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
Trending: Modern Fauxhawk and Disconnected Pixie
The Great Clips Academy is a blended learning program that combines online courses and in-person training for a cohesive, customizable training and development experience for stylists employed by independent franchisees. See what's trending--Modern Fauxhawk and Disconnected Pixie.
February 5, 2020
Meet the modern fauxhawk! It’s from the Fierce Elements by Great Clips collection and features a new take on the classic cut, created with razor techniques.
1/5
In partnership with
2 min to read
Imagine if you had the chance to create a hair cut that would be taught to thousands of stylists across the U.S. and Canada. How would you feel if your cut was chosen? That’s exactly what happened for Great Clips, Inc. Education Services Specialist Joni Bierman and National Education Services Specialist Scott Sellers and they’re still feeling excitement and pride!
INSPIRATION
The new trend collection from Great Clips, Inc. is called Fierce Elements by Great Clips, and is the second to be created by the education team for stylists in Great Clips salons. The collection puts a modern spin on trendy hair cuts that incorporate texture and movement via a combination of clipper cutting and razor techniques.
Bierman, who joined Great Clips, Inc. in 2015, created a razor cut she calls the Ares. Her inspiration came from the fierce mohawk style of Great Clips Mohawk Warrior Monster Jam driver Bryce Kenny. “My two boys used to watch Monster Jam regularly,” Bierman says. “And I recently went to a Monster Jam event in Oakland and the kids were lining up to get mohawks! I wanted to create my own take on Bryce’s signature look using razor techniques.”
Sellers has been part of the Great Clips, Inc. team for nine years. His inspiration for the pixie cut he calls the Fallon came from his observation that more and more Great Clips stylists were interested in the cut. “I knew the style would work well with the Great Clips Cutting and Clipper Systems,” he says. “And I wanted to create a short, fun and edgy hai rcut for women who want creative freedom and a sassy look.”
THE GREAT CLIPS ACADEMY
The Fierce Elements by Great Clips collection will become part of the broader education program available to all Great Clips stylists. Called the Great Clips Academy, the blended learning program combines online courses and in-person training for a cohesive, customizable training and development experience for stylists employed by independent franchisees. As part of the Academy program, stylists can attend three technical sessions, including the Great Clips Cutting and Clipper Systems and trend hair cuts, led by Great Clips, Inc. Education Services Specialists.
“As a stylist for the Great Clips brand, you get numerous opportunities for continuing education and development,” comments Sellers. “Great Clips Academy classes exceed the expectations of even veteran stylists, and everyone usually walks away wanting even more.”
Get more information about careers at Great Clips.
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