
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.
After five bags of synthetic hair mixed with natural hair, and 3-4 hours of styling and designing, stylist Kalizya Hutchinson from Nival Salon and Spa in Chevy Chase, Maryland, created this updo which she calls, Sci-fi Geisha. “Our salon collaborated with an idea to use a technically challenging updo,” says Hutchinson. “We wanted to show the juxtaposition of soft earthy textures with hard urban chic. My model, Rachel, was the ultimate inspiration, statuesque and polished. I named this updo Sci-Fi Geisha, to me it showcased a classic undo with a modern edge.” Get the steps inside.









After five bags of synthetic hair mixed with natural hair, and 3-4 hours of styling and designing, stylist Kalizya Hutchinson from Nival Salon and Spa in Chevy Chase, Maryland, created this updo which she calls, Sci-fi Geisha. “Our salon collaborated with an idea to use a technically challenging updo,” says Hutchinson. “We wanted to show the juxtaposition of soft earthy textures with hard urban chic. My model, Rachel, was the ultimate inspiration, statuesque and polished. I named this updo Sci-Fi Geisha, to me it showcased a classic undo with a modern edge.”
See Hutchinson’s original inspiration for this updo from W Magazine’s ‘Sleek Is Chic’ updo.
LINK: http://www.wmagazine.com/beauty/2012/03/updated-updos
This one-of-a-kind updo took a few days of prep time, says Hutchinson. Before creating the updo, she purchased five bags of braiding hair and hand straightened all of it with a blow dryer set on medium heat. Since the hair was synthetic, she had to use extra care not to burn it, she says. “I used a combination of Styrofoam sized balls from the craft store and few soft moldable foam squares used for flower arrangement,” she says. “I also used a hot glue gun and spray adhesive to keep the hair in place.”

Stylist Kalizya Hutchinson from Nival Salon and Spa in Chevy Chase, Maryland created this style called, Sci-fi Geisha.

Follow Hutchinson’s steps to re-create your own Sci-fi Geisha updo:
Step 1: Tie a rubber band and create a pony tail securing one bundle of synthetic hair in the center of the head. Then, take the rubber band, flip it upside down and then hot glue the inside to the top of a styrofam ball.
Step 2: Spray the ball with adhesive and brush the hair back onto the ball to conceal it. Secure the base of the ball with bobby pins. Leave the pony tail loose (you will use this hair to finish the structure once pinned onto the head).
Step 3: To begin the base of the updo, tie a ponytail at the top left and bottom right of the head.
Step 4: Create a u-shape to fit snugly on the top of the head, then wrap it within the braiding hair. Place the u-shape at the bang area and securely pin it to the top of the ponytail and then create two other ball shapes symmetrically to the bottom. Then, use the ponytails and the extra hair to fill and create more circular forms and cover any imperfections on the synthetic pieces.
(In the first two photos, Hutchinson shows the stages of mixing the real hair into the artificial molds.)
We want to see your styles! Send them to Associate Editor Lauren Salapatek at lsalapatek@vancepublishing.com.

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