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
Show Skills: Navigating Trade Show Season
Industry leaders give you their tips for successfully navigating this year’s show season.
by Chandler Rollins
January 14, 20143 min to read
Industry leaders give you their tips for successfully navigating this year’s show season.
“I want to be a platform artist or educator. How can I connect with a manufacturer at a trade show?
Hair shows are a magical place and you never know who is walking the show floor that can catapult you onto the stage. Appearance is everything, put on your best outfit, make-up and, of course, make sure your hair is colored and styled in a cut that suites your personal style. Be prepared. Have your resume ready and images or even a video of you presenting or doing hair. Manufactures are always looking for stylists that want to join an educational team. Don’t be discouraged. Everyone who is at a hair show, no matter how hard they are working, wants to network. Talk to as many people as you can. Look enthusiastic, smile and ask for a show director at the booth. Once you find a show director, ask if they have time to talk and make sure to have a list of questions prepared. Most show directors are extremely busy and will like that you are respecting their time. If you are interested in working for a manufacturer get their contact information and follow up after the show. Be patient, be nice, and don't give up if your dream is to become a platform artist for the manufacture of your choice. – Shawna Parvin, Platform Artist for Aquage
“Why should a student or new stylist attend a trade show? What are the opportunities for me to be as successful as possible?”
Any young stylist or student intent on success in the hairdressing industry should attend a few different trade shows. At a typical show, a series of platform artists will appear on the main stage to present what they consider to be the latest and coolest trends and techniques in modern hairdressing, so it’s a great way to stay on the vanguard of fashion, beauty and style. Many of these platform artists also facilitate education in the classrooms, helping stylists strengthen their technique, feel inspired and motivated. The classes are free to attend with entry to the trade show, which means these trade shows also make getting education with our industry’s leaders more affordable. Another valuable facet of trade shows is the chance to meet, mingle and connect. Most major manufacturers and top independents have trade booths on the show floor, giving you a chance to introduce yourself to the people you respect and admire; and who knows what can happen from there. I have met several young stylists at trade shows who have impressed me so much with their passion and enthusiasm that I ended up offering them a job in my salon in New York City. We say, to be successful, hang out with successful, like-minded people––the trade shows create an amazing opportunity to circulate with your peers. –Nick Arrojo, Arrojo Celebrity Hairstylist
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