
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.
On September 25, Wella’s top-five schools in the Midwest gathered in Omaha, Nebraska for its Mid-West School Competition. Each school—Capri, Stewart, Capitol, Hays and La James— had five finalists compete in each category, Sebastian’s What’s Next and Wella’s Trend Vision.














Jamie Newman
On September 25, Wella’s top-five schools in the Midwest gathered in Omaha, Nebraska for its Mid-West School Competition. Each school—Capri, Stewart, Capitol, Hays and La James— had five finalists compete in each category, Sebastian’s What’s Next and Wella’s Trend Vision. In addition, each campus nominated an instructor to participate in the Instructor of the Year competition at the event.
430 attendees watched as models worked it down the runway, voting for each look on their smart phones. A panel of five judges—Stephen Moody, Jim Yates, Megan Newell, Galin Hristov and MODERN SALON’S Jamie Newman—pre-judged the models backstage before the runway presentations, and scored them again during the show.
Between runway competitions, members of the Wella/Sebastian artistic team—Stephen Moody, Miroslav Kabic Yomi, Kristin Isaac, Alex Rosas, Galin Hristov, Joe Poff and Zeb Ratliff— presented cuts, color formulas and styling demos.
Winners and runners-up scored swag bags, products and tools from Wella/Sebastian and Babyliss, Hempz, Repechage, Cricket and Galin Hristov, who were sponsors of the event. Winners were also automatically entered into the Student Category as a semi-finalist for either Sebastian’s What’s Next Awards (WNA) or Wella’s North American Trend Vision Awards (NATVA).
Competitors sought inspiration for their designs based off of the themes for each category. Wella's "Molten Ecaille" theme drew its aesthetics from raw material, precious metals and a jeweller's art, which included enameling, shaping and oxidation. Sebastian's "Eclectic" theme looked at juxtaposed styles like rough and smooth, braided and undone, while utilizing embellishments such as buckles, clips, sticks, binder rings and strips of leather. Students were judged based off of how well they interpreted the themes and, of course, the finished look.
WINNERS:
WELLA PROFESSIONALS, “MOLTEN ECAILLE”:
FIRST PLACE: Alayna Henzler, Hays
SECOND PLACE: Mary Lavin, Hays
THIRD PLACE: Jarah Ripp, Capitol
SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL, “ECLECTIC”:
FIRST PLACE: Colten Yungeberg, Hays
SECOND PLACE: Marisol Silva, Capitol
THIRD PLACE: Ashton Whaley, Capri
INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR: Ashley Paulson, Hays

Hays wins first-prize in each category.

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