
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.
A before and after color makeover you have to see to believe! It's all about Paul Mitchell, Olaplex, Matrix lightener and a whole lot of skill!

Talk about a challenge! When this client walked into Instagram's @the_hair_doctor's (AKA Gina Bianca Hair) salon in Waterbury, Connecticut, at 7am, she was a little nervous. Her last color proved disastrous (um, hello!). "Her hair was dry and uneven, plus the haircut was mainly a chemical haircut," she says. "Now she is on the right track to having healthy natural-looking hair. We still have a long way to go but I think we did pretty good for the first session!"
Cost: $225
New growth formula: Paul Mitchell 7pn + 30 volume Highlight: Olaplex with 30 volume and Matrix Vlight lightener, plus a scoop of Lightmaster to really lift the base
Lowlight/filler color: 1 ounce of 7pn + one ounce of 7n with 10 volume
Toner: Paul Mitchell pm shines 9y and 7N equal parts to deepen the whole thing for 20 minutes
Application: Start by applying the root color with tiny sections to ensure coverage. Don't over apply. Full highlights starting in the back, mix bowl by bowl so the lightener doesn't lose potency. "We did horizontal weaving in the back and sides then did vertical slices on the top to give her a little extra pop!" she says. Apply the lowlight color to every other hair making sure it is saturated. Process for 35 minutes. Rinse well, apply toner for 20 min, rinse again then apply Olaplex step two for 20 minutes. Shampoo, condition and style. "I didn't cut her hair because she was traumatized from her previous cut, so we decided to wait until next time."

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!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty