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
Curly hair girls/guys tell all: Alison Shipley
Alison Shipley, Senior Editor at Modern Salon Media, talks about her relationship with her own textured, curly hair.
by Staff
July 11, 20113 min to read
arrojo-cropped145
ALISON SHIPLEY
Senior Editor, Modern Salon Media; beauty reporter for ModernSalon.TV and cosmetology student enrolled at Pivot Point International’s evening program in Bloomingdale, Illinois.
Describe your hair.
The crown of my head holds an arc or loop-patterned curl, similar to beach waves. Remaining hair is mostly well-defined spirals. My natural texture has a lot of body and shine, and is easily styled curly or flat-ironed straight.
How did you feel about your hair growing up and how has that changed since you became involved in the beauty industry?
“I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with my textured hair. My mother has baby-fine, blonde Swedish hair and my father has tightly curled, coarse hair. My two sisters and I all took after my father, with varying forms of curls.
“I used to covet my younger sister’s Shirley Temple curls: bouncy, springy, beautiful. My older sister has “S”-shaped, wavy hair that she always blow-dried straight with ease—so, naturally, I followed suit. But my hair texture and density doesn’t respond well to daily shampooing, and it would get so dry and poofy, especially in humidity or rain. When I was in middle school I would wake up hours before class to wash and straighten my hair with an iron (yes, an actual iron meant for clothing) to smooth out the curl from my hair. Once I hit my teens, my naturally curly aunt introduced me to the flatiron—which became my best friend for the next ten years. I never wore my hair curly unless I was on a beach or if the electricity was out.
“It wasn’t until I began working in the beauty industry that I truly embraced my hair’s natural texture, and only after much prodding from my curly co-workers. I started learning about the products that could really define my curls, without making my hair crunchy or weighing it down. And, I finally learned how to use a diffuser. I used to think if I wore my hair curly I would look “undone” or sloppy. Now, I know how to style it so it looks polished and professional.
What do you think are the most interesting developments in hair texture today?
Nothing tells a story more clearly than a before and after image. The most dramatic transformations I’ve seen on curly girls are after thermal reconditioning and texture reduction services—especially when seen on half-heads.
What type of products/tools and what amount of time do you spend on your hair on “curly” days and on “straight” days?
“If I wear my hair straight, I wash, condition and style it in the evening. I use a blow dryer with an air concentrator and round brush, then I flatiron it straight and use a hydrating serum or oil. To go from wet to dry, it takes about an hour. In the morning, I re-flatiron it and can wear it that way without washing it for a few days, occasionally using a dry shampoo to refresh the look.
“On curly days, I wash and style my hair in the morning using a no-lather shampoo and a leave-in conditioner. I let the bulk of the water be absorbed by a towel wrapped around my head—then, section by section, add a cocktail of a serum, body-building gel and hairspray. I then diffuse my hair from underneath, scrunching with my hand to build fullness. Once it’s 80-percent dry, I let it air-dry and then use a serum to define and de-frizz the curls. It takes about an hour, wet to dry, and I can wear it for two or three days without washing it.
More curly profiles:
 faatemah-current145 |  alison-curly145 |  kevin-murphy-current145 |  ouidad-current145 |
 lorraine-massey2-145 |  decosta-current145 |  alison-two-pics |
*This article is related to the Texture! Guide. Click here to return to Texture!
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