
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.
The looks at Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards were truly headline-worthy. In particular, we noticed Beyoncé’s gorgeous glow as she revealed her pregnancy, witnessed Lady Gaga in drag try to smooch a more subdued Britney Spears, and observed Nicki Minaj walk the red carpet with a cartoon-crazy Dayglo updo. With viewers and the media still buzzing about the show, we got the rundown from Kelly Franiak, stylist/colorist for the past seven years at Salonblonde in Chicago, about her take on the event.









The looks at Sunday night’s MTV Video Music Awards were truly headline-worthy. In particular, we noticed Beyoncé’s gorgeous glow as she revealed her pregnancy, witnessed Lady Gaga in drag try to smooch a more subdued Britney Spears, and observed Nicki Minaj walk the red carpet with a cartoon-crazy Dayglo updo.
With viewers and the media still buzzing about the show, we got the rundown from Kelly Franiak, stylist/colorist for the past seven years at Salonblonde in Chicago, about her take on the event (and be sure to check out our slideshow below). Franiak’s pick for best look of the night? Beyoncé (who also took home the moonman for Best Choreography). Not only did Beyoncé look chic with a low side pony and bold colored dress for her red carpet look, she really rocked it on stage during her performance with her flawless skin and full, cascading curls. “She’s so classy and sexy,” says Franiak. “I loved her look on stage, her hair was so thick and glamorous.”
Three-time VMA winner Adele, who strolled the red carpet wearing a big ’60s-style bouffant and dramatic eyeliner, also won plenty of beauty accolades. “Adele looked so pretty and flawless,” says Franiak. “Her look was such a classic.”
As for the outrageous hair color worn by the likes of Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj, Franiak was split. Katy’s purple-pink color was cute, but Nicki just had too much going on, says Franiak. “But it was very her, very out there. It’s definitely a futuristic look.” (Perry won three VMAs, and Minaj took home one for Best Hip-Hop Video.)
One controversial look that Franiak wasn’t feeling: Lady Gaga in drag. She also adds that Britney Spears' long blonde locks were “kind of boring.” However, both performers were still winners with the MTV audience, with Gaga taking home two awards and Spears bringing home one.
Did you watch the VMAs? Who had the best look of the night? Did you love the fun, outrageous looks or were they are turnoff? Tell us below!

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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