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
Editor's Note: Be a Healthy Hairdresser
In addition to adding monthly articles on health education, inspiration and peer profi les to the magazine, this January we will launch a Healthy Hairdresser resource center on modernsalon.com, a Healthy Hairdresser Tuesdays e-letter and Healthy Hairdresser tips and encouragement on our social media, all designed to help you maintain a healthy body, healthy spirit, healthy mind. We are also planning expanded sections on key wellness topics, a special MODERN SALON Healthy Hairdresser guide and a Healthy Hairdresser challenge.
by posted by
November 1, 20133 min to read
This time last year, a long-time salon owner friend dropped me a note that said, “We hairdressers are really great at taking care of other people and making sure they feel good, but lousy at doing the same thing for ourselves.
“We skip meals,” she continued, “and barely make time to go to the bathroom— except when we have to, because we drink too much caffeine. Our own hands and nails get dry, cracked and sore. Our back, knees and wrists give us grief. Allergies and respiratory issues nag and won’t go away. We’re too exhausted after a long day at the salon to work out like we should, and most of us shift right into focusing on our families after we finish our clients.
“The longer I do this career I love so much,” she concluded, “the more I feel the ‘wear and tear.’ I think MODERN should do special issue or article to help us salon people get on a healthier track. The holidays are coming, and are especially hard.”
Everything she said rang true to what I have heard and seen from many of you in the MODERN community. Her words echoed again in the details of this year’s “Hope is in Style” campaign to raise awareness and funds for diabetes, a serious career threat for salon professionals (see page 76). So we’re taking the advice. This month, MODERN previews a new Healthy Hairdresser series of content to “help you take care of you,” focusing on Diabetes Awareness Month.
In addition to adding monthly articles on health education, inspiration and peer profi les to the magazine, this January we will launch a Healthy Hairdresser resource center on modernsalon.com, a Healthy Hairdresser Tuesdays e-letter and Healthy Hairdresser tips and encouragement on our social media, all designed to help you maintain a healthy body, healthy spirit, healthy mind. We are also planning expanded sections on key wellness topics, a special MODERN SALON Healthy Hairdresser guide and a Healthy Hairdresser challenge. Stay tuned!
We are creating MODERN SALON’s Healthy Hairdresser series to be for and about you, but we also want it to be from you. Do you have a Healthy Hairdresser question to ask, tip to share or inspirational story to tell? We want to hear how are you staying healthy, what help you need to get healthy, and what would you like to see in our new Healthy Hairdresser series and special sections in 2014. E-mail me at mmusgrove@vancepublishing.com or post your ideas of “being healthy” pics on our MODERN SALON Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest feeds (#healthyhairdresser).
The Hope is in Style campaign is still accepting donations at cityofhope.org/hopeisinstyle. Just click the “Donate Online” button to make your or your salon's donation.
To your health,
Michele Musgrove
Associate Publisher and Editorial Director
mmusgrove@vancepublishing.com
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