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
FASHION WEEK HOW-TO: NIOXIN Ponytails for Meskita
NIOXIN Design Team Agents created Year-of-the-Horse inspired ponytails for Meskita at Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2014 Fashion Week.
Lauren Quick・Contributor
1/15
2 min to read
NIOXIN Design Team Agents Danielle Caputo and Anthony Crosfield used the Chinese Year of the Horse as inspiration for some luxurious ponytails at Meskita's Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2014 Fall/Winter show.
The design team wanted full ponytails with lots of movement for the "sophisticated yet edgy" Meskita collection with a "touch of sport."
GET THE LOOK:
HAIR
STEP 1: Dampen the hair with water and work 6–8 pumps of NIOXIN DiaMax from root to tip of hair.
STEP 2: Apply a quarter-sized dollop of NIOXIN Thickening Gel to even, 2-inch sections of hair starting with the underneath layer.
STEP 3: Gather hair from the middle of the head, work tresses up toward the crown and use a flat brush to eliminate bumps. It should be very sleek.
STEP 4: Gradually add side pieces of hair into the ponytail; secure with an elastic.
STEP 5: Spray NIOXIN Thickening Spray over the top of the head.
STEP 6: Gather 1-inch-thick pieces of hair from underneath ponytail and wrap around the elastic. Secure with bobby pins.
STEP 7: Spray pre-colored hair extensions* with NIOXIN Therm Activ; flat-iron and brush smooth.
STEP 8: Secure extensions* near the base of the elastic and secure with bobby pins and black fabric.
STEP 9: Add black headband so that the back is skimming the hairline and the ears are pushed back.
STEP 10: Finish with NIOXIN NioSpray Regular for hold.
*When needed, extensions were used to create length.
COLOR
Brown shades were created with a variety of Wella Koleston Perfect formulas in various ratios to keep the colors warm and rich.
The blondes were a mix of Wella Koleston Perfect formulas for a cooler effect and to keep the caramel tones warm but not brassy.
All colors were mixed with a 20 vol developer.
This look is suited best for straight, smooth hair and creates a purposeful, less subtle ombre. Hair should be colored in a ponytail in the position it will be worn the most.
Apply the color, light or dark for contrast, in thin sections in a full vertical down position. Stack thin sections of foil for control. Stack color foil on foil to keep a solid line in place. Use a warm, dark tone on gold blondes and more dark ash tone on ash blonde; caramel tips on dark browns.
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