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
Your Business Successes and Challenges
Participants in the February Healthy Hairdresser Challenge—“Leap Ahead to Financial Success!”—are supplying great tips for increasing business! Insights also have been valuable on the other half of the challenge, which ...
February 21, 2016
Dimitri Otis for Getty Images
3 min to read
Participants in the February Healthy Hairdresser Challenge—“Leap Ahead to Financial Success!”—are supplying great tips for increasing business! Insights also have been valuable on the other half of the challenge, which asks you to share the areas of your business that could use a little help.
You still have time to enter the February Challenge—don’t forget that this year February has 29 days!—for a chance to win an Ulta gift card valued at $50. MODERN SALON editors will choose 10 respondents to receive this generous gift, which can be used by salon pros in any Ulta store or online at ulta.com.
Citing a few things she does well, Challenge participant Nikki W. said, “I believe the strategy that works best for me is putting products into my clients’ hands as I am applying them. I increased my sales ten-fold when I started doing that. I also upsell to my clients; three-fifths of my customers take my suggestions to get a conditioning service with their chemical service or a shampoo and style with their haircut.” In identifying what she could do better, Nikki says that even though Instagram has proven to drive business, it’s hard for her to find time to post on social media. She vows, “I am going to start taking the opportunity to put my social media names on my business cards and ask my clients to add their pictures to my page.”
Here’s a peek into some of the other things our participants are doing well:
I ask my clients whether I can put just a few streaks around their face or a few ombre pieces, and they get hooked and I have a color client.—Kamala M.
I send out a mass text once a month to say hello or share a special deal. When they receive this, clients who have been putting off contacting me will book right away. I also send out appointment reminders and ask for confirmation on Mondays. This has pretty much gotten rid of no shows.—Mary Jane S.
During the appointment, I explain what I am doing today and what I will do at the next visit. This creates excitement and keeps them wanting to come back.—Sara M.
We do events that get clients involved. We’ve done a “Glam Night”—$50 for hair, makeup and photography—and “Curls Night Out” to teach women ways to curl their hair for a $20 charge. We offer refreshments, a goodie bag with products, a business card and a coupon for a service. Our events do well!—Cissy G.
I switched to a product line that consumers aren’t able to purchase on their own, and my product sales rose greatly—Nicole P.
Our participants struggle with, or could use coaching on, these business challenges they've identified:
Setting boundaries and sticking to them. I seem to work on my days off, come in early and stay late to make sure I accommodate my clients. It jeopardizes my family time.—Lori R.
The consultation can be challenging for me. When I don’t get an enthusiastic response to the look I give the client, I always wonder whether it’s because I did not ask the right questions during the consultation.—Laquita B.
I could use some assistance with how to do promotions. Promotions always get people’s interest, but I am cycling through the same old things and would like some new fresh ideas.—Karen W.
Sometimes I tell myself in the morning, “I will give out 10 business cardstoday.” I never do it. I end up disappointing myself time and time again.—Farah T.
I have never been a strong prebooker and am curious to know if there is a unique, non-pushy way to encourage prebooking.—Gabie V.
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