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
“Hands Up” Mentors Vary, But They All Believe in You
The results so far of this month’s Healthy Hairdresser Challenge offer much inspiration! In asking you to share the name of the person who gave you a “hands up” to boost your professional success, we’re finding that a few ...
August 24, 2015
Martin Barraud for Getty Images
3 min to read
The results so far of this month’s Healthy Hairdresser Challenge offer much inspiration! In asking you to share the name of the person who gave you a “hands up” to boost your professional success, we’re finding that a few categories top the list:
The first owner or manager you worked with. This person seems to be a pivotal figure in a hairdresser’s career. The owner hires you as a newbie, so that’s a leap of faith right there. Typically, your first salon trains you. In large salons, you may go into a formal training or apprentice program. But the professionals we’re hearing from on this Challenge were mentored more informally directly by the owner. Recent respondents include: a barber who was afraid to do men’s cuts until the owner stood next to her for 20 cuts in a row that he insisted she do at no charge; a hairdresser who appreciates that her first manager taught her feather razor techniques she still uses today; and a stylist who was only 14 when her hairdresser neighbor gave her a job and introduced her to this amazing industry.
A great cosmetology instructor. This frequent response is summarized by one respondent: “She exudes kindness and positivity and was always there to encourage me and show me cool new tricks. She is full of knowledge for all things beauty and, above that, is an inspiration as the kind of person I want to be!”
An industry leader. Some respondents have said that it directly impacted their career to see top artists perform at hair shows or to participate in a class conducted by one of our industry’s many stars. Two names that came up were longtime industry icon John Amico and Qnity business program founder Tom Kuhn.
No matter what you do for a living, it doesn’t hurt to have a parent who believes in you. Stylist Karen Crozier wrote for her response: “The person who gave me a hands-up in my career at a time when I needed it was my mom (Bettie Jacobs)....She paid for me to go to beauty school, drove me there and cheered me on!! When I got out of school, it was so much harder than I had ever imagined it was going to be. She held me as I cried when I got fired for my bad hair cutting skills. She traveled with me to many hair shows and training. She let me make her my guinea pig—wearing many bad hairdos! All the while never giving up on me! Lifting me up and seeing my dreams like no other person would have!” Today, 26 years later, Crozier says she owns a salon and has a full book.
Who gave you a hands-up? There’s still time to enter the August Healthy Hairdresser Challenge, sponsored by Parodi, which is giving hand and foot care products to some of our respondents!
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