
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.
Katie Miller (@katvamphair @katdaisym) co-owner of Vamp Salon, Oakley, CA., loves creating beautiful, edgy hair. "I’ve always been artistic and love to paint," says Miller. "Being a hair stylist is my dream career because I ...




Katie Miller (@katvamphair @katdaisym) co-owner of Vamp Salon, Oakley, CA., loves creating beautiful, edgy hair. "I’ve always been artistic and love to paint," says Miller. "Being a hair stylist is my dream career because I get to paint every day and every new client is a blank canvas."
When MODERN saw this transformation we had to know more, including where Miller goes for inspiration: "Music and fashion are what inspire me," says Miller. "I’m a jetsetter in the making, and plan to travel the world. Getting inspiration from new places is what motivates me to always be cutting edge and ahead of the next big trend. I also turn to peers for education and new ideas. It’s a great industry, when we can all support each other to be better at our craft."
This transformation on Sarah came in stages. "She is a natural level 5 and her hair lifts extremely warm. We had been transforming her into a bright blonde gradually. When she came in for this visit she had decided she wanted something a little different. She was done dealing with having her dark roots show after two weeks of outgrowth, so she wanted something that was less maintenance. We decided the shadowed stretched root would be a good option for her. She also loved the purplish pink look but needed be able to pass it off at work." Miller elected to keep some blonde in the hair, but adding a slight pink tint. "In indoor lighting her hair looks more blonde and conservative, but outside it looks pretty vibrant. This option seemed good for Sarah, because she works the floor at an expensive jewelry store. Her personal style is fashionable with an alternative edge."
Sarah arrived for her appointment with about two inches of natural regrowth level 5. The rest of her hair was a combination of previously lightened and highlighted hair at levels 8, 9, and 10. She had waited longer than usual between appointments, so her previous toner had washed out leaving her hair with yellow and yellow-orange undertones.
Here Miller shares the HOW TO:
Step 1: Using a balayage technique, separate the different colors with TiGi mesh strips. To the root (feathering into the existing color) apply TIGI 15g 7/0 15g 7/2 4g /55 Mix Master with 20vol developer.
Step 2: Throughout the rest of the hair alternate 3 different formulas:
Formula A: 15g 7/0 15g 7/2 5g /55 Mix Master with 8.5 Vol Developer.
Formula B: 30g 9/4 10g /55 Mix Master 5g 7/2 with 8.5 Vol Developer.
Formula C: 30g 0/02 3g /55 Mix Master with 5 Vol Developer.
Apply the formulas at random with varying graduation. "I did equal portions of formula A and B. Formulas B and C were the formulas I pulled through the ends, with the majority of the ends being formula C."
Step 3: Process for 35 minutes.
Step 4: Shampoo with Bed Head Recovery Shampoo then apply Sebastian Ice Blonde Cellophane. Process under the dryer for 15 minutes and then cool for 5. Rinse with cool water and condition with Bed Head Recovery conditioner.
Step 5: After a trim, apply Bed Head Blow Out Balm, Alterna Kendi oil and Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant spray in damp hair.

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