
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.
Cameron LeSiege, a graduate from Paul Mitchell the School Jacksonville, Florida, offers the HOW TO for this beautiful finish.




Cameron LeSiege, a graduate from Paul Mitchell the School Jacksonville, Florida, decided to become a hairdresser because it seemed like hairdressers were having "so much fun." That was in 2008 and LeSiege has been having fun ever since.
"I love to inspire and motivate my future professionals every day," says LeSiege. "They keep me pushing for my own dreams, which are always evolving and becoming something bigger than before. I really enjoy working with photographers, models, and makeup artists on my time off and I would like to eventually become a full time editorial stylist."
The heavily textured photo MODERN found on Instagram was one of three looks LeSiege created for a shoot.
The inspiration for this look "came from hair hitting the floor after a haircut," says LeSiege. "When light hits anything in just the right way it can be beautiful (or ugly), including fallen pieces of hair on the floor. In the case of this shoot, the hair was hitting a beautiful models head (not a floor) in just the right way, showcasing texture and light in full force. This look will work on all lengths of hair from short to long, all you need is: hair extensions, firm hold hairspray, and a blowdryer."
Here LeSiege offers the HOW TO:
Step 1: Create a high ponytail at the apex of the head and secure with a rubber band (if model has short hair, it can be combed tightly to the head as to hide all of her hair). Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure with bobby pins.
Step 2: Cut small strands of extensions (2-3 inches) over the surface of the bun. Arrange the strands to create the desired end shape.
Step 3: Arrange 5-10 cut strands at a time, applying a firm hold hairspray over the surface and immediately using heat from a blow-dryer to lock in the shape. Use as few or as many strands of hair in order to create your desired end result.
CREDITS:
Products Used: Paul Mitchell Extra Body Firm Hairspray and Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shine Spray
Photography: Tracey Williams
Model: Rebecca Thompson
Make up: Lia Croke

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