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
Healthy Hairdressers Tell How They Stand Up for Their Own Health
You’ve been giving us great responses to this month’s Healthy Hairdresser Challenge to stand up to one threatening ache, pain or health issue. If you haven’t shared yet, you have through September 30, and when you participate ...
September 14, 2016
Izabela Habur for Getty Images
3 min to read
You’ve been giving us great responses to this month’s Healthy Hairdresser Challenge to stand up to one threatening ache, pain or health issue. If you haven’t shared yet, you have through September 30, and when you participate you’ll be entered to win one of 30 pairs of fashion knee-highs or knee-high toeless compression hosiery from our sponsor, Stand + Deliver, a division of 12 Benefits. This professional brand is dedicated to celebrating salon pros and helping keep them healthy while looking fashionable.
Taking a stand to exercise is cited by many, with participants vowing to lift weights, stretch and add activities like yoga and Pilates. One of our earliest entrants, Mary M., says, “Exercise is so important in this profession. Standing long hours in one place takes a toll on my body, especially my legs. Exercise helps with leg pain and tennis elbow. I will fight the fight to stay healthy so I can continue to do what I love. I think it’s important to stay active so we can stay youthful. Always wear compression hose.”
Eva M. notes, “I have noticed a huge change with wearing flat shoes and going to regular Pilates/yoga classes. Pilates works out every muscle and creates strong core balance. Yoga once a week works to stretch out things like our hip flexers. I also like to get a regular massage, do acupuncture and go to a float tank. All of what I do helps with stress and prevents injury.”
Body position is another hot topic among this month’s Challenge participants, who are promising themselves they’ll shift their weight often and do periodic body checks on posture and wrist position.
Carly S. is concerned about chemicals in the salon. “Anytime a chemical can come into contact with skin,” she says, “I will make sure to wear gloves and always make sure there is proper ventilation so I’m not breathing in toxic, invisible fumes from hair color.”
Nutrition is usually mentioned in our Challenges, and for this one Rutta A. is taking it seriously. “I love this challenge!” she tells us. “I just turned 40 and I feel little aches that weren’t there 5-10 years ago. I, Rutta A., do solemnly swear to make better choices with my diet—eat more veggies and fruit, drink water instead of sodas and juices; I’ve joined the gym and will be going at least 3-4 days a week. I’m going to attempt to get at least two full body massages a month (fingers crossed).”
Rutta explains why standing up to pain is so important for salon pros: “We are so busy taking care of everyone else and loving what we’re doing that we forget that those long hours of standing and working begin to have an effect on our bodies. It’s so subtle that it can take years to notice a little ache here and there, and even then we say, ‘Oh, it’s nothing, I’ll go home and soak in the tub and I’ll be good for tomorrow.’ Instead, it gets worse over time. We have to take care of our body inside and out if we want it to be with us for the long run. Ironically it’s one of the most important relationships in your life—you and your body.”
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