
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.
Modern Salon asks celebrity hairdressers what their favorite look is on a man.
Q: What is your all-time favorite look for men's hair?

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Brent Hardgrave: "The Pompadour. I sported one while working at Johnny Rockets while working my way through hair school! The teasing class came in real handy-it was an aerodynamic dream!"
Keune International Artisan Brent Hardgrave has a mantra: "Experience the experience of experience." "It's who I am," he says. "I started at Disney World and that experience allowed me to understand customer service."
Hardgrave first went to college to become a nurse or interior designer. "My mother always said as I was growing up, ‘Please do not grow up to be one of those hairdressers.' I was crushed because in my heart I already was ‘one of those hairdressers!'" Good news for us: He's a great one!

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Craig Hanson: "Classic Hollywood; smooth finish, a little bit of shine and brushed off the face in a casual gesture which ends up looking effortless and cool. James Dean is a great example!"
With 27 years in the salon industry, American Crew Creative Director Craig Hanson possesses a unique ability to distill high fashion into inspiring and tangible design for a greater audience. He worked in salons behind the chair for more than 12 years including Horst & Friends, Jon English and his own; Medusa, before joining American Crew in 1995.
Hanson was key in the creation and ongoing development of American Crew's education department, and has been instrumental in shaping the overall American Crew brand image. He is responsible for conceiving and developing the annual collections for the American Crew brand, which are now recognized in the industry as the standard in men's grooming.

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Adrienne Rogers: "Dean Martin slick and slicked back. It translates to every generation-always cool."
Adrienne Rogers, National Technical Training Director for Product Club Haircolor Accessories, has been a professional hairdresser and colorist for more than 20 years. When not on the road or platform for Product Club, Rogers can be found at Cutler Salon in New York City where she is a senior colorist, or at her Hush Salon in Philadelphia, which she owns with husband Carlos Rogers, who created the cut and style for this session.
Rogers is a regular as an artist at New York's Fashion Week and has created looks for Glamour and Elle Girl and has designed numerous make-overs for other magazines and TV.

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Laura VanderMoere: "A traditional cut with clean lines combined with edge-y texture!"
Laura VanderMoere, Wahl platform artist and owner of Whairhouse in Charleston, South Carolina, is a licensed barber and has been an educator in barber colleges. Seventy percent of her clientele is male. "I always use a clipper for male clients and am now introducing it on my female clients," she says. "I am trying to break the myth that clippering is just for grandfathers. Wahl has created a series of blades that can do anything a scissor can!"

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