In the fashion industry, it is customary to talk about trends. Much less often in this field do people talk about the people who shape trends and make a huge contribution to the development of the industry.
On the occasion of the professional holiday, Hairdressers’ Day, we talk to just such a specialist, a certified international hair stylist, winner of the Cosmopolitan Awards and The Fashion & Beauty Awards, coach, mentor, and talented specialist Olena Osypenko.
In this interview, we talk about the profession, the responsibilities of a master stylist, the trend toward healthy hair, and the differences in approaches to hairstyling in the US and Eastern Europe.
– Olena, congratulations on your upcoming professional holiday!
– Thank you, and I join in congratulating my colleagues.
– Hairdressers’ Day is a good occasion to talk about the profession. How would you describe it today?
– Hair directly shapes one’s image, style, and self-confidence. Therefore, it is a profession with a very high level of responsibility, always requiring a balanced and conscious approach. The key value is customer trust.
– In your opinion, is a fundamental foundation in the profession important?
– It is very important. Moreover, when it comes to professional fanatics like me, you can’t say, “I’ve learned everything there is to know.” In our profession, learning never ends. Technologies, materials, and approaches are constantly being updated. Therefore, it is necessary to learn and implement innovations in your practice, improve the industry based on your experience, and develop your own original techniques.
– You are the author of several courses. Is this creativity or pragmatism?
– In my case, it is always a response to a real task. When dyeing, the predicted result and the client’s expectations can sometimes differ, even if all technical requirements are met. In this case, you try to find a solution, experiment, combine different techniques and compositions. In the process, you realize that you are not alone, and your professional circle is also looking for solutions. You give advice to someone, someone gives advice to you. Sometimes there are many requests, and then a course is formed, an author’s methodology in the industry. Answering your question, it is always about practice.
– There is still a belief that any kind of coloring damages hair. Is this true?
– This is outdated information. Manufacturers have created ammonia-free dyes and modern care systems that allow for gentle and safe coloring. Even complex transitions from dark to light are possible without critical damage, provided that the technique is followed correctly. The question is not so much about the dye, but about the hands and mind of the stylist.
– There is a belief that Eastern European stylists are better than American ones. Do you agree?
– I wouldn’t say “better” or “worse.” There is a difference, but it lies in the client’s request and the stylist’s approach. In the US, hair design is often done without radical experiments. It is important that it is comfortable and does not require a lot of time for everyday styling. In Ukraine, hair design is more about art and transformation, visual effect. These are simply different cultural demands.
– Is it realistic to build customer trust in one visit?
– I would say it is possible. It’s like a relationship: sometimes it’s love at first sight, and sometimes it’s a gradual rapprochement.
– Today, there is a lot of talk about the trend for healthy hair. Do you agree with this?
– Absolutely. In recent years, clients have been choosing naturalness and lightness, giving preference to care procedures.
– What are your plans for the future?
– I have many plans: opening my own salon with an educational component to contribute to the training of a new generation of specialists. Developing my own techniques. In addition, I would like to try my hand at a new role—as a judge in an international competition.
– And finally: what would you say to your colleagues on Hairdressers’ Day?
– Thank you for your work, colleagues. You do very important work—you shape not only people’s outward appearance, but also their inner state. Develop, inspire, and create!
