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
Winter Vacation Guidelines for Perfect Bikini Zone Skin
For women planning a winter getaway to a warm-weather destination, the bikini zone suddenly becomes a big concern! If you have a spa at your salon, your problem is solved; you can book an appointment with the esthetician. If you don’t, ...
February 8, 2016
Colin Anderson for Getty Images
3 min to read
For women planning a winter getaway to a warm-weather destination, the bikini zone suddenly becomes a big concern! If you have a spa at your salon, your problem is solved; you can book an appointment with the esthetician. If you don’t, licensed esthetician Rachel Sharoff at Skintology Skin and Laser Center in New York City has some advice for you whether your preferred hair removal is shaving, laser or waxing.
SHAVING
Note how your skin reacts normally reacts to shaving. If your bumps after a shave are few to none, just moisturize the area for a couple of days before and after you shave. However, if your skin is moderately or extremely sensitive, develop an exfoliating and moisturizing routine.
Slow down. A lot of irritation can be caused by simply shaving too quickly. The friction of razor on skin can cause bumps, redness and ingrown hairs. Be patient as you slide the razor slowly but firmly, and you’ll be surprised at how much less irritation you’ll experience.
Break out a new razor often. If you shave daily or every few days, throw out your razor every two to three weeks. A fresh, sharp razor is essential to a great shave.
LASER
Shave the day before. A fresh shave helps the laser to locate the follicles. Use a clean, new razor to eliminate any lingering bacteria that could cause contact dermatitis (a delayed allergic reaction) after your laser treatment.
Avoid caffeine. You may find that caffeine increases sensitivity.
Be rested and hydrated. Your pain receptors will be higher if you're fatigued and dehydrated.
Ask your technician to try different paces. Some technicians perform the laser service in quick bursts, while others use a slow, continuous pace. Ask to try both techniques in order to determine which feels better on your skin.
Avoid tanning. Whether you tan in the sun or a tanning bed, the rays can be harmful after exposing your skin to laser. Avoid both, and apply SPF when you go outside.
WAXING
Prep your skin. Exfoliate and moisturize regularly for about a week until the day before your wax. Clean, moisturized skin is more flexible, making the waxing service less painful than waxing dry skin.
Find the right wax. Hard wax—typically honey-colored and peeled by hand by the technician—is considered a less painful method and better for the skin than soft wax with paper strips. But it may take some trial and error for you to determine which you prefer. You also can try a third method, sugar wax.
Work around your monthly cycle. Your skin tends to be more sensitive, and your pain threshold lower, right before and during your period.
Make sure your hair is long enough. Hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long for wax to catch it. If you can grab it with your fingertips, you’re good to go!
Don’t shave in between sessions. Because shaved hair grows back harder and coarser than waxed hair, which grows back thinner each time, shaving in between sessions compromises the benefits of waxing.
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