
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.
Erica Reynolds Keelan shares how she transformed her client from a beached out and fun blonde to a contrasted lilac finish that works.




Erica Reynolds Keelen, a Master Stylist and Department Head at Cortello Salon in Jacksonville, Florida, says “I simply love the art in hair!“
Keelan believes in the power of advanced education: "Over the last few years I’ve been very busy with continuing education, photo shoots and competing in hair competitions." Her recent education includes KMS - IQ Cutting Method, Oribe - On the Road, Oribe - Editorial Class in New York and Extreme Color Camp with Derrick Zeno from Goldwell.
"I hope to complete all master colorist training levels with Goldwell over the next year and continue pursuing my other passion of editorial photo shoots. I also plan to participate and win (hopefully!) a major hair competition (NAHA!). I’ve entered the last three Colorzoom competitions and I’m proud to say that I was a semifinalist this last year in the US."
When MODERN found this finish on Keelan's instagram feed we asked for the how to. Here she shares how she transformed model Mathew David who had a bleach and tone six weeks earlier (Hair Cut: Lee Trevino, Photo: Daryna Barykina):
Step 1: Create a triangular section on top of the head.
Step 2: First slice – Goldwell Topchic 5ml 9A, 2ml 4V, 3ml 10V with 10ml 20 volume developer
Step 3: Second slice – Goldwell Topchic 7ml 8SB, 3ml 2A with 10ml 20 volume developer
Step 4: Applied this slice color pattern throughout the entire triangle section.
Step 5: Color remaining hair with 60ml Goldwell Colorance developer, 25ml 10V, 4ml 8SB, 1ml 2NA

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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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!
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