she took to achieve the beautiful end result:
Step 1: Prepare the base by sectioning into quadrants and priming the hair with Aloxxi Color Prime Spray.
Step 2: Mix formulas: A - Aloxxi Ultra Lightener + 30 volume, mixing ratio 1:3 and B - Aloxxi Blue lightener with 20 Volume, mixing ratio 1:3.
Step 3: Begin the application in the back of the head working from the nape to the crown applying formula A 1" off scalp up to the lightened ends. Apply formula B through the ends. Use Embee Meche strips to keep the lightener off the nape of the neck.
Step 4: After completing the application of the 2 back sections, apply formula C: Aloxxi Ultra lightener with 20 volume to the base to retouch the root area.
Step 5: While processing, continue the application around to the front sections utilizing the same application technique. Apply formula A 1" off scalp to the lighter ends and apply formula B through the ends. Return with formula C at the base. Process in stages if necessary, approximately 45 minutes, lifting to pale yellow. Rinse.
Step 6: Apply Aloxxi Color Lock to stop the oxidation. Process for 2 minutes then rinse again. Apply Aloxxi new RRx Treatment - a 2 part professional treatment system to repair and recondition the hair. Mix step 1 Reparative Serum and step 2 Replenishing Cream together and apply to hair for 15 minutes. Rinse and towel dry.
Step 7: Apply formula D - Aloxxi Tones Demi permanent color 10 A + 7 volume from base to ends (mixing ration 1:2.) Process for 15 minutes and rinse. Finish with Aloxxi Color lock.
"Between the gentle lifting and incredible results from the repair treatment we didn't even end up trimming this client's hair, since I'll be seeing her again in 5 weeks, we decided to save the cut for next time and her hair felt like silk!"
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