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.
by Anne Moratto
John Sahag 10-Year Tribute (1952-2005)
June 15, 2015 is 10 years since the legendary John Sahag passed away. This blog is a tribute to him and the amazing shapes he loved to make. His extraordinary work made him a world-famous icon with a client list beyond ...
June 5, 2015
John Sahag in 1985. Photo taken for the New York Magazine article on his first Workshop opening. Check out that belt.
1/12
3 min to read
June 15, 2015 is 10 years since the legendary John Sahag passed away. This blog is a tribute to him and the amazing shapes he loved to make.
His extraordinary work made him a world-famous icon with a client list beyond imagination, including movie stars, supermodels, royalty and music icons, plus covers and pages upon pages in the world's most influential and international magazines, like Vogue Italia, French Vogue and, of course, American Vogue. Movies included the 1978 cult thriller "The Eyes of Laura Mars," in which he appeared as a hairdresser with Faye Dunaway. He also gave actress Demi Moore her gamine cut in the 1990 movie "Ghost," a sensation at the time.
Sahag Jamgotchian (later known as John Sahag) was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 2, 1952. His father was a couturier and he had a fashion influence in his life from an early age. He started working in a salon at age 7. When he was 9 years old, his family migrated to Australia. He arrived in Paris at age 18, starved for 6 months and, helped by Bernard Mériatt, then of L'Oréal and Maniatis, a top French salon owner for whom he freelanced with a 6-year contract, he got an Italian Vogue cover at 19. (In 1978 he became the first "name" freelance designer, a new phenomenon.)
The 6' 2", 175 lb charismatic, charming and very sexy hairdresser crisscrossed the Atlantic with his flying scissors so many times for 3 ½ years that in 1981 he settled in New York.
Brooke Shields, who cut the ribbon for his first salon in 1985, was quoted in the Workshop opening press release saying, "John is totally creative, in every situation. Plus he looks sensational in black." And, as Kathy Dwyer, his friend and Executrix, President of Sahag Workshop, Products and Education, says, "Although he looked like a rock star, he was anything but in how he lived his life. He believed that we were put on this earth to love one another and live as impeccable human beings." He treated all his clients like roses, and he worked almost 24/7. He loved hair, it wasn't work to him!
I did the PR for the first John Sahag Workshop in 1985 for this spiritual and very unusual man who concocted sentences like no other to describe his dry hair cuts. "I want to see my pieces on real life ladies walking around town, not just in magazines. Pieces? Yes, pieces," wrote Anthony Haden-Guest in New York Magazine at the time. I left him after about 9 months, he spent 8 years trying to get me back and I returned as his "Ambassadress" for 3 more years, from 1994-97. For more About John Sahag the man, click HERE.
You can see some of his famous dry hair cuts with his three-dimensional approach to hair and some of his editorial and celeb hair "where he scored" in these photos. And there's far more inspirational photos by clicking HairThen on www.helenoppenheim.com - and reading the wonderful words under most photos.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"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
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
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.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
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.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
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.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
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
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
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.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
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.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
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.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
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.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
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.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
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