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
COLOR CORRECTION: Brassy Mess to Level 10 Platinum Princess!
This client came to Salon Manager Joleen Sodaro at Hue Salon & Boutique after four failed attempts to lighten her own hair. Before lightening she was a natural level two with previously colored hair. Now, she's a proud level 10 platinum blonde!
October 29, 2014
3 min to read
Joleen Sodaro, salon manager of Hue Salon & Boutique (@hairgeniejo) located in downtown Panama City Florida, has been licensed for 15 years and hair color is the love of her life. She loves the challenge of color corrections and has performed a number of them over her entire career.
"My client came to me after four failed attempts to lighten her own hair. Before lightening she was a natural level two with the last six inches of her hair previously colored," she says.
"After lightening it herself and with the help of her sister, she had created quite a mess. She had a tremendous amount of hair and their applications had left bands of orange and yellow throughout. To top it off, by the time I got a hold of her, she had about a 1/4 inch of level two newgrowth! Her goal when lightening it was to get it to platinum."
"When coloring I knew I would have to utilize Olaplex. Even though her hair was surprisingly in pretty good shape, I knew there would be no way I was going to chance it without that."
STEPS:
STEP 1: "I had to tackle her hair in sections. For her new growth I used Redken Flashlift and 30 vol (bumping up my developer because I was using Olaplex) and 1/4 Olaplex. Working in fine sections, I made sure the new growth was very saturated."
STEP 2: "I mixed Redken Flashlift and 40vol and 1/4 Olaplex. Then I applied that on the lower middle and ends of the hair that were still really orange. Making sure again to heavily saturate the hair."
STEP 3: "I mixed Redken Flashlift and 20 vol and 1/4 Olaplex and applied to the middle of the hair shaft that was yellow. The middle of her hair was the lightest and most porous due to her previous attempts at lightening."
STEP 4: "I processed the hair for approximately 40 minutes. I frequently checked the hair to make sure it was not breaking. When the majority of her hair was pale yellow (like the inside of a banana peel) I rinsed on cool for several minutes then towel dried the hair. (Because I was using Olaplex, I did not shampoo.)"
STEP 5: "The ends of her hair were still a tad brighter than the new growth and mid shaft, so I had to mix two formulas to tone."
New growth and midshaft toner formula: 09v 1oz crystal clear 1oz
Lower middle to ends: 09v 1oz 09b 1/4 oz 1 1/4oz crystal clear and process solution.
STEP 6: "I processed her hair for 10 minutes using Olaplex (STEP 2). While the hair was processing, my co-worker, Falynn Penton, trimmed about 1 1/2 inches off her hair --it was in amazing shape! After her hair was cut, we rinsed out the Olaplex. Then, we shampooed and conditioned her hair."
"I am very proud of how it turned out and I would not have been able to do it without Olaplex. This product has opened the doors to hairdressers ability to correct color and achieve what many think is impossible."
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