
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.
Douglas J. Sherman (@Jshermansalon), owner of J. Sherman Salon, Atlanta, Georgia (and a member of the Unicorn Tribe) loves that "Every client I do is a new canvas and always an opportunity to express my creativity whether it be natural ...

Douglas J. Sherman (@Jshermansalon), owner of J. Sherman Salon, Atlanta, Georgia (and a member of the Unicorn Tribe) loves that "Every client I do is a new canvas and always an opportunity to express my creativity whether it be natural tones or intense fashion shades." For this client, Sherman had a chance to express that creativty in a lovely, natural-looking way. "My client had been coloring her own hair for several years, applying a level 4 and pulling it through every time so in some areas it was a bit darker."
Here Sherman shares HOW he addressed the overcolored and uneven shade, offering life and dimension to this otherwise flat head of hair:
STEP 1: Use a back combing and foil technique for a balayage look ("that I learned from Guy Tang on YouTube. Lol I love going to YouTube university!") Split the hair into quads. The 2 front sections are based off her natural part.
STEP 2: In the back take 1/2 inch diagonal sections and backcomb loosely to achieve a somewhat see-through section. Apply Redken Ammonia Free Blonde Icing with 40 volume and Olaplex, focusing mainly on the mids and ends up to the occipital. Then backcomb some sections closer to the scalp and apply the formula higher up for a babylight effect.
STEP 3: Use the same technique in the front, taking diagonal back sections and applying the formula lower in some areas and higher in others. ("I knew I needed to use foils in order to get the amount of lift we wanted because she wanted a high contrast look.") Lift to level 7.
STEP 4: Tone with Redken Shades EQ 6gn and 8n, equal parts, and process for approximately 5 minutes. ("I always WATCH my toners because timing varries on the porosity of the hair.")


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