
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.
You’ve got questions, Beth has answers! In this ongoing series in MODERN SALON, Facebook fans share their color conundrums with Beth Minardi, award-winning colorist, NYC salon owner and spokesperson for Joico Vero K-Pak color.
You’ve got questions, Beth has answers! In this ongoing series in MODERN SALON, Facebook fans share their color conundrums with Beth Minardi, award-winning colorist, NYC salon owner and spokesperson for Joico Vero K-Pak color. When you spot the Color Social post on MODERN’s Facebook page (facebook.com/modernsalon), share your color challenges!

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Q: How do you take a platinum blonde to a darker blonde without the hair turning gray, slate or steel-colored?
A: “Never apply an ‘allover’ toner,” says Minardi. “Instead lowlight with a conditioning, non-ammonia demipermanent shade. Omit some of the ends of the hair lengths as you paint. Mix a light, golden-blonde shade with a lightest neutral blonde in equal proportions. I paint a pre-wash creme treatment onto the hair between foils to protect and to prevent porous hair lengths from ‘grabbing’ toner.”
Q: What is your favorite lowlight formula for light gray blending?
A: “Demipermanent acid formulas should be the colorist’s best friend,” says Minardi. “They’re the best, lowimpact choice for lowlighting, refreshing midlengths and ends, and light gray blending. I believe you should only lowlight with demipermanent acidic formulas because lowlighting with permanent color will cause the ends to look muddy. And correctly done, demis can last longer than permanent color. Remember, when your blonde client tells you she wants to be brunette, don’t do it. Lowlight her instead, because even though she doesn’t know it yet, every blonde strand you leave on her head will be her friend.”

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