
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.
Orlando Pita for Biosilk created the effortless-looking texture seen at DVF's Spring/Summer '14 shows--and it was a packed house full of celebs, top editors and designers. And MODERN was there, front row!












Diane von Furstenberg isn't just best known for creating the closet staple and femme-favorite wrap dress, she's also famous for drawing Hollywood A-listers and top consumer press to her standing room-only runway shows at New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
For the Spring/Summer '14 shows, DVF certainly didn't disappoint. One look at the front row and a sea of celebrities are spotted: From Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer, Grace Goddington, to Rachel Zoe and Allison Williams, to Paris and Nicky Hilton, and Jessica Alba.
MODERN's Maggie Mulhern and I were lucky enough to not only get front-row seats to the show, which ended with top model Naomi Campbell struttin' the catwalk in DVF, but we also got to hang with the Biosilk hairdressers backstage.
Orlando Pita was the lead hair designer behind the look--and he used Biosilk Volumizing Therapy spray, Styling Foam, root lifter and Biosilk Silk Therapy to make the hair look super shiny and healthy.
"Diane liked the look of the models as they arrived for their fitting--clean, freshly washed hair," Pita told me. "So we're trying to create that look, but we have to work for it because these models are coming from other shows and have other products in their hair."
To mimic hair's natural, effotless-looking texture, Pita used a CHI Orbit wand to press into the strands and create an S-curl--creating ridges and waves.
As for Pita's hair? Two weeks ago he put it on top of his head in a big ponytail, and just lopped off the ends--with his textured look, he can certainly pull it off! I asked him how he styles it each day and he says, "I wet it. That's it." Hmmm... must be nice!
To prep the models, hairdressers also used CHI Touch blowdryers--and we caught up with Colorado hairdresser, 2013 NAHA winner and Shear Genius alumn, Matthew Morris, to learn all about the COOL FACTOR behind this touchscreen dryer. Check it out here!

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