
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.
Shears down, hand up. In August, Indie Hair called on stylists from across the country to participate in the “#indiecontest.” Here, we share the 20 winning looks.
Shears down, hand up. In August, Indie Hair called on stylists from across the country to participate in the “#indiecontest.” Stylists were asked to submit photos of their two best hair looks using Indie Hair products to Instagram with the chance of winning one of 20 iPad minis and the shot at editorial in MODERN SALON. Talk about a sweet deal!
Here, we share the 20 winning looks. For more information on Indie Hair and the contest, please visit myindiehair.com.

Hair by Kimberly Wesley from Liberty, KY
LOOK ONE: Polish #mixitsoft and Putty/Clay #wreckit
LOOK TWO: Polish #mixitsoft and Putty/Clay #wreckit

Hair by Maria Knight from Clayton, MO
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong, Powder #round2, Hair Spray #superfirm and Polish #mixitsoft
LOOK TWO: Gel #mixitstong, Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Catherine Sheldon from St. Pensacola, FL
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong and Polish #mixitsoft
LOOK TWO: Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Brittany Sornberger from Burnsville, MN
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong, Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Gel #mixitstrong, Polish #mixitsoft, Putty/Clay #wreckit, Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Dawn Byrnes from Forest Grove, OR
LOOK ONE: Powder #round2, Putty/Clay #wreckit and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Polish #mixitsoft and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Jesse Koenig from Florissant, MO
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong, Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Putty/Clay #wreckit, Spray Glue #dirtyfinish, Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Debra Becker from Derry, New Hampshire
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong, Polish #mixitsoft, Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Dry Shampoo #comeclean, Putty/Clay #wreckit, Powder #round2, Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Mike Reamer from Hastings, MN
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Putty/Clay #wreckit, Powder #round2 and Spray Glue #dirtyfinish

Hair by Stephanie Holland from Copley, OH
LOOK ONE: Dry Shampoo #comeclean, Gel #mixitstrong, Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Gel #mixitstrong, Polish #mixitsoft, Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and hair spray #superfirm

Hair by Gabby Adams from Grantsville, UT
LOOK ONE: Polish #mixitsoft and Powder #round2
LOOK TWO: Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Erica Arcilesi from Charlotte, NC
LOOK ONE: Hair Spray #superfirm, Polish #mixitsoft, Gel #mixitstrong and Putty/Clay#wreckit
LOOK TWO: Hair Spray #superfirm, Powder #round2, Dry Shampoo #comeclean and Putty/Clay #wreckit

Hair by Molly Jacobs from Tallahassee, FL
LOOK ONE: Polish #mixitsoft, gel #mixitstrong and hair spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Gel #mixitstrong, Powder #round2, Spray Glue #dirtyfinish, Putty/Clay #wreckit and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Stacey Hainke from Grantsville, UT
LOOK ONE: Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Dry Shampoo #comeclean, Powder #round2 and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Bayli Dowdle from Grantsville, UT
LOOK ONE: Polish #mixitsoft and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Powder #round2, Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Lori Duong from Hastings, MN
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong, Polish #mixitsoft and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Gel #mixitstrong, Hair Spray #superfirm, Putty/Clay #wreckit and Powder #round2

Hair by Rylee Johansen from Grantsville, UT
LOOK ONE: Polish #mixitsoft and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Powder #round2, Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Kat McCoy from West Hollywood, CA
LOOK ONE: Hair Spray #superfirm, Powder #round2 and Polish #mixitsoft
LOOK TWO: Hair spray #superfirm, Powder #round2 and Polish #mixitsoft

Hair by Alexander Rivera from Homewood, IL
LOOK ONE: Gel #mixitstrong and Polish #mixitsoft
LOOK TWO: Hair Spray #superfirm and Powder #round2

Hair by Tricia Ross from Glendale, AZ
LOOK ONE: Polish #mixitsoft and Hair Spray #superfirm
LOOK TWO: Putty/Clay #wreckit and Hair Spray #superfirm

Hair by Rebecca Tougas from Glendale, AZ
LOOK ONE: Hair Spray #superfirm and Polish #mixitsoft
LOOK TWO: Spray Glue #dirtyfinish and Hair Spray #superfirm

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