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
TRANSFORMATION: Going For Effortless Beauty
Margot was ready for a fresh look that was both professional and fashionable. She connected with Stephen Thevenot (@steventhev) for a new shape and Alissa Frum (@eligha, #alissafrumhair) for color, both of the Eva Scrivo Salon in NYC. The goal ...
August 29, 2015
1/6
3 min to read
Margot was ready for a fresh look that was both professional and fashionable. She connected with Stephen Thevenot (@steventhev) for a new shape and Alissa Frum (@eligha, #alissafrumhair) for color, both of the Eva Scrivo Salon in NYC. The goal was to design a gentle but impactful makeover.
CUT:
For cut and style, Thevenot decided to go classic with a touch of today. "It was my first time working with her," says Thevenot. "Her hair was long and basic which she wore in a messy bun on a daily basis. She seemed confident and was ready for something more modern." According to Thevenot, Margot said she was fascinated by and drawn to the effortless beauty of French girls. "But we wanted to keep it a drop longer than the traditional tossled bob for a bit more edge. This shape is super wearable." The hair was cut entirely with a straight blade.
Step 1: Remove length with a straight blade, leaving the back slightly shorter with a front corner ending at her clavicle.
Step 2: Remove weight with slices in the nape. "Clients tend to have bulk in the nape and I wanted the hair to sit in a bit more."
Step 3: Go in and create an internal square layer throughout from temple to temple.
Step 4: Chisel in a few strategic long layers from the crown to create height and movement without looking like a traditional layer.
Step 5: Create a few pieces in the face frame while maintaining the front corner. (This finished look was created with a beach spray at the root and midshaft and rough hand dry with a bit of twisting around the face.)
COLOR:
Alissa Frum decided to follow the cut for the perfect color. "She needed a full head of highlights since so much of her blonde was lost in the cut and her parting had been changed," says Frum. "Because she had an edgier cut, I wanted to accent the layers and the pieces in the front for a more modern finish." Frum adds that with shorter hair on a young client it's nice to keep depth at the root to not only allow the blonde to pop but to maintain the effortless beauty, as desired.
Step 1: Using a balayage technique, apply Goldwell Silk Lift with 30 volume througout the hair. Paint with very fine sections for extra blonde highlights.
Step 2: Process to pale blonde and then rinse.
Step 3: Apply a root glaze of a cool toned level 9. "I wanted to keep the depth of her natural color but soften the start of the highlights."
Step 4: Dry the ends slightly. Pick up the previously highlighted hair and paint thick sections on the ends and around the hairline. Process for just 5 minutes for an extra pop and brightness without damaging the hair.
Step 5: Shampoo and seal with Shu Uemura Color Lust Cool Blonde.
all photos by Nick Uccan
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