
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.
Jessica Mendieta (@JESSdomyHAIR), a colorist at Butterfly Loft in Encino, California, is one of our favorite makeover artists. "I love the ability we all have at embracing change," she says. "My approach to pastels, or grey ...

Jessica Mendieta (@JESSdomyHAIR), a colorist at Butterfly Loft in Encino, California, is one of our favorite makeover artists. "I love the ability we all have at embracing change," she says. "My approach to pastels, or grey tones, is to always try something different. This client came in with a picture of one of my smokey lavender colors. I love a good challenge. For this project the challenge was how to lift the hair light enough while still allowing it to give a smokey yet violet hue. I absolutely loved watching this color transform from brassy to my smokey violet. "
Here she shares the HOW TO:
Formula A: Wella Blondor Powder Lightener + 20 Volume Developer
Formula B: Wella Blondor Powder Lightener + 10 Volume Developer
Formula C: Equal parts Wella Illumina 7/81 + Wella Color Touch 1.9% (50mls+50mls) blended with Paul Mitchell Violet Color Shots (1oz)
Application:
1. Balayage in 1/2 inch sections, thoroughly saturating the mid shaft with formula A.
2. Use Formula B on the hair that had been previously lifted to a level 7.
3. Alternate every other section in both a balayage and baby highlight technique. Process for 30-40 minutes and then rinse. Towel dry.
4. Apply Formula C to the hair. Process for 20 minutes, then rinse.
5. Apply Moroccanoil Hydrating Masque all over hair. Process for 15 minutes under heat, then rinse.


MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.

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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!
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