
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.
Valentine's day is tomorrow, and lovers everywhere will be gearing up for the annual homage to St Valentine. For traditional unisex salons this means a spike in business as love-struck female clients call in to make sure every hair is ...

Brodie Childs
Valentine's day is tomorrow, and lovers everywhere will be gearing up for the annual homage to St Valentine. For traditional unisex salons this means a spike in business as love-struck female clients call in to make sure every hair is perfect for a romantic night out, or even a cosy night in, with that special someone.
"Increasingly at 18|8 Fine Men’s Salons we’ve seen our clients are upping the grooming stakes, so anyone neglecting their male clients at this time of year is missing a trick," says Kristen Thewes, National Education Director at 18|8 Fine Men's Salon. "Men want to look their best, too, and with beards currently riding high in the fashion stakes, this is a perfect opportunity to raise the profile of men’s grooming services."
Beards can be tricky when it comes to romance. Some love getting up close and personal with a guy sporting a good crop of facial hair while others may be less infatuated with the idea – especially if their loved one’s whiskers are a scratchy and unkempt mess. Whichever side of the fence your clients’ nearest and dearest sit, Cupid’s arrow is more likely to hit its target if the beard is supple, groomed and in good condition.
So, how can you make the most of this year’s February love-fest? By brushing up on your beard skills, of course. Here, Thewes offers MODERN these tips:
Just as with hairstyling, face shape is a vital consideration when it comes to styling beards. Make sure your team understands this and that they give it due consideration when shaping their clients’ face hair.
Facial hair is naturally coarser and drier than the hair up top, so it also needs to be treated kindly to look and feel its best. Regular cleansing with a mild shampoo and gentle conditioner is essential. After this, applying specially formulated beard oils and moisturizers will help tame the wildest whiskers.
Don’t forget color. Though a good dash of white can look amazing, many guys are keen to hide the grey and keep the signs of ageing in check. But beards are generally subtly multi-hued, so home coloring can be a disaster, giving a fake-looking solid block shade (or a copper tint) that leaves any self-respecting beard-wearer with no alternative but to reach for the razor. So be ready to offer advice on ways you could help blend in any gray or white while leaving a totally natural look.
If your client has a longer beard, trim lightly, as guys are quite attached to their facial hair extremities. The best rule of thumb is to keep the sides lean and sharp without rounding around the jawbone. This will help keep the length and uphold a masculine shape (and your reputation on Yelp).
By maximizing your facial hair services you can guarantee your clients’ beards will look better, feel better and smell better, and that will be good news for them, for their other halves – and for your bottom line.

Getty Images

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

"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

Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.

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.

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.

From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.

A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.

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.

This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.

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

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.

These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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