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
Wedding Updo #5, Michael Anthony Salons
For Laurel's fifth wedding updo, we traveled to the north side of Chicago to visit one of the four Michael Anthony Salons. We met with master stylist Matina Koronakos, who created a romantic, but modern gathering of loose curls at the crown. It was big and beautiful. Don't be fooled by the casual and soft look -- every strand was thought out and carefully pinned.
by Melissa Hill
July 11, 20112 min to read
We're in the home stretch and nearing the end of the quest for the perfect bridal updo! This week's style is our fifth and second to the last -- then you get to vote. Stay tuned for details...
For Laurel's fifth wedding updo, we traveled to the north side of Chicago to visit one of the four Michael Anthony Salons. We met with master stylist Matina Koronakos, who created a romantic, but modern gathering of loose curls at the crown. It was big and beautiful. Don't be fooled by the casual and soft look -- every strand was thought out and carefully pinned. Then, Matina went on to create a killed smokey brown eye too!
Steps
IMG_2730
1. Stylist Matina started by setting Laurel's the top half of Laurel's hair in hot rollers, alternating between 1 inch and 1 and a half inch sizes. Before rolling each strand, she sprayed with an Aveda non-aerosol hairspray.
IMG_2735
2. While the rollers cooled, she curled the front sections of the hair, then the back. She again alternated between 1 inch and 1 and a half inch sizes for the curling irons. Before curling, she used an aerosol hairspray on each strand. In this case, she used an aerosol because it would not damage the hair when it connected with the high heat of the iron.
IMG_2739
3. After curling the rest of the hair, she released the cooled rollers.
IMG_2744
4. Next, she partitioned a section at the crown to create the base of the style.
IMG_2749
5. To build on the base, she began taking individual strands and looping and pinning them into place.
IMG_2717
6. As Matina continued to loop strands, she also wove them in and out of each other creating the intricate design.
IMG_2725
7. The style built outwards from the original base.
IMG_2757
8. Matina re-curled some strands around the face, before separating them and pinning them into place at the back of the head.
IMG_2759
9. She finished the hair style by sleeking and pinning back the sides.
IMG_2761
10. At the front, she sideswept the bangs to finish.
Finished Shots
IMG_2767
Matina also did Laurel's make-up, creating a smokey, natural brown eye -- in contrast to some of the plums and purples that have been used.
IMG_2705
Side view.
IMG_2709
Back view.
IMG_2722
Laurel with stylist and make-up artist, Matina Koronakos.
Related:
Wedding Updo #1, Ruby Room
Wedding Updo #2, Salon Coccole
Wedding Updo #3, Salon 1800
Wedding Updo #4, Avalon Salon
Wedding Updo #5, Michael Anthony Salons
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