Hairlab Detroit-The Salon is owned by super style duo Rodrick Samuels and Lauren (Moser) Samuels its a private by appointment only salon and advanced education academy.
These power partners travel the world teaching and inspiring many in the art of hairdressing.
Rodrick who’s a master with the clippers and international speaker and educator was recently recognized by Barbers Only Magazine as top barber educator in the USA. Rodrick has been a nominee for Milady Educator of the Year, a finalist at AIPP 2016 and a finalist at NAHA 2017 for best men’s hair.
Lauren is a “curl expert” her head turning creations have been featured on fashion runway shows, editorial photo shoots and ads campaigns.
She was a finalist at NAHA 2013 and winner for texture at NAHA 2015.
How did you and Lauren individually originally get into Hairdressing?
Rodrick– I got into hairdressing through failure. I was kicked out of college and my sister encouraged me to go to barber school, which also didn’t work out so I did a two-year apprenticeship training and there was no turning back.
Lauren– As a teenager, I was always experimenting with coloring my own hair, and styling my friends’ hair for formal dances. I realized I was happiest when I had my hands in hair. I was offered the opportunity to get my license through an apprenticeship at the best salon in my area instead of going to school. It was an incredible opportunity. My time at that salon taught me dedication and discipline, and allowed me to grow into the stylist I am today.
What or who inspires each of your hair creations?
Rodrick– I’m inspired by music and history. Music shapes our culture; from Hip Hop to blue-eyed soul and I also find a lot of inspiration from our travels to other countries.
Lauren– My inspiration comes from many different places. Sometimes I find inspiration in movies or fashion magazines, and sometimes I am inspired by different cultures we experience when traveling. Rodrick is always my motivator. He helps keep me organized and on track with my visions. We joke that he is my handler. Lol
What are some of the benefits working As power partners in your hair studio and the Hair world?
Rodrick– We balance each other very well. Where one is weak the other is strong and we can trust each other to complete tasks and to take care of our clients and students.
Lauren– Working together has been a dream come true. We are so different in our approach to hair and business, yet when it comes to morals and work ethic we are identical. I think that this magical combination allows us to operate as a whole making us successful in everything that we do. Where I lack, he excels and vice versa so we are able to fill each other’s void making everything run smoothly for us. So many of our clients joke that they could never work with their spouse, and we can’t imagine being as successful without each other.
What tools and/or products can each of you Not live without at the moment?
Rodrick– At the moment, I’m obsessed with my Y.Spark Barber Combs, a must have!
Lauren– As a curly hair specialist, my favorite products are ones that help my curly girls battle the dry winter months here in Detroit. Currently, I am in love with a product from a new line we just brought into the salon. It is the Shape Shifter Re-forming Crème by Original Moxie. This product is a moisturizing cream gel that offers the perfect balance of moisture and holds for most curl types. Not only does it hold, it’s ultra-rich formula deep conditions detangles and smooths down the cuticle for ultimate frizz control.
We love their work energy and partnership, watch this!
