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
Embellish With a Head Piece
Looking to create a delicate, elegant head piece? This how-to has the steps you can try to re-create this "Prim and Pastel" look.
March 29, 2012
3 min to read
Ah....Spring is in the air and it seems like everyone from celebrities to teens are experimenting with pastel colors in their hair! I recently came across this latest collection of delicate, pastel head pieces that I thought I would share with you.
Think of it as a wreath for the hair—it can be flowered, bridal, vintage-inspired—it can really incorporate anything that inspires you. If you are looking to create the perfect head piece for a photo shoot, fashion show, or special occasion, try drawing inspiration from things all around you.
Nina Sarkissian, freelance hair stylist from San Francisco, California, has been working as a hair stylist and colorist for the past 10 years. Recently she started focusing on seeking out challenging creative projects.
In her newest fantasy-inspired collection "Prim and Pastel," Sarkissian says she drew inspiration from the Spring-Summer season, taking walks on the beach, the sounds of the waves crashing, blooming plants and flowers, soft pastel tones of sand dune flowers and the blues and aquas of the sky. "The most challenging part about creating the hair pieces for this collection was making sure the hair would stay in place and also molding it into the shape I envisioned," says Sarkissian. "We only had four hours to photoshoot the models so you have to work quickly and efficiently."
Sarkissian says if your a newbie at creating head pieces you have to be patient.
"Every piece takes time," she says. "Put all of your creativity and love into each piece, and visualize at all times what you want your final look to be. Be inspired by your own work and be passionate about it!"
STEPS:
1. In order to recreate these different head pieces, Sarkissian first pre-colored sheets of hair to her desired shades using Joico Vero K-PAK Color Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color in blue, magenta, purple and green. To soften the color she used Joico Vero K-Pak Chrome CLR (Clear Gloss).
2. Then, she placed the sheets of hair on organza fabric to create texture. Some pieces of hair she braided first.
3. For the next 2-3 days she spent a couple hours each day hair spraying the hair with hair spray. Sarkissian says to create these specific looks she used 5-6 bottles of hairspray.
4. After creating the texture she wanted, she fixed the hair with Bumble and bumble Sumo Wax and shine spray.
5. On the day of the photo shoot, she brought in the sheets of precolored/textured hair, detached the hair from the fabric, and then folded and created each hair piece. To create the flatter pieces, she used cardboard to shape and angle the hair.
6. To prep the models, she simply put each models' hair into a pony tail and then used thin aluminum wire and string to attach each hair piece to the head. She used two hair pieces per model.
7. Once she attached each sheet of pre-texturized hair to the head she molded the final looks.
CREDITS:
Hair: Nina Sarkisyan
Photographer: Olga Lacosta
Make-up: Inna Mathews
Stylist: Tava Barber
Assistant Stylist: Alex Skadivalova
Models: Ashley Jones and Katelyn Coburn@ JE Models
Post Production: Giordano De Luca
Location: Blue Sky, Light Greed studio in San francisco, CA
See her finished looks:
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