Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
The MODERN Artist Katy Samuels: Trust Yourself and Create Your Own Path
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
July 20, 2026
"Once you understand the fundamentals, it's up to you to decide what YOUR 'right' way is." — Katy Samuels
3 min to read
Trust Yourself and Create Your Own Path
Katy Samuels believes the beauty industry's greatest artists aren't the ones who follow the rules; they're the ones who understand the fundamentals and confidently create their own. A creative color specialist and creator of the Headband Prism technique, Samuels has built her career around innovation, education and helping clients express themselves through color.
Named to the MODERN SALON 100 in 2018, Samuels says trusting yourself, refining your work and investing in quality tools are key ingredients for building a successful, fulfilling career.
Artist Snapshot
Name: Katy Samuels
Location: Los Angeles, California
Years in the Industry: 14
Specialty: Creative color and Headband Prisms
Instagram:@k.s.colors
MODERN SALON 100: 2018
Q&A
Three words that describe you?
Determined. Creative. Visionary.
What's the best career advice you've ever received?
This is a lesson I learned the hard way.
For years, I thought there was one "right" way to do everything. I was constantly taking classes, searching for the perfect technique or formula. Eventually, I realized there is no right or wrong way. Once you truly understand the fundamentals, it's up to you to decide what your right way is. Use those foundational skills to create, experiment and focus on developing your own craft.
What's something you wish every beauty professional knew earlier?
Welcome mistakes.
Every mistake teaches you something, and every mistake makes you better.
What's one habit that's contributed most to your success?
Having a model who comes in regularly and gives me complete creative freedom.
It keeps me inspired, pushes me to experiment and allows me to continue growing as an artist.
What's one mistake you see beauty professionals make repeatedly?
Buying cheap shears.
When I finished assisting, I saved up and invested in a pair of $1,200 Hikari shears. It's still one of the best investments I've ever made. I've tried many brands over the years, but nothing has compared in quality or longevity.
What's one investment that paid off more than you expected?
High-quality shears.
I know I mentioned them already, but I truly can't overstate the value of investing in great tools. Quality shears have paid for themselves many times over throughout my career.
What's something you've changed your mind about during your career?
Attention to detail.
I used to think certain finishing touches weren't worth the extra time and that clients wouldn't notice. Now I know that refining your work is your secret sauce. Those small details are what set you apart.
What's inspiring you right now?
My Headband Prism technique.
Seeing it take off has been incredibly rewarding. It's encouraging women, including many who never imagined wearing vivid color, to try something fun and expressive for the first time.
What should our industry be talking about more?
That we're all on the same team.
What skill will matter most over the next five years?
Leadership.
Invest in your stylists and assistants. As a leader, you're responsible for helping them grow. Treat them well and fill them with education and opportunity.
Karaoke song?
One last piece of advice for the MODERN SALON community?
Trust yourself.
Refine your work, keep improving your craft and you'll see your own signature style begin to bloom.
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