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
Toned Down: Color That Wows But Doesn't Steal the Spotlight
Toned Down collection by Organic Salon Systems' Rebecca Gregory and Jennifer Andrews featured in July 2014 Modern Salon.
July 2, 2014
1/7
3 min to read
When a client comes in looking for a change, that “change” doesn’t always have to be grand to make a big difference. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a face frame, a few well-placed highlights or an overall color adjustment.
Adjusting hair color has become a specialty of Rebecca Gregory, Technical and Education Director for Organic Salon Systems. Although Gregory is an expert at dramatic makeovers, she also loves to tweak color to bring out the best in the client: her face, body, lifestyle and, of course, hair. For this model, Gregory wanted to introduce a copper and gold medley to her over-processed, flat, almost-platinum blonde. “A warmer, more wearable shade would better suit her skin tone and would better maintain the integrity of her hair,” Gregory says. “It’s great to correct her color and fill over-processed blonde into something more balanced and gorgeous.”
"Platinum can be too strong for some clients. A simple 'taking it down a notch' can make all the difference in the world." --Rebecca Gregory
The challenge, according to Gregory, is usually filling the hair. “We are filling in the transition,” she says. “Should she want to go darker, her colorist does not need to fill again. This color, through product and color selection, is balanced all in one step. The resulting color has more shine reflection and dimension.” After color, Gregory is always thrilled to hand her model over to Jennifer Andrews, Organic Salon Systems Creative Director, to add the perfect shape to enhance the color. A simple trim coupled with elegant styling created a look better suited to the model’s face, hair and lifestyle.
STEPS:
Section the hair as shown with a thin triangle across the parting, approximately 1 inch back from the hairline. Three small triangles, dropped to surround first triangle, are isolated.
2. Mix Organic Color Systems: ¾ oz 8 with ¼ oz 6TO with ¼ oz Silver Concentrate and 1¼ oz 10-volume cream developer to create a natural caramel beige. Apply to new growth.
3. To the lengths apply 1 oz 8CA, 1 oz 8CR, 1 oz 9GD with 3 ozs cream developer. This creates a caramel gold.
4. Now go to triangles. Begin slicing within the section. In the purple foils apply the lighter shade, a golden pearl: 1 oz 10GD, 1 oz Naturlite Oil and ¼ oz 11HS with 2 ¼ oz 10-volume cream developer. Apply from base to ends.
5. In green foils apply a golden copper: ¾ oz 8CA, ¾ oz 7CR, ¾ oz 8GD, and ¼ oz gold concentrate, blended with 2½ oz 10-volume cream developer.
6. In the top diamond alternate the two shades.
7. Foils are placed as shown.
8. Cover hair with a plastic cap.
9. Place under medium heat for 10–15 minutes, then cool for 10 minutes. Shampoo, condition and style.
PRODUCTS & TOOLS:
Color: Organic Color Systems
Shampoo and conditioner: Organic Power Build System.
Organic Care Products: Volume Mousse, Shape, Control, Thermal2Twenty
Blow dryer: ItaliaBRAVA from BaBylissPRO
Foils and gloves: Product Club
Cosmetic brushes: Tweezerman and Elaina Badro
Nail color: OPI, In The Cable Carpool Line
Lip color: Mirabella
Blush: Jane Iredale
Fashion: H&M Conscious Collection; Chanel; Kate Spade
CREDITS:
Hair: Rebecca Gregory and Jennifer Andrews
Photography: Roberto Ligresti
Make-up: David Maderich
Fashion styling: Rod Novoa assisted by Dennis Pinto
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