
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.
Missed the show? Here's a quick round-up of what we found, saw and did.
Missed the show? Here's a quick round-up of what we found, saw and did.

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• Ever seen a stampede at a beauty show? I hadn't either. But Sunday morning was a banner day – it was the opening of the show and apparently there were a lot of excited stylists looking for the best deals. Check out this video clip I took of stylists running through the aisles, shortly after the doors opened. Careful ladies! Don't trip in your fabulous heels.
• Tested out the classic CHI flatiron for the first time – can you believe it's taken me this long? The Florida humidity had turned my sleek bob into a puff ball. The CHI flatiron and some shine spray made me perfectly presentable again! Using them together ensured that when I walked outside for lunch later in the day, there was not frizzy hair in sight. Thanks CHI!
• If you check out our Premiere product showcase videos you can catch me lounging in one of Belvedere's new shampoo chairs. Ridiculously comfortable! I could have fallen asleep right there. Now I just need to figure out a way to slip the brochure to my stylist and her salon.
• The updos at Aquage continue to wow me every time I check out their booth. As at any hair show, there were a lot of ornate hairstyles, but the thing I love about the Aquage styles is the combination of beautiful and wearable. I can see myself rocking the style below – if I had long, thick, red hair of course. One detail I loved about this style is the rope braid detailing. Adding braids to any style to create some flair is huge right now. Add a couple of rope braids instead and your clients will love the unique twist on a trend.

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• Patrick McIvor, on stage for Product Club, gave out some great business tips to his audience. One tip I liked the most was giving clients a 10% off incentive when they pre-book their next color and keep the appointment. Only giving it to them when they actually keep the pre-booked appointment is key.
• Leon Alexander, president of Eurisko Design, used a variation on the popular quote, "If you want to be successful, observe what most people are doing, and do the opposite." Something worthwhile to remember as we struggle to be inspired and make our businesses work.
• Belson is launching a new curling iron that has multiple settings for coarse, medium, fine and synthetic hair. Perfect for your clients with extensions!
• If you love people watching, this show can't be beat. Inspiration is on stage and on the show floor. Here are some of my favorites.

MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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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.

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Sponsored by Great Clips

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These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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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