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
Prom Tips with George Papanikolas: Hair Up or Hair Down?
If we've said it once, we've said it a million times—loose, lived-in looks are the way to go for prom and bridal season this year. No one wants to look like they spent countless hours having their hair blown out, curled, pinned and ...
Lauren Quick・Contributor
2 min to read
If we've said it once, we've said it a million times—loose, lived-in looks are the way to go for prom and bridal season this year. No one wants to look like they spent countless hours having their hair blown out, curled, pinned and sprayed within an inch of its life.
Matrix Celebrity Stylist George Papanikolas is with us there; perfection is for surgeons, and a few tendrils around the face look romantic and natural. He shares some tips for both up and down special-occasion styles.
Up Style: Softly Waved, Gathered Look
"If my client wants an upstyle, I recommend a softly waved, softly gathered look," Papanikolas says. "I find it works with most facial shapes, necks and body types. It's dressy but not severe. The foundation is critical for this style; it must be touchable with movement but not too perfect!"
STEP 1: Start with a cocktail of Matrix Style Link Volume Builder Volume Mousse and Style Link Gloss Boost for volume plus shine.
STEP 2: Blowdry, then divide the hair into subsections. Mist each section with a flexible hairspray (try Style Link Volume Fixer) and curl each section around an iron.
STEP 3: Release each curl, then leave intact and clip to the head. Set the whole head this way, then mist all the hair with a texturizer spray, such as Style Link Texture Builder Messy Finish Spray. This gives hair some texture; it shouldn't be too glassy.
STEP 4: Create a 3x3-inch-square section in the back of the head, above the occipital, and gather into a ponytail. This will be the anchor for the style.
STEP 5: Release curls, back-comb the top sections, and gently drape each curl back to the ponytail and secure with pins. Work from bottom to sides to top with everything going into your anchor.
STEP 6: Tuck in the original ponytail and mist with a firm-hold finishing spray such as Style Link Style Fixer Finishing Spray.
Down Style: Loose Waves
"Right now, the most up-to-date waves are loose," Papanikolas says. "They start about 3 to 4 inches from the scalp, and the ends are omitted."
STEP 1: Prep with Matrix Style Link Smooth Setter Smoothing Cream and Style Link Hold Booster before drying and curling.
STEP 2: Divide hair into vertical subsections after drying.
STEP 3: Curl midshafts and allow each section to drop and cool.
STEP 4: Finish by misting with a flexible-hold hairspray (try Style Link Volume Fixer).
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