
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.
Want to turbo-charge your career? Shoot straight to the top rung? Then take control over your own destiny!

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Want to turbo-charge your career? Shoot straight to the top rung? Then take control over your own destiny!
First, champion hairdressing. Show the world that what you do matters. A lot. Talk up salons, your colleagues and yourself. Of course, to do that you’ve ’gotta represent right.
Rise to the level of expectations. Keep learning. Go to classes and shows that re-ignite your passion. Be anywhere art is— after all, to break the rules you, first, have to know them, and to plot the future, you must understand the past.
Today, there are more opportunities than ever for students and new grads, and thanks to technology they’re easy to find. Mentoring is inspirational, so find someone you like and respect, and mentor up! Learn the basics—the foundation—first, then hip tricks, inside intel and all about the business end. Get the inside track on career options. And, don’t burn any bridges along the way.
It’s never too early to challenge yourself. Enter contests, recreate red-carpet looks you like (or ones from ’40s films) and study the masters. If you don’t take charge, stay focused and do something to advance your own career every day—it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle.

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FIRST CHAIR profiles Matrix 2012 Spread the Love winners and Team I.C.A.N. ambassadors who share how they took a chance, stood up, stood out and got noticed. They put themselves on the line and came out better for it. Now, they’ve got beauty bragging rights! Check out how they did it, what they learned and how they’re taking advantage of the doors they thrust open. Keep in mind, these are just two of the many programs that recognize recent beauty school grads. We close this special section on page 56 with advice on how to get started.
Want to find out just how limitless your future is? Get out there today and compete. You may not always win, but you’ll never be sorry you tried!

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