
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.
Sam Villa shows HOW TO create "Controlled Chaos" in this video using a razor and powerful sectioning.
CONTROLLED CHAOS – a technique that does not use cutting guidelines - is the latest offering from Sam Villa, Founding Partner of Sam Villa and Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue. The technique results with loose texture that makes it look like the hair has been cut freehand.
Villa cleverly uses clips as a means of control. The clips are inserted into previously cut sections with the ends of the clips acting like arrows pointing in the direction needed to proceed. They also serve as measurement for over-direction. According to Villa, "It’s controlled chaos."
Villa offers tips on creating the perfect CONTROLLED CHAOS finish:
-Use vertical partings inside rectangle sections and medium strokes with a Sam Villa Signature Series Razor to achieve scattered graduation of texture.
-Stay stationary, moving the chair instead of your body to control the chaos.
-For additional control and comfort, keep the palm of your hand holding the hair up and facing you, making it easier to see the edge. It keeps the body and wrist in an ergonomically correct position.
Villa finishes the look using fingers and a Sam Villa E-T.C Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer. (A comb or paddle brush may be used for more direction.) Villa finishes with a medium hold mousse (like Redken guts 10) and once dry, applies a medium to strong hold paste (like Redken mess around 10) to show off the interior texture of the hair. The end result is loose texture with shorter complimenting longer pieces – controlled chaos!

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

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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

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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!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty