
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.
This Ulta Beauty Design Team member creates some stunning before-and-afters.

Stacey-Ann Houston is a Master Stylist and member of the Ulta Beauty Design Team, working at the 86th Street Salon in New York City. She’s worked at The Salon at Ulta Beauty for 10 years, where she’s honed her skills and produced some stunning before-and-afters.
Take this client, for instance. From brassy blonde to copper!
Here's her secret sauce:
Redken 7ncr cover fusion in the roots with 20 volume developer
Redken 6c cream gloss on the midshaft down with 10 volume developer (no bleach was used)
Houston, who’s a colorist and texture expert, gets to work with all sorts of clients and create lots of different looks — a perk of the job.
In this transformation, for instance, Houston cut and colored this client’s hair for a new look that was edgy and perfectly fitting.
But maybe the best part of her job is that Houston gets to help people with a fresh start.
This client was walking past The Salon at Ulta Beauty and saw Houston cutting hair in the window.
“She came into the store and asked if I could cut her hair off for her because she messed up her color at home. She had a really big smile on her face and I asked her why was she jumping up and down with joy on her face. She turned to me and said these words: ‘I am so happy to see someone who's African American working in a salon like this one, and I feel so happy that you can do my hair!’ I smiled because that made me feel so good.”
Become a part of the Ulta Beauty family. Click here to learn more about career opportunities.

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