
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 Andis class at Premiere Orlando 2013, “Hands-on Clipper Cutting, the Andis Way,” was filled with barbers to stylists who wanted to learn more about the world of clippers. See a video on how Andis' Antonio McGill blends and tapers a men's style. Plus, hair splinters...what are they? And, how you can avoid them.
The Andis class at Premiere Orlando 2013, “Hands-on Clipper Cutting, the Andis Way,” was filled with barbers to stylists who wanted to learn more about the world of clippers. Some had never picked up a clipper before and purely wanted to absorb as much information as they could about the craft. Some had used guards for 20 years and wanted to switch over to blades, some had a majority of female clientele but wanted to expand into the men’s market, and some wanted to purely learn how to clipper cut with confidence.

Andis Educator Antonio McGill shows how to properly blend a hair cut. To properly blend, he recommends holding the comb on an angle and move around the head. "Using a clipper allows you to do cutting and texturizing in one step. I am reducing my speed, combining techniques, that’s going to make me a more effective stylist in one," he says.
Whatever the reasons where, those that found themselves attending the Andis clipper cutting class at Premiere Orlando 2013 learned a thing or two about clipper cutting, especially when it came to fading, blending and tapering from both Andis' Antonio McGill and Kenny Duncan.
Class members learned the proper care and maintenance to prolong the life of their tools. So how often should you actually oil your clipper? EVERY TIME you do a cut. You don’t want to over oil, because that can drain into your tool, or create a “hairball” in your tool. All that’s needed are three drops on each side of your clipper. Over oiling or under oiling can make your clipper not work correctly.
The class also delved into how doing systematic clipper cutting techniques can help you provide consistent quality cuts. “Mannequin heads are a great way to build confidence, perfect your skills, there always going to be there waiting for you to cut them," says McGill. It’s a great thing when you can combine speed and quality. Combining both of them makes you more professional. Have a systematic approach to haircuts can make you more organized and feel more confident.”
BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THAT TIP: Hair Splinters
When you’re cutting straight hair, you are at risk for getting a hair splinter. Sometimes this happens and you don’t notice it until a day or a few days later. The reason why you get them is because you’re not working with enough moisture in your client’s hair. Want to kick the splinters for good? Properly dampen the hair with every cut.

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