
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.
"Hair is my passion," says Kimberly Marie (@km_stylist) of Salon Ish in Puyallup, WA. "I am inspired to create looks that complement my clients look and lifestyle. I am devoted to creating a unique style for each client that ...

"Hair is my passion," says Kimberly Marie (@km_stylist) of Salon Ish in Puyallup, WA. "I am inspired to create looks that complement my clients look and lifestyle. I am devoted to creating a unique style for each client that reflects his or her own beauty, making each feel fabulous!"
For this first time client, Kimberly Marie had a fun challenge. "The client had not had her hair done in months. She came in with 4 inches of grow out to a level 7 foil highlight. She was in desperate need of a cut and deep conditioning treatment. In our consultation she stated she did not want the maintenance of a bleach and tone or traditional foil, so we decided a heavy balayage look would be best for her lifestyle."
Here she shares the how to for this transformation:
Formula:
Mix Pravana's Pure Light Balayage Lightener with the high activator (1:2 ratio), blended with one tube of Brazilian Bond Builder to ensure the health of the hair in the lifting process. (Note: When using b3 with lightening services, you will bump your developer up 1 level. If b3 is not used, I would have used the medium lift developer)
Application:
-Using Guy Tang's balayage brushes and paddle, begin application in the nape with large triangle sections "to leave, what I like to call 'dimensional shadow-pockets' of her natural color peeking through' as I work up to the crown." Separate each section with plastic wrap to ensure a highlift.
-Remix the same formula changing the ratio (1:2.5) for the last portion of the color service. Take smaller triangle sections, meshing closer to the scalp giving a natural dimensional look.
- Process for 25 minutes. Rinse.
-Tone with Platnuim Cool Blonde, Redken Shades EQ 2oz 9V +1oz 9T +1oz 9N + 4oz processing solution. Process 15 mintues at shampoo bowl, then rinse.
- Deep condition with Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Keratin Treatment to lock in the toner, add shine & repair damage. Process under the dryer for 10 minutes then rinse.
-Finish with Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Creme and curl with a 1.5 inch GHD Curling Iron. Spray with Moroccanoil Strong Hairspray.
"She left feeling rejuvenated and without the commitment of a traditional foil or bleach and tone. Balayage has given her the freedom to love her hair.
As a stylist, balayage has my heart."


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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