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
Tips to entering hairstyling competitions
How should hairstylists and beauty school students prepare for competitions? We get some expert advice.
by Staff
July 10, 20112 min to read
Announcing the winners July 2010, Sebastian Professional's What's Next Awards has been hugely popular among hairdressers. The competition calls for stylists to create edgy looks according to their interpretation
of volume. Bi-weekly winners are selected to make a team of eight finalists, who will then go onto a final
evaluation by the Sebastian's Stylist Design Team. We talk to What's Next Awards finalists Steve Elias, round one winner "Pump Up the Volume!" and Beatrice de Jong, round two winner "Doll," for advice on competing in hairstyling competitions.
First Chair: How should hairstylists and beauty school students prepare for competitions?
Steve Elias
Elias: I was going for a look that was airy, big and glamorous-embracing all aspects of volume. As with all
photo shoots, I find it's important to choose the right model with the right hair mixed with the right styling products to fully realize your vision.
beatrice
Beatrice de Jong
de Jong: It is always important to remember the basic techniques you learned in school, like roller sets and
fingerwaves. I still use skills I learned in school, but now I know how to tweak them and add them to create something modern.
First Chair: What advice do you have for those interested in competing?
Elias: Prepare, prepare, prepare! Start with your concept, and work on getting the right models and the right team. Remember it's not just about the hair-it's about the whole package. Ask yourself if the photography, the model, the whole beauty concept works together to make a beautiful picture.
de Jong: Get inspired! Pull photos from magazines or the internet for inspiration on new ideas. Practice those ideas on doll heads, and try to work out exactly how to execute the hair style beforehand so that on the day of the shoot you will be more confident and faster. That way you can spend more time perfecting (i.e. combing fly-aways).
Beatrice de Jong's Top 3 Tips for Entering Hairstyling Competitions
1. Challenge yourself: Try something new! This is one of the chances you have to be freely creative.
2. Have a game plan: Decide what you want to do, and practice your style. Make sure you have all the tools and products you will need to create the style.
3. Stay true to yourself: Make sure you are doing work that you are proud of. Don't worry about what your competitors are doing.
Steve Elias's Top 3 Tops for Entering Hairstyling Competitions
1. Give yourself time to prepare.
2. Have patience.
3. Have fun!
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