
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.
Learn how to create the Sidewinder Braid and "Curl Hawk." Inside is information about Shaper and Shaper Plus Minis.
Sebastian styled at the spring/summer 2013 runway shows, partnering with designers like Mara Hoffman to create looser, slightly rebellious locks. For special occasion season, show clients that you can create these trends and ensure that they look perfect—perfectly undone, that is!—all night long. To keep the messy bun, braid or faux-hawk in a lasting hold, depend on Shaper Plus hair spray. Mini-sizes are key for clients attending all-day weddings, taking a springtime cruise or being the dancing fool at prom and Sweet 16s.
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
A medium-hold working hairspray that works best on fine-to-medium hair, Shaper is great to use for versatile styling as you blow-dry or flat-iron the hair, or to set the finished look.
Shaper Plus, a strong-hold finishing hair spray, works best for medium hair and guards against humidity for up to 24 hours.
GIVE IT A “DRY”
Special occasion season presents an opportunity to give clients a reason to visit you in be- tween haircuts. Create a special “dry styling” service promotion centered around prom, Mother’s Day or bridal; switch up the theme every few months.
DISPLAY TODAY
Sebastian’s Shaper floor display unit holds 36 cans of Shaper. In addition, you can design your own special event show-stop- ping displays with “stylist-picked” products that hold the look all day/night long. Rotate what you fea- ture every month or two to keep it fresh and relevant.

GET THE LOOK: THE SIDEWINDER
STEP 1: Mix a dab of Craft Clay with Potion 9. Apply to damp hair and blow-dry.
STEP 2: Spray Shaper Hairspray on entire head.
STEP 3: Using a medium-sized curling iron, curl big sections of the hair.
STEP 4: Take a 2-inch section along the front hairline and leave it out.
STEP 5: Take a middle mohawk section 3 to 4 inches wide all the way down to the nape. Split into two sections, and twist and rope together to the nape. Then fishtail-braid the remaining hair to one side and tease ends to secure.
STEP 6: Expand the silhouette, using your fingers to create a mohawk shape.
STEP 7: Incorporate the front and side section by twisting small sections, using more Craft Clay and Shaper Plus to form and fix the shape.

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