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
Flaming Red Ombre: The How To
Without a doubt the ombre trend has officially hit mainstream. No matter where you're located, one thing is for certain, ombre is HOT—and if you don't know how to get the look, search no further. Here's how.
April 16, 2012
1/7
2 min to read
Without a doubt the ombre trend has officially hit mainstream—once attributed to Drew Barrymore, the super-popular color trend, featuring gradual color progression, has peaked in some areas of the country, while in others clients are just now asking colorists how to achieve the look. No matter where you're located, one thing is for certain, ombre is HOT—and if you don't know how to get the look, search no further.
MODERN Facebook fan Mary Tran posted this pic of her newly-updated "flaming red ombre" color and it was love at first site for our thousands of Facebook fans. We tracked down Mary, and her colorist Laura Shields, at her Sit Still Salon in Venice Beach, California, for the how-to.
Before: Natural Level 4 with 4-inch regrowth. Previously colored ends with Goldwell Colorance 4N.
Step 1: Prelighten hair to a Level 6/7 with 30-volume developer from mid-shaft to ends, then go back and apply on roots to make sure product is saturated toroughly throughout the entire head. Depending on the porosity and natural level of your client's hair you can formulate with a lower-volume developer.
Step 2: Shampoo and towel dry. Apply Wella Color Touch 44/65 from roots to ends. Process according to instructions.
Step 3: Shampoo and blow dry. Section the hair in quadrants. Forehead to nape, ear to ear. Starting in the back, weave 1/2-inch sections. A thicker weave creates a more dramatic look. In this step-by-step, very thick weaves were used. Tease the hair from mid-shaft to roots about 5 times. The more you tease, the softer the ombre blends.
Step 4: Apply lightener with 20-volume developer on the ends. While applying, feather the color with downward strokes using the brush vertically. Tip: Applying the lightener horizontally creates a harsh, blunt line.
Step 5: When working on the front two quads, take 1/2-inch diagonal forward sections, then tease and apply lightener with the same technique as in steps 3 and 4.
Step 6: Lift the ombre highlights until the desired level is achieved.
LIKE THIS LOOK? YOU'LL LOVE THESE TOO!
• Violet and Wild Orchid Vivids: This popular color is HOT!
• Check out this color chalking tutorial for another must-have look this summer!
• Pastel color is HOT... here's how to achieve the perfect pastel purple.
• Kevin Murphy's Color.Bug gives a color chalking effect, minus the chalk!
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