
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.
Ted Gibson shares how he got the look for Idina Menzel for her Tony Awards appearance(s).
We heard from our friend Ted Gibson that he was THE GUY prepping (and prepping and prepping) Idina Menzel for her Tony Awards presentation.
"What a glorious day for the Tony’s! I have been with Idina since 7:30 am, so needless to say the party started really early," says Gibson. "She had rehearsal at Radio City at 9 am, then back to the theatre for her AMAZING Broadway show, then back to the Tony’s for the red carpet! HAIR, HAIR and more HAIR!!"
When asked what he wanted for a finish, Gibson says "I wanted her to look like a 60s Italian movie star. I immediately thought of Sophia Loren – super sexy, yet super sophisticated."
here he offers the HOW TO:
1. Start with damp hair and smooth Kerastase Form Fatale gel all over her hair for added volume and body. (The gel also served as a UV and heat protectant and gave her hair enough shape and texture to form her sexy waves.)
2. After blow drying her hair dry, part the her hair in a deep side part.
3. Smooth Leonor Greyl Eclat Naturel throughout her hair. (This cream conditions and added additional protection to Idina’s hair for heat styling.)
4. Take 1 ½” sections and curl vertically around a large barrel curling iron, curling around her entire head with the curl facing away from her face.
5. Rake fingers through her hair, tucking the parted side of her hair behind her ear .
6. Finished by spraying Aveda Control hair spray throughout her hair to hold all those waves in place.
"I love working with the most talented and lovely women in the world. I am a lucky hairdresser," adds Gibson.

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.

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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