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
Manning Up to Breast Cancer
Although males account for only 1% of breast cancer cases, breast cancer still is a diagnosis faced by 2,350 men each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime risk for men of about 1 in 1,000 has remained stable over the past ...
October 23, 2015
Ingolf Hatz for Getty Images
2 min to read
Although males account for only 1% of breast cancer cases, breast cancer still is a diagnosis faced by 2,350 men each year, according to the American Cancer Society. The lifetime risk for men of about 1 in 1,000 has remained stable over the past 30 years, and men have about the same rate of cure as women.
Some guys with breast cancer keep it quiet, feeling embarrassed to have a “woman’s disease.” But hairdresser Paul Dombroski, owner of Style Council in New Tampa, Florida, has gone public with this diagnosis, which he received in 2013. Before entering the salon industry, Dombroski spent six years in the NFL playing for the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s already proven that he’s tough.
Dombroski, 59, knew cancer was in his family. His father died of pancreatic cancer, and his mother and aunt are breast cancer survivors. When he felt a lump on his chest, he feared that the news wouldn’t be good. But he knew that getting treatment early would give him the best chance for a full recovery. He’s speaking out to encourage other men who notice a lump to overcome any embarrassment and go get it checked out. “Man up,” he’s quoted as saying. “I had to man up with breast cancer. If you suspect something you have to act on it.” His wife of more than 30 years is supporting Dombroski in spreading the message.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the most prominent risk factors for men are exposure to radiation, high levels of estrogen from liver disease or Klinefelter Syndrome and any family history of breast cancer—5% to 10% of male breast cancer is caused by hereditary factors.
Dombroski received treatment, and two years later he is doing well, with no signs of cancer. Leave it to a hairdresser to bring an important story out into the open!
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