MENU
SEARCHGrowing up, one of my closest friends enlisted in the Air Force right after 9/11. He was a musician and was known for his long, blonde hair. Before he shipped off to boot camp, as sort of a bon voyage, he invited his closest friends and family ...
Hair: Chrystofer Benson (photo credit: Roberto Ligresti)
Roberto Ligresti
Growing up, one of my closest friends enlisted in the Air Force right after 9/11. He was a musician and was known for his long, blonde hair. Before he shipped off to boot camp, as sort of a bon voyage, he invited his closest friends and family to the salon with him to cut off his ponytail. It was supposed to be fun, a light-hearted event. But I’ll never forget how real it became that he was leaving, going off to ght for our freedom, once he cut off his hair. I cried, his mothercried, even the hairdresser cried because she felt it too—she was just as much a part of the experience as we were. This was one of many times that made me think about all the shining moments and opportunities hairdressers have to connect with people.
One of my very first haircuts while I was in cosmetology school was on a 9-year-old girl named Logan. She was scared when she had seen a girl in a salon getting her head shaved, crying, surrounded by family.Logan didn’t understand whythis girl had no hair or eyebrows,and had asked her mom why shelooked like that. When her mom told her it was because she had cancer and was losing her hair, Logan decided to grow out her hair so she could donate it. I was given the honor of cutting off Logan’s hair for donation. When I was done, I spun around the chair so Logan could see her new haircut, and she started to cry.
But she assured me she wasn’t upset. “I’m so happy that I’ll be able to give my hair to another little girl who needs it more than I do,” she told me. It’s an incredible privilege to be a hairdresser. From first haircuts on toddlers, to last haircuts before chemo, to wedding days, military buzzcuts and transformational post-break-up makeovers—being a part of incredibly intimate moments in your clients’ lives is such an honor. That’s why we dedicated this issue to the art of cutting hair. Read it, enjoy it and remember to share your transformational work with us on Instagram using #modernsalon.
--Alison
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
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.
