
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.
For your teen clients, prom is as important as a bride’s big day. These six prom-friendly celebrity styles will get your clients’ night started off right.
For your teen clients, prom is as important as a bride’s big day. These six prom-friendly celebrity styles will get your clients’ night started off right.

Braided Crown
TRY IT: “For actress Sarah Hyland’s look, prep hair with CHI Infra Texture Dual Action Hair Spray,” says Matt Fugate, celebrity stylist from Sally Hershberger Salon Downtown NYC. “Distinguish the part. Separate a slight section at the hairline and apply CHI Pliable Polish to control and refine. This section is a smooth section around the face that will wrap around the ears at the end. Divide the remaining hair into two sections down the back of the head. Start braiding the hair, directing the braid up the back of the neck making sure not to make the shape too wide at the bottom. Once braid has been completed at the top of the head, clip in place so you can recreate on the other side. With each side braided, wrap around the crown and over the ears and secure at the nape.”

Refined Chic
TRY IT: “To get actress Elle Fanning’s look, begin with cleansed and conditioned hair,” says Global Style Director for Aveda North America, Allen Ruiz. “Apply a small amount of Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid and distribute from roots to ends. Using a Mason Pearson Brush and blow dryer with nozzle attachment, wrap-dry hair using the shape of the head to smooth until hair is dry. Use a mediumbarrel curling iron to curl ends. Finish with a bit of Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil mixed with Light Elements Texturizing Crème for extra texture and movement.”

Half-Updo: Classic
TRY IT: “Start with OSiS+ Grip extreme hold mousse on damp hair for Disney star Ariana Grande’s finish,” says Michael Dueñas, Schwarzkopf Professional brand ambassador. “Blow dry hair with a round brush to build in volume. Once dry, separate strands and sweep to the side. Sprinkle OSiS+ Dust It on the top and sides to build more volume, and add root lift and texture. Gather the front section of the hair into a high ponytail and smooth down with OSiS+ Elastic flexible hold hairspray. Using a 1¼-inch curling iron or wand, wrap small sections of the remaining hair around the wand in the same direction. Spray curls with OSiS+ Elastic for hold and separation.”

Jason Meritt/Getty Images
Soft Curls
TRY IT: “To recreate actress Ariel Winter’s look, begin by spraying Biolage VolumeBloom Full-Lift Volumizer Spray at the scalp area and the mid-lengths,” says George Papanikolas, celebrity hair stylist for Matrix. When blow-drying, use a round brush and over-direct for maximum volume. When dry, use a 1½- inch curling iron to give a soft bend away from the face.”

Ben Gabbe/Getty Images
Deep Side Part
TRY IT: Prep the hair with L’Oréal Professionnel’s Mousse Volupte and blow dry with a round ceramic brush, giving the hair shape and wave below the jawline. At the scalp, while using tension, blow dry hair flat to the head and in the direction it will lay. For a more controlled look like singer Selena Gomez, “add a significant amount of L’Oréal Professionnel Or Graphic to the hair prior to blow drying,” says L’Oréal Professionnel artist Drew Schaefering. “For extra body, add wave by using a large jumbo curling iron on a low setting. Spray each section with L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium 3 for hold. Add L’Oréal Professionnel Perfect Shimmer throughout the top and on the ends for shine.”

Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
Lush Waves
TRY IT: To achieve actress Anna- Sophia Robb’s style, “blow dry with Catwalk’s Thickening Gel Crème,” says Mitchel Wilson, creative director of Learning Lab, TIGI. “Once hair is dry and smooth, separate and secure into three main sections. Starting at the nape, subsection using vertical sections, mist with Catwalk’s Work-It Hairspray from about 8-10 inches away, then vertically wrap each sub-section on a marcel iron. While still warm, clip the vertical curl on base with a smooth duck bill clip. Work from the central back of the head forward, setting the curl uniformly vertical on base. On the top section, work from the natural parting and over-direct each section to the parietal ridge. Set with Catwalk Work It Hairspray. Once cool, remove clips and brush from roots to ends with a boar bristle brush.”

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

"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

Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.

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.

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.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

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.

This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.

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

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.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!
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