
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.
Katlin Starks (@hairbykatlin), a mentor stylist for Regis Salon in Albuquerque, NM, had an opportunity with a first time guest who had not been happy with her hair for a while."She had been left with a burned scalp in the past, warm toned ...





Inspiration photo.
Katlin Starks (@hairbykatlin), a mentor stylist for Regis Salon in Albuquerque, NM, had an opportunity with a first time guest who had not been happy with her hair for a while.
"She had been left with a burned scalp in the past, warm toned blonde and porous hair," Starks says. "She was looking to brighten it up, take out the warm band at her roots, remove the gold/warm tones and even out the color underneath. Oh, and maintain the integrity of her hair. She showed me her inspirational photo, the lovely @babsbeauty_ from Instagram. She loved her platinum icy blonde with the medium brown flowing underneath."
Starks got busy, trying to recreate something close to the inspirational photo, given the current state of the guests hair:
-Natural level 5 at root
-Color underneath level 5 with levels 8-10 warm and icy highlights
-Blotchy underneath from levels 5-9
-Blonde on top was a level 10 gold with level 8-9 band
Formula A- Matrix ColorSync 6WN with 10 vol developer
Formula B- Matrix V-Light 10 vol developer
Formula C- Matrix V-Light 35 Vol developer
Formula D- Matrix V-Light 40 Vol developer
Formula E- Matrix V-Light 5 Vol developer
Formula F- Matrix V-Light 30 Vol developer
STEP 1: Apply Formula A from her occipital bone down for the color underneath in a zig-zag parting "for a nice blend between the blonde and brown."
STEP 2: To address the splotchy colors underneath that were not colored with Formula A, go through with Formula B in back to back foils, micro weave and slices, to break up all the unwanted color. "I did this because I knew just going through with lightener would still leave it very uneven since her levels ranged from 5-9, I knew with foils I would have more control of how she lifted."
STEP 3: Once balanaced, time for the blonde retouch. Apply Formula C for the 2 back sections and Formula D for the 2 front sections. "Knowing her new growth closest to her scalp will lift and process quickly, I left lightener 1/2 inch away from her scalp, so I would not create another band."
STEP 4: Once the sections were completed, go back with Formula D, starting at the first section, reapplying and this time pulling it 1/8 of an inch from scalp, ("knowing my lightener will expand as it processes.") While reapplying Formula D to the sections, apply Formula E to the gold band.
STEP 5: Process under a steamer for 15 minutes, checking every 5-7 minutes. "Once she was almost finished, I checked her foils. The last 5-6 inches of dark had only lifted to about a level 7 and the rest was a level 10." Bring to the bowl, while still sitting up, and gently remove foils. Apply Formula F to the ends of the foiled sections and let them sit in the open for 5-7 more minutes, still keeping an eye on the root and scalp area.
STEP 6: Once at a level 10 at roots and foiled areas, rinse with cool water and shampoo with Regis DesignLine Cashmere Fortifying shampoo and conditioner. Apply a Malibu C treatment to the hair and process with heat for 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water and applied the Malibu C Repair Mask to the hair. Process with heat for 15 minutes and then rinse with cool water.
STEP 7: Tone roots first with Matrix ColorSync 1 1/2oz 10P + 1 1/2oz 10V + 1/2oz 10N + 1/2oz 10A. Process on roots for 6 minutes and then pull through to ends, massaging through until desired color is achieved. Rinse with cool water, shampoo, condition, and style.

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