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SEARCHThose of you who read the January MODERN SALON cover credits may not be familiar with the stylist who created the look. While Michelle Charles Duncan has a stellar resume, she’s not yet the industry icon that some of our other cover artists can claim to be.
Those of you who read the January MODERN SALON cover credits may not be familiar with the stylist who created the look. While Michelle Charles Duncan has a stellar resume, she’s not yet the industry icon that some of our other cover artists can claim to be.
Duncan’s path to the cover started when she got involved in one of MODERN SALON’s Artist Sessions, a hands-on photo shoot workshop for salon professionals led by our NYC-based Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern. Artist Session is just one of many ways MODERN SALON Media is committed to connecting with our audience to bring “education, inspiration and collaboration” to life.
Another was our recent launch of YOUshare, a community video library on modernsalon.tv, organized exclusively for beauty professionals and students just starting their careers. YOUshare provides an unique opportunity for stylists to present their best educational and inspirational videos to their peers, across our media network, we have been highlighting some of the exceptional work. Both programs are meaningful and powerful.
Both provide valuable exposure opportunities to celebrate and champion beauty as a career choice. For a stylist, creating the cover style for MODERN SALON or having work highlighted on modernsalon.tv can accelerate a career to the next level–not only by creating demand at the salon, but to connect with sponsors, work with celebrities, or present at events.
As I travel around our industry, I’ve been fortunate to meet professionals at every stage of their careers and have enjoyed seeing all the great work they produce. It’s clear there are lots of beauty stars waiting to be discovered. All are passionate, and there is much, much talent. But the difference between those stylists or “rising stars” we’ve heard of—and those we haven’t —is generally tied to the opportunities they’ve acted upon.
Unlike some careers, the beauty industry provides plenty of ways to be recognized.
We at MODERN are proud to do our part, but acknowledge that our market’s trade shows, associations, distributors, suppliers and other throughout the industry regularly provide the platform to showcase emerging talent. Rising Stars, NAHA, Intercoiffure Nouveau and Jr. Styles Stars are just a few of the programs to do so.
With a few exceptions, most of the “big names” in the industry had humble beginnings. But they worked their way up—taking advantage of training, competitions and doing whatever they could to grow. They invested time and resources, and focused on a goal of being recognized for their true talent.
Even if you are not “reaching for the stars” yourself, you can help put them in position. Be an advocate for the future of beauty. When you recognize talent or ambition in your network of salon customers, point the stylists and salon owners in the right direction. Encourage them to enter local competitions and search out local educational opportunities. Remind them to experience and seek out top educators at trade shows, to learn from their peers, and to participate in every opportunity to connect with MODERN and other resources.
Who knows? One of these days we may showcase their work on the cover of MODERN.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.
Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
