
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.
Houston-based Farouk Systems, in conjunction with NASA, will make history with its participation in the last mission of the NASA space shuttle mission.
Houston-based Farouk Systems, in conjunction with NASA, will make history with its participation in the last mission of the NASA space shuttle mission. Senior Vice President of Technology for Farouk Systems and former NASA scientist, Dr. Dennis Morrison will prep, load and post-analyze five experiments aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. The hair care manufacturer partnered with Lone Star College and developed the CHI Stars program, offering a student a chance to assist with the experiments.
Meagan Flesch, currently enrolled in the C

CHI-Stars-Winner-Big
HI Environmental School of Cosmetology at Lone Star College-North Harris, won first place with her essay, "Sanitation in the Salon." She will assist and accompany Dr. Morrison to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the shuttle flight, Flesch will complete the identical experiment on Earth as the astronauts perform it in space.
Sugey Perez received second place for her essay "Vitamins in Hair Color," and Alyssa Martinez was awarded third place for her entry "Chemicals and Science in Cosmetology." Shakera Williams and Brittney Trivette were recognized for their respective entries: "The Chemistry Behind Cosmetology" and "CHI Star Leads to the Future." All of the top five essays received a $100 gift card to the Lone Star College bookstore and a matching $100 cash prize from Farouk Shami, founder and chairman of Farouk Systems. The top three students also received prize packages of various CHI, Farouk Royal Treatment by CHI and Biosilk products.
"I'm so happy I won! This is an amazing opportunity and a chance to be part of history," says Flesch. "No one really thinks about the science behind cosmetology, so my essay focused on the importance of sanitation in the salon and how it relates to space. Even if I hadn't have won, I would just be happy I was able to be part of this, and I'm so thankful to Farouk for making it happen."
"I'm proud of our partnership with Lone Star College and of all the talented young people who entered the contest," said Shami. "The decision was tough; there were so many incredible submissions. They are all winners in my book!"

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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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.

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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.

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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