By: Maria Williams

Yana, nice to meet you! How did you start your journey in the beauty industry?

“My professional journey began nine years ago, but the idea was born much earlier, back in high school. I’ve always had fine hair and a short anagen phase, which meant my hair could never grow long or thick. For a young girl—and later as a woman—this was a constant source of frustration, as we all know how important hair can be to self-esteem.

This personal struggle inspired me to become a hair extensions specialist. I bring a deep understanding of my clients’ challenges, addressing their needs not just from an aesthetic perspective, but also considering the profound psychological impact. Today, I confidently say that hair extensions can change lives!”

Fascinating! How did your career evolve from there?

“Like most professionals, I started with trial and error. But I was determined not to follow the standard path. I wanted to push boundaries and explore the science behind hair. Eventually, I opened my own hair extension studio, earned an international trichology diploma, and developed my own safe extension technique, which I now use to create the most natural results possible.”

What makes your technique unique compared to other salons?

“As I mentioned earlier, I’ve chosen to work with all hair types, including clients with various forms of alopecia. Many believe that alopecia is a contraindication for extensions, but that’s not entirely true. Alopecia is often caused by hormonal changes and is frequently irreversible. Imagine how a woman with such a condition must feel. Through carefully applied extensions, I’ve seen dramatic boosts in confidence, and often, these women experience a positive shift in their overall outlook.”

Why do you think hair extensions are so important to your clients?

“Hair is about so much more than beauty—it’s deeply tied to self-esteem. When a woman feels good about her appearance, she becomes more confident, energized, and self-assured. Extensions can correct what nature didn’t provide, whether it’s length, volume, or simply a desire for change. It’s an opportunity to feel empowered, and I love showcasing these transformations on my Instagram, where I share how these services can make such a positive impact.”

How important is hair quality in extensions?

“It’s absolutely critical. Unfortunately, in the U.S., there’s a lack of reliable suppliers. Many salons use cheap hair sourced from China and Malaysia, processed with poor bleaching techniques. The result? Heavy, silicone-coated hair that barely lasts three months.

In contrast, we source our hair from Europe and even have our own production facilities to ensure the highest quality. This guarantees a more natural look and a longer-lasting result for our clients.”

If hair extensions are truly life-changing and safe, why is there so much negativity surrounding them?

“The main reason is poor application techniques or low-quality materials. Extensions require a professional who understands hair structure and knows how to avoid damage. If a stylist uses subpar strands or overloads the client’s natural hair, the results can be disastrous.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose a highly qualified specialist. Be cautious about where you go for extensions. A general beauty salon that offers a wide range of services likely doesn’t have a stylist who specializes in extensions and performs them regularly.

I always recommend visiting dedicated extension studios, where the focus is solely on this craft. Additionally, some popular techniques are entirely unsuitable for fine or weakened hair, yet they remain common because they’re quick and easy to apply. This is why expertise and specialization are essential.”

You’ve created a new technique called “HairLoss+.” How does it differ from traditional methods?

“To use this technique, a stylist must have a solid foundation in trichology. I’ve developed a method that maps the scalp into zones using a specialized scale and utilizes nano and micro

This allows us to achieve safe, natural-looking results, even for clients with thinning hair or alopecia.”

Your career is incredibly impressive. Your first award was in 2016 at InterCharm-Ukraine. You’ve since been a speaker at over 10 hair extension and trichology forums, judged the global Hair Extensions Guru Championship in 2021, and won first place in 2022 in the most challenging category—extensions for fine hair. How did it feel to come out on top among over 500 participants?

“Beyond the natural feelings of happiness and the thought of ‘I did it!’ (laughs), it was a moment of immense pride. It validated all my hard work and dedication. Now, my goal is to bring cutting-edge technologies and innovations to the U.S. hair extension market.”

What advice would you give to women considering hair extensions?

“First, choose your stylist carefully. Look at their experience, reviews, and the materials they use. Second, discuss every detail—technique, volume, color, and aftercare. And most importantly, don’t be afraid of change! Sometimes, a new look is exactly what you need to feel like the best version of yourself.”

Published by Elle G