
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.
The NYC launch of J. Christopher Salon, the nation's first Biolage R.A.W. flagship salon, focused on health with celeb attendees including model and actress Ireland Baldwin.







Healthy, natural beauty services, along with eco-awareness and sustainable materials, were the focus at the unveiling of the country’s first Biolage R.A.W. flagship salon, J. Christopher Salon in NYC’s West Village.
Model and actress Ireland Baldwin was among event attendees invited to walk the green carpet and “strip down to the basics” to experience the “naked touch” of the new Biolage R.A.W. Styling collection. The products combine natural-origin hair styling formulas with high-performance results that are seen but not felt.
The Biolage R.A.W. stylers are:
Smoothing Styling Milk
Curl Defining Styling Butter
Frizz Control Styling Spray
Texturizing Styling Spray
Bodifying Styling Jelly.
Biolage R.A.W. Stylers are 98% to 99% natural origin and contain no artificial fragrances, no artificial colorants, no parabens and no silicones. Biolage considers an ingredient to be natural origin if it is unchanged from its natural state or has undergone processing, yet retains greater than 50% of its molecular structure from its original plant or mineral source.
Guests interacted with “raw” body paint installations and received natural boosts with Biolage R.A.W. Styling-based treatments ranging from Lavender Tranquility Treatment to Zesty Lemon Scalp Massage and Cocoa Butter Hand Therapy. Matrix Celebrity Stylist George Papanikolas provided undone looks as guests captured their effortless styles in the R.A.W. anti-glam photo booth.
To embrace sustainability, the Millard Design group constructed the salon with LEED certified flooring and ceramic tiles made of recycled materials; heat-resistant glass counters; flow reducers that reduce shampoo bowl water consumption by up to 50 percent; and LED light fixtures that reduce energy consumption by 80 percent. As a certified Green Circle Salon, J. Christopher diverts salon and spa waste from landfills and waterways, applying green strategies for disposing hair clippings, hair color, product packaging and foils and spa, thereby keeping the planet healthy.
“We’re thrilled to lead the way as the country’s first Biolage R.A.W. salon,” says J. Christopher Salon owner, Christopher Walsh. “We’ve always been committed to providing our guests with the highest level of service and with memorable experiences. Now we can raise the bar by offering natural origin hair care and styling products in a setting that celebrates healthy materials and keeps 70 to 90 percent of our salon byproducts out of landfills and waterways. It’s a win for our industry, our guests and the planet.”

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