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
Celebrity Color: Trends Include Babylights and Balayage
Tracey Cunningham, Redken Celebrity Colorist, has a lengthy and impressive list of Hollywood starlets who come to her Meche Salon in Beverly Hills, California, to keep their color perfected. Cunningham is revealing the inside scoop on the new ...
January 16, 2015
3 min to read
Tracey Cunningham, Redken Celebrity Colorist, has a lengthy and impressive list of Hollywood starlets who come to her Meche Salon in Beverly Hills, California, to keep their color perfected. Cunningham is revealing the inside scoop on the new blonding trend that we are seeing on these high profile ladies.
The Spring/Summer 2015 trend is all about lightening techniques to create or brighten natural tones. A-list stars, blonde and brunette alike, are bringing out their inner blonde while redheads are elevating their bold color to the next level. Cunningham shares her formulas on these superstars to help other colorists achieve these lightened and brightened looks on any client, no matter their natural shade.
Spring/Summer 2015 Trend #1: Babylights Blondes
“It is all about going blonde this season, whether or not you consider yourself a natural blonde. A cool blonde like Gwyneth Paltrow, who has a gorgeous all-over color, can easily be elevated to another level by creating babylights, which has been my go-to blonding technique for many years and mimics the sun-kissed tones your hair took on as a child. Redken’s NEW Blonde Idol Base Breakers allow me to experiment with warm blondes like Charlize Theron by enhancing the undertones without taking away from the existing blonde shade.”
Spring/Summer 2015 Trend #2: Brightened Brunettes
“So many of my brunette clients believe that blonde highlights are off-limits but it is in fact the opposite; highlights on a brunette create a gorgeous lift! With Jessica Biel who is a darker shade, I created a balayage effect using the Blond Idol High Lift Conditioning Cream on the ends. A wildly popular trend on the opposite end of the spectrum is a rich monochromatic look which is ideal for brunettes like Julia Louis-Dreyfus who want one solid color instead of dual tones. I love Redken’s NEW Chromatics Ultra Rich to get that monochromatic, rich-looking color with great coverage.”
Spring/Summer 2015 Trend #3: Rich Red
“Deep, strong reds like Emma Stone are here to stay, both on and off the red carpet, with blondes like Kate Bosworth even making the transition to red! Redken’s red colors give me the versatility to customize red hues for all skintones and create everything from a rich ruby. I love the new Redken Carmin’R shades which I use on my clients to really enhance their color and create cool red highlights.”
GWYNETH PALTROW
Gwyneth Paltrow’s babylights Natural Level 6, Dark Blonde
BASE FORMULA
1 oz. Natural Ash (.01) Blonde Idol High Lift Conditioning Cream
2 oz.30 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer
LOWLIGHT FORMULA
2 oz. 09WN Summer Wheat Shades EQ Cream
2 oz. 10 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer
JESSICA BIEL
Jessica Biel’s brightened brunette Natural Level 4, Medium Brown
BALAYAGE FORMULA 1
2 parts Blonde Icing Power Lift Conditioning Cream Lightener
2 parts 30 vol. Blonde Icing Conditioning Cream Developer
BALAYAGE FORMULA 2
1 oz. Pearl (.9) Blonde Idol High Lift Conditioning Cream
2 oz. 30 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer
GLAZE FORMULA
1 ½ oz. Crystal Clear Shades EQ Gloss
½ oz. 09N Café Au Lait Shades EQ Gloss
2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution
EMMA STONE
Emma Stone’s rich red Natural Level 5, Light Brown
BASE FORMULA
1 oz. Clear Blonde Idol Base Breaker
1 oz. 10 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer
BALAYAGE FORMULA
1 oz. Blonde Idol Oil Booster
1 packette Blonde Idol Customizable Blue Powder Activator
2 oz. 20 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer
GLAZE FORMULA
2 oz. 08C Cayenne Shades EQ Gloss
2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution
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