MENU
SEARCHSchool owners, Paul Mitchell Artistic Directors and passionate hairdressers and educators, Scott Cole and Linda Yodice have advice for hairdressers—novice to experienced—on the importance of understanding the male client.
LINDA YODICE and SCOTT COLE
School owners, Paul Mitchell Artistic Directors and passionate hairdressers and educators, Scott Cole and Linda Yodice have advice for hairdressers—novice to experienced—on the importance of understanding the male client.
“Barbering is one of the three fastest growing categories in the industry,” says Cole, who recently taught a class at Paul Mitchell’s The Gathering called “Gentlemen Prefer Geometry.” “The challenge we have is that hairdressers fear clippers and scissors over comb barbering. But we try and tell them that it’s essentially the original way of doing hair. I was trained at Sassoon and we were taught geometrics and we are going back to that craft. It is taking hair closer and making it soft and clean.”
The male client wants to be approached differently than a woman, too.
“You have to be stronger in your consultation, a bit more assertive, but you can’t get into their space. Men like to be told what you’re going to do, they don’t want you to be indecisive or they will start to question why they are sitting in your chair. You have to be bold. “
Yodice, one of MODERN SALON’S Top 75 Educators of All Time, encourages students and stylists to get into men’s heads, a little, before starting to work on their head.
“Many hairdressers are saying they are not comfortable with men’s grooming but the more research they do, the more expert they will become. Even picking up a book like, ‘Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus’ can help them better understand the male psyche. Talk to the men in your life—your brothers, fathers, husband—and dialogue with them so you understand what makes them feel good. “
The sensitive subject of thinning hair is one that Cole feels truly torments men, even those in their early 20’s.
“I don’t think people realize what it does to a guy to be noticing that they are losing their hair,” Cole says. “Men are really fearful when they see their hair thinning but you can work with it and make it look thicker with the right techniques and doing a club cutting instead of razoring or texturing.”
“Also, do research outside of hairdressing and get to know the doctors in your city that do hair implantation treatments and services,” Yodice adds. “Let them know you are a resource for their clients.”
Product choice for men should be results-focused, easy to use and simple to find, says Yodice.
“All the MITCH by Paul Mitchell products are color-coded so it’s easy to see what they do and what type of result will be achieved. They also have more masculine names that make a man feel comfortable with his choice.”
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Caidy Brasure's perspective on specializing in editorial and special occasion styling.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Shonda Harvey-Gayle's perspective on specializing in extensions.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked these artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. See Stacey Ciceron's perspective on specializing in natural texture.
Get to know Jerwin Carlos, a fun-loving hairstylist and a member of Ulta Beauty's Artist Collective.
Check out these beautiful holiday and winter nails, created by the talented nail artists of our MODERN SALON 100 of 2025. Top-tier inspiration!
As we prepared this year’s MODERN SALON 100, our annual recognition of standout artists, we invited salon owners to nominate rising stars on their teams. The response was tremendous, filled with heartfelt praise for talented professionals.
Meet Jill Buck, a dynamic celebrity hairstylist, Davines North America Color Ambassador, and devoted mom whose creative flair extends seamlessly from the salon to the screen.
It's our 10th year of recognizing the most passionate and inspiring gamechangers in our industry! See who made this year's list.
Get to know Ulta Beauty Design Team member and Elite Stylist Beto Sanchez!
Alli Webb, the beauty entrepreneur and founder of Drybar, is back with a new haircare line inspired by lessons learned, and an embrace of her natural texture. After some difficult years, Webb decided to stop trying to control things and instead, find the magic in the mess.
Laura Gunter is a respected hairstylist, educator, and creative force based in Marietta, Georgia. With more than a decade of experience, she’s built a dynamic career that bridges artistry, mentorship, and industry leadership.
Eyre features deep, midnight hair color hues with metallic accents and her models are framed by darkness and caught in shadow, emphasizing their powerful presence.
Happy Women's History Month! Here's a woman who's making history in our industry today: Carolyn Aronson of leading haircare brand It's A 10.
From rethinking traditional assistant and apprenticeship programs to helping stylists avoid burnout and build community, this interview with Vee Vargas, a finalist for the NAHA Inspiring Salon of the Year, will inspire you.
