
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.
There is no denying that the fishtail braid had a great run; from the side to messy to in the ponytail, but Mario Russo, owner and lead stylist of Salon Mario Russo in Boston, believes it’s time for a new tail to have their chance in the spotlight. Cue the Lobster Tail Twist.

The Lobster Tail Twist
There is no denying that the fishtail braid had a great run; from the side to messy to in the ponytail, but Mario Russo, owner and lead stylist of Salon Mario Russo in Boston, believes it’s time for a new tail to have their chance in the spotlight. Cue the Lobster Tail Twist. This messy and textured twist is easy to create and doesn’t even requiring braiding skills…just twisting! Depending on the occasion, the Lobster Tail can be as deconstructed or as neat as you like.
The Lobster Tail
STEP 1: Start with day-old hair to achieve the messy and textured look of this braid. Use a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray on the roots to eliminate any natural oils that can flatten hair.
STEP 2: Gather hair to one side, while leaving a few front pieces of hair out on the opposite. Curl these pieces with a 1-inch barrel to add more shape around the face.
STEP 3: Separate hair in half, a front and back section, and make three small sections out of the back section and twist each one individually before joining all three to make one twist. Secure with a clip so you can work freely on the front section. Don’t worry if it untwists a little bit, you can re-twist later.
STEP 4: Take the front section, split into two small twisted sections and then combine to make one twist.
STEP 5: Join the front and back twists, make one complete twist and then secure with 5-6 bobby pins by ear. This will hold it together.
STEP 6: Spray texturizing spray again on hair below the bobby pins to create fullness and then make two twists with this remaining hair and combine the two twists into one, twisting all the way down. Don’t twist too hard; let it be a little loose to give it more thickness and texture.
STEP 7: Before securing with hair tie, put bobby pins UP throughout the twist almost like a skeleton for the twist and then secure with hair tie. The pins will hold it in place.
STEP 8: Finish off with a light hair spray, such as Oribe Superfine Strong Hair Spray.

The Lobster Tail Twist

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