
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.
Lead stylist of SalonCapri Nicholas Penna, Jr. offers MODERN an exclusive how-to on how to re-create this BEAUTIFUL "S" Braid. Get the steps inside.
Next week I will be posting a few different braid how-tos for all of you braid lovers! To give you a little sneak peek of what you can expect, I found this amazing "S" braid recently (on sheexists.com) and owner and lead stylist of SalonCapri in Newton & Dedham, MA, Nicholas Penna, Jr. offered MODERN an exclusive how-to on how to re-create it.
If you have created a braid like no other, feel free to e-mail me at lsalapatek@vancepublishing.com with your braid photo and your how-to steps on how to achieve it. If your braid is unique enough, I may feature it on modernsalon.com! So get braiding!
Do you want more braid ideas? Take a look at the Nymph Braid created by Kevin Murphy at the Australian Fashion Week 2012.
OR
Check out the Conch Shell Braid, it wraps and swirls beautifully in the hair.
STEPS:
1. Before starting to braid, use a flat iron to straighten out any curl or wave. Use a thermal protecting spray to protect the hair.
2. Beginning on the side opposite the client’s natural part, collect a two-inch section of hair and begin a French braid towards the back of the head. Keep the braid loose moving towards the back. Nick keeps Shu Uemura’s Shape Paste close by to keep the braid in place and stop pieces from falling out.
3. Upon reaching the back of the client’s head, take one inch sections from the top layer of hair to add into the braid. As you move across the back of her head, begin angling the braid downwards towards her back continuing to add one inch sections of hair.
4. After including all of the first layer, move back towards the other side including the next layer of hair into the braid. Continue this process in an S-shape until you’ve completed the braid all the way down the client’s back.
5. Secure the braid with a clear elastic and using a hair-colored bobby pin, hide the end up and under the braid doing your best to conceal the elastic.
6. For a finishing touch-up, use hair spray to get rid of any flyaways and secure the braid in place.

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.

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