
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.
Sideways french manicure, pale nail, half-moon--we take a look at nails and what looks will be hot this year!
It's a new year, and though we're excited to see the changes in hair and fashion in the coming seasons, one thing that makes us extremely excited is that 2013 continues to be the Year of Nails!
2012 was the year of shattered/crackled polish, nail appliques, and a spotlight finger, but what will be hot this year?
Nail blogger Katie Saxton, who is also the president of Custom Nail Solutions (an artificial nail product for nail beds) says the below styles will keep your clients' nails in tip-top shape and ensure they are ready to steal the spotlight wherever they go.
Two-Tone French Manicure: To do this design, paint nails any color and let dry, then add a French tip with a contrasting polish. Perfect for holidays (pink and red for Valentine's Day, green and red for Christmas, you get the idea.)!
Sideways French Mani: Who said racing stripes were just for cars? Painting nails with a coat of polish and adding a different-colored vertical stripe on either the right or left side of each nail is hot, hot hot!

One-Of-A-Kind French Tips: Changing out the traditional white tips for animal print accents, colored tips, funky wrapped tips, polka-dot tips and bejeweled tips is a fantastic way to express individuality. Pictured here? Some glitter and glam.

Colored Metallic Nails: Jazzing up nails with metallic polishes in colors like blue, red, and purple can be sassy and classy. Is your client wearing a little black dress? Her nails can be her greatest accessory.

Vibrant Orange: Painting nails in shades of orange like tangerine and orange-red is a daring look that looks great on tan skin (recommend for your vacationing client!) and also adds that pop of color as we transition into warmer months.

Real Gold Top Coats: Although more expensive than a typical clear topcoat, the gold flake topcoat is so glitzy and glamorous that it is well worth it! To mix things up, add a gold topcot just on the ring finger for a memorable spotlight nail.

Half Moon Manicure: This classy manicure is perfect for a formal event or cocktail party. To do this style, paint nails, let dry, then cover the bottom halves of each nail with a half-circle, making certain a semi-circle protrudes from the bottom of each nail. Add a coat of a different-colored polish over the covering and the rest of the nail, then take off the covering and let dry.


Edgy Accents: Manicures featuring “bloody” tips, jagged tips, suspicious shadowy tips, and mysterious dark and dripping tips to show off a daring and adventurous side!


Pale Nails: Adding a coat of pale pink or neutral polish is a subtle and simple way to keep nails primped and pretty.

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