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
"Hairdressing Archaeologist" Re-Writes History
Hairdressing Archaeologist Janet Stephens has combined career with personal passion and the result is rewriting history---literally.
February 20, 2013
3 min to read
Hairdressing Archaeologist Janet Stephens has combined career with personal passion and the result is rewriting history---literally. A stylist with an intense interest in hair and costume history, most notably the lives of ancient Greeks and Romans, Stephens recreates the hairstyles captured in marble of the imposing Empresses and goddesses of old and in doing so, proved that the intricate braids and time-consuming styling was done not with wigs (as scholars have proposed for years) but on the long-ago lovelies’ own hair.
“One day, I was killing time at the Walters Museum in Baltimore while my daughter was at a music lesson and I ended up in the Ancient Roman collection,” says Stephens. “They were making changes in the gallery and they had set some of the portrait statues in the middle of the gallery and I got to see the back of the head and that is where all the hairdressing happens. Usually, they are pushed up against a wall because they expect you to be most interested the face but I’m a hairdresser--I don’t care about her face, I want to see the hair. I looked at the back of these heads and mentally started dissecting the style.”
Once home, Stephens pulled out a long hair mannequin and got braiding and weaving, using reverse engineering and her hairdresser smarts to recreate the shape. But when she got to the point where she would attach to the head, she couldn’t make it work with u-shaped hair pins—the style kept falling apart.
“For years, scholars assumed that the styles were either invented by the sculptors or that these were wigs. Technologically, wigs are much harder to make than to dress the natural hair. Plus, if every single elite woman in Rome was wearing someone else’s hair, where was all this hair coming from? Ancient authors talk about wigs pejoratively; things that are normal and accepted rarely get talked about it, while things that are unusual do get talked about. So it made sense that wigs were not the norm.”
She hit the research library and tried to find any references to wigs, to hairdressing. She knew from previous study that every woman at this time, regardless of class, was trained in needle work. It was a natural leap to surmise that woman had translated needle and thread technology to hairstyles, “sewing” the many braids to attach them.
“It’s hard in our industrial world to think of a time when every single object was handmade, every thread of your garment was spun by hand, every fabric hand woven," says Stephens. "There were fewer things so you had to be more creative with them. Fashion was expressed through hairstyles.” And those hairstyles were created like the couture of today—they were sewn.
In her videos, Stephens uses tools typical of the time to create her styles. The videos have thousands of views and comments from hairdressers, costume designers, and people fascinated with period styling.
“I throw it out there because there have to be other hair wonks like me.”
See her videos at her channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/jntvstp?feature=watch
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