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
Holiday: A Texture Time of Year
This season, the perfect cut won’t cut it alone. Upgrade your styling techniques to grace every client’s holiday look with elegance and individuality.
Elizabeth Jakaitis・Assistant Editor
Hair by Framesi
2 min to read
This season, the perfect cut won’t cut it alone. Upgrade your styling techniques to grace every client’s holiday look with elegance and individuality.
Sleek, bendy, curly: there’s a modern interpretation for each, even for updos.
“Holiday time is the see-and-be-seen season,” says Patti Rullo, director of marketing for Conair Professional Products. “Give each client a look that reflects her personality and the event. From a dramatic statement or wet-look style to a sweep side wave or classic updo, there are so many hair options!”
Many of those options involve texture.
“Today, texture comes with volume,” observes Luis Alvarez, creative director at Aquage. “We’re also seeing longer lengths, no matter what the client’s age. That combination is what I describe as ‘Victoria’s Secret hair’— fluffy, with individual soft, loose strands that are curved but not curled.”
“Whether it’s voluminous curls, the highest, messiest bun or the slickest updo, the right tools and products can help you create the perfect holiday look.”—Stephanie Kocielski, Paul Mitchell
Another direction for hair this season is the hippie glam vibe, says Schwarzkopf Creative Director Damien Carney.
“It’s an undone, relaxed look,” he says. “Create texture with a curling iron, and cut delicate bangs. A center part gives a youthful look, while sweeping a side parting makes it look more glamorous, more mysterious. You can springboard to braiding or a loose bun or ponytail at the nape. Use your fingers to rake and loosen up the texture, allowing a few pieces to fall. That looks incredibly modern to me. The rock chick shorter-hair look for holiday is more textured and layered. It’s tougher and has an edge, but it still has glamour.”
Braids, knots and twists create texture, too. “Experiment with loose braiding techniques in different sections of the head to create a point of interest,” suggests Farouk Global Artist Rocky Vitelli. “Clients love that organic feel.”
Stephanie Kocielski, vice president of education and shows for Paul Mitchell, uses hair pieces to deliver a whimsical look. “Or, take a simple half-up, half-down look and have fun teasing or crimping for an edgier feel,” she adds. “If you’re going slick, you can add height to a French twist or fold the hair like a beautifully wrapped gift.”
In retro trends, TIGI artist Christopher Catanese says “Brigitte Bardot” is the name he hears a lot. “These style requests are much more fun than the actual ’60s styles,” Catanese says. “As stylists, we can evolve these classic looks into our own.”
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