
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.
Approximately 17% of Americans still smoke. If you’re among the 70% of them who would like to quit, you have support! First, probably every nonsmoking family member, coworker and friend will be happy to help you in any possible way. Even ...

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Approximately 17% of Americans still smoke. If you’re among the 70% of them who would like to quit, you have support! First, probably every nonsmoking family member, coworker and friend will be happy to help you in any possible way. Even most of your smoking friends will root for you and perhaps be inspired if you’re able to stop. Then there’s your doctors and dentist, who want to keep you in good health.
Add to the list Healthy Hairdresser; we would love to see salon professionals’ cigarette use drop to zero percent. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), not only is smoking the leading cause of preventable death, but for every smoking-related death there are 30 smokers living with a disease caused by smoking.
Online, you have resources. CDC reserves an entire section for stories and tips from people who have quit smoking. Watch their videos or read through their personal accounts of why they smoked and how they quit until you recognize yourself in someone. Let that person’s triumph inspire you to follow through. Online support communities you can join include quit.com and quitsmokingcommunity.org. Both sites contain extensive information about how to quit and “stay quit.” For example, quitsmokingcommunity.org offers these five tips to help you quit for good:
Share your plan. Telling someone that you’re quitting will keep you accountable.
Freshen your breath. Sucking mints and brushing your teeth reduces your craving for cigarettes.
Eat fruit. Many fruits are high in antioxidants to cut toxin levels in your body, and acidic fruits reduce cravings. Keep your mouth occupied!
Drink water. This, too, will dilute the toxins, reduce withdrawal symptoms and keep your mouth feeling clean.
Track your progress. Celebrate every day—every hour!—that you don’t pick up a cigarette. If your strategy is to gradually limit the number of cigarettes before completely giving up smoking, celebrate every step.

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.

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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