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
Fall + Ash = A Cool Forecast
Good stylists and colorists know that to keep clients loyal, you always need to change it up. Build into your consultation a plan that goes beyond just today’s appointment. When clients come for their summer highlights, don't forget to talk to them about where to head for fall.
by Modern Salon
July 11, 20112 min to read
Good stylists and colorists know that to keep clients loyal, you always need to change it up. What are your clients' long-term goals for their hair? Build into your consultation a plan that goes beyond just today's appointment. Give them the benefit of your expert advice, and they'll keep coming back to see what you have planned next.
So even though your clients are coming in asking for summer highlights, it's not too early to start thinking about the shades you'll create for them in early fall – which may be the next time you see them. Redken Creative Consultant Tracey Cunningham and Haircolor Consultant David Stanko predict a trend toward more sophisticated, cooler brunettes and blondes.
"Small adjustments can help consumers update their look from season to season," explains Cunningham. "When summer comes to a close, I plan to cool my clients' shades down this fall/winter season. A color is said to have "cool tones" if it tends toward blue or violet, such as platinum blondes, ash browns, and plum reds."
image006
Trend #1: Brunettes
"Brunettes will go to a whole new level this fall/winter with an overall cooler base. Think Fergie's shade; her lighter highlights really show through her dark, chestnut base making her haircolor look so flawless and effortless," says Cunningham.
image007
Trend #2: Blondes
"Blondes will be blonde this fall – think Drew Barrymore's cool, nearly platinum blonde shade for this inspiration," she explains. "Client's can often be concerned with the cost to achieve and keep the perfect shade of blonde, but I find that women cut back in other areas rather than haircolor as it's one of a consumers' most prominent and most seen everyday accessory!"
image008
Trend #3: Redheads
"I brought Lindsay Lohan back to her original roots as a true redhead," says Cunningham. "This fall/winter, redheads will be more sophisticated, and playful with their beautiful shade, with deep red tones and a few cool, blonde highlights throughout to enhance the red even more."
To complete the fall/winter haircolor story, Redken is launching the new Color Gels Ash Blue shades creating sophisticated, icy cool blondes and brunettes to cool, correct, and condition women's hair. "The three new easy-to-use, versatile shades, neutralize warmth and increase cool tonalities from subtle to intense degrees," says Stanko. "Redken's exclusive Select Dye System ensures long-lasting results with supple conditioning and shine."
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