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
Helper's High: The Benefits of Giving Back
Research shows that giving back benefits the giver in body, spirit and even business.
May 3, 2017
3 min to read
After long days of serving others and making them feel good about themselves, beauty professionals don’t stop giving even on their days off. Salon pros generously donate their time and professional skills to all sorts of causes throughout the year. This selfless tradition ironically nourishes the self.
“Our work can be even more appreciated when it’s not being paid for,” says Sabrina Marie, owner of Salon Sapphire by Sabrina Marie in Johnston, Rhode Island. “Our hands are our tools, and it’s nice to use them to give back.”
Salon industry consultant Amy Carter agrees.
“The process of doing good lights you up,” says Carter, owner of Solaris Salon in Evansville, Indiana, and director of finances and business operations at Empowering You Consulting and Training. “It’s most effective when the chosen charitable activity aligns with your business’s mission.”
Kim Hansen, an independent stylist in Pasadena, California, adds that reaching out together as a team creates unity.
“Community—common unity—is so important,” she says. “Giving is a valuable part of our lives and helps to create that common unity.” Canadian hair designer Belinda Fries involves her clients in her charitable efforts.
“Cancer and dogs are the causes closest to me,” says Fries, who co-owns a bridal hair and makeup business in Penticton, British Columbia. “When we do brides, we might see them only once, but we are still planning to in-corporate giving into their experience. We might simply raise prices and post that some of the money will go to a dog rescue. At the appointment, we’ll hand the bride a card that thanks her for her donation.”
For more than 20 years, psychologists have explored the physical and mental health gains derived from doing charitable acts. Coined “helper’s high” by volunteerism expert Allan Luks in his early 1990s book, The Healing Power of Doing Good, the phenomenon rewards the giver with multiple health benefits. According to Psychology Today, they include:
Endorphins. The good deed produces positive energy that can act similarly to exercise in releasing endorphins that make you feel good naturally. That’s the initial rush that triggers the helper’s high.
Satisfaction. Making a difference in someone’s life is the ultimate job-well-done.
Gratitude. Good deeds often help the sick or disadvantaged, which can make you feel thankful for being in a better place in your own life.
Distraction. When your life is not perfect, helping people changes your focus. Studies show that counselors who themselves have a medical condition often report experiencing less depression, distress and disability when they counsel others with the same ailment.
Physical improvement. Some re-search indicates that volunteers tend to live longer and often have better physical health than non-volunteers. More studies are being conducted to better quantify and explain this. Salons find that it’s good business. to maintain a calendar of community outreach. Clients appreciate the effort, and it establishes valuable connections within the local community. But even on their own, salon professionals reach out because that’s just who they are. “I can’t give a million dollars, but to help other people I will cut hair until my fingers fall off,” Marie says.
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