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: Level 5 Box To "Bright and Blonde"
Jen Cappe (@jenviahair) of Fierro Hair Salon (@fierrohair) of San Luis Obispo, California, says, "Chelsea was new client. She told me she was coloring her natural level 7 to a level 5 for the past year. She requested to be as bright ...
May 6, 2016
2 min to read
Jen Cappe (@jenviahair) of Fierro Hair Salon (@fierrohair) of San Luis Obispo, California, says, "Chelsea was new client. She told me she was coloring her natural level 7 to a level 5 for the past year. She requested to be as bright and blonde as possible. Having had a previous consultation at the salon, I realized I needed about four hours to accomplish the entire process."
Cappe knew what she was in for.
"My passion for hair started at age 13. Very often I found myself cutting and coloring my friends hair with off the shelf box color and probably kept several salons busy with color corrections!" she says.
In an effort to master her craft, Cappe finds herself experimenting with different hair techniques. "A couple of years ago I came up with a unique method of applying haircolor. I wanted a way to create an ombre highlight with a soft transition. It became so popular I named it the 'melted highlight'. What makes it unique is that it is a highlight using permanent color and bleach applied at the same time in the same foil. Although the effect is similar to balayage, this technique adds more dimension and detail."
Here, Cappe shares the HOW-TO for this correction:
Step 1: Dry cut taking off about 3 inches to start with a bit more of a clean slate.
Step 2: Full foil highlight “melting” Wella Illumina 40g 7/81 and 40g with 20 volume into Blondor Bleach with 30 volume. Start with a section of a full highlight permanent color applied to the first 2 inches of the hair closest to the root. In the same foil bleach is applied to the remainder of the hair blending the two colors in the middle creating a melted color effect. A very important step is to sandwich the highlight between two foils to prevent bleeding. Process for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: To add dimension, balayage all of the hair outside the foils using Wella Freelights with 40 volume.
Step 4: At the shampoo bowl color cleanse the ends using Wella Blondor with 40 volume adding some extra brightness throughout the ends.
Step 5: Gloss using Wella Color Touch 20g 10/6 and 10g 9/01 with 60g 1.9 Color touch developer to cancel out any unwanted warmth.
Step 6: Finish with a fresh haircut styled with Oribe Gold Lust Oil and RandCo Blow Out Balm!
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