
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.
It took three appointments, spaced two weeks apart, for Molly Rose Kaiser's brunette client to reach a platinum blonde, but it was worth it! Here's how she did it, without damaging the hair.
Way to go, Molly Rose Kaiser, for spacing out your client's appointment to preserve the integrity of her hair.
Any colorist knows that clients can often be a little impatient when it comes to making a big change, but Kaiser, a MODERN Facebook fan, followed her gut when it comes to brunette to blonde transformations: slow and steady wins the race!
Kaiser, a Las Vegas-based colorist, specializes in advanced cuts, color and extensions at Hotbox Salon. She began by under promising, and over delivering.
"In getting my beautiful brunette client to a blonde bombshell, I first explained to her that I refuse to do anything damaging to my clients' hair," she says. "And to get her to her goal blonde would be a journey we would need to take together! She was very appreciative that I was upfront and honest with her, that I would not only get her blonde, but at the end of our journey, her hair would be even healthier then when she first walked in."
It took three appointments, spaced two weeks apart, to get these brilliant results. We got in touch with Kaiser to learn how she did it!

APPOINTMENT ONE
"When my client first came in she had about 3-4 inches of new growth, with previously faded color on her ends," she says. "My lightener is Joico Vero Light on her new growth with 20-volume developer, 30-volume developer on her previously colored mid-shafts, and 10-volume developer on her ends. I did not foil this, I simply took ¼-inch horizontal sections starting in the front, put a processing cap on her and checked on her every 10 minutes until a level 7 was reached and the integrity of her hair was still intact. After processing I shampooed twice, towel dried and toned her in the shampoo bowl with 2.5oz of Paul Mitchell 9P, 1oz Paul Mitchell 10A, and .5oz Paul Mitchell 10NB, with 5-volume developer on her roots for 5 minutes then pulled through ends for another 5 minutes."
APPOINTMENT TWO
"Two weeks after her first appointment, I did Joico Vero Light with 20-volume developer, roots through ends, working from the front and changing my developer to 30-volume as I got to the back. Again this was not foiled. ¼-inch horizontal sections, roots through ends, processing cap at room temperature checking on her every 10 minutes until a level 9 was reached. This time she was toned with 2.5oz Paul Mitchell 9P, and .5 oz Paul Mitchell 10A with 5 volume developer, and as I tone all my clients, 5 minutes on the root then pull through ends for another 5 minutes at the shampoo bowl.
APPOINTMENT THREE
"Two weeks later, I used Joico Vero Light with 25-volume developer starting in the front, this time foiling my ¼-inch partings, and changing my developer to 35-volume as I worked toward the back. After a level 10-11 was reached, she was washed and toned with equal parts of Paul Mitchell UTP and UTA with 5 volume developer."
MAINTENANCE
"To keep this blonde healthy and strong I sent my client home with Paul Mitchell's Forever Blonde Shampoo and conditioner and for a weekly treatment Moroccanoil's Restore Deep conditioning Mask."

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