
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 consultation is more important than ever with the modern man. It’s up to the salon professional to help guide the client so he looks perfect from visit to visit.

Avian King is a grooming specialist. More than 40 percent of her clients are male and she has learned that these men are loyal and tend to be more flexible.
“Working with men, you have more freedom,” King says. “You get to change their look more often simply because they know they are coming in regularly.”
King has learned that her male clients tend to trust her more and she can have more fun creating interesting shapes in the neckline, at the sideburn or along the perimeter.
“Men’s hair is more tailored to bone structure, features and head shape,” she says. “I look at cheekbones and sideburn placement. I look to the jawline for length. A cut can transform the shape of a face.”
For this session, King chose to work with El Patrón line of styling products by Talyoni, LLC . “This line is quite effective,” she says. “It’s a grooming line for men that is natural, masculine and approachably priced while still offering luxury. I love that there are the right products to create any look for any lifestyle.”
King used her magic on three men she believes best represent the three important lifestyles and trends today: The Classic Man, The International Man and The Modern Man.
Most importantly, King offers her pro tips for applying product: “The more time you spend applying product, the better it will perform. If you just throw product in hair and expect it to work you will be disappointed. Now is the time to take advantage of great cuts, techniques and product application.”
Hair: Avian King
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Grooming: David Maderich for Sigma Beauty
Fashion styling: Angela Kelley

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