The hairstylist for a renowned California-based wedding service talks about backstage work at Los Angeles Fashion Show, the philosophy of quiet luxury, and natural gray hair coloring. At the Spring–Summer 2025 fashion shows, the trend toward naturalness and effortlessness in hairstyles was unmistakable. Lively volume, airy textures, soft waves, and minimal styling products — these are the looks seen this year on both runway models and real-life it-girls. However, creating a relaxed look that still nods to timeless classics requires exceptional skill from a hairstylist. In addition to technical abilities, they must possess a refined sense of style, a trained eye, and the ability to incorporate fashion aesthetics into the client’s individuality, says Anna Gusarova — a specialist with international experience and a recognizable personal touch. Anna is part of Team Hair & Makeup, one of the most prestigious wedding services in the U.S., known for working with brides, celebrities, and fashion brands. Her portfolio also includes teaching experience in the international G.Bar network and participation in the Los Angeles Fashion Show. We spoke with Anna Gusarova about her clients tastes, the relevance of effortless beauty, and the backstage world of fashion shows.

The high-end beauty industry is increasingly focused on naturalness, mindfulness, and a personalized approach. People are moving away from overly “Instagram- perfect” gloss toward quiet luxury — where beauty appears effortless yet impeccable. In hair, this is reflected in natural textures and soft shapes. Even bridal hairstyles have become more relaxed — less product-heavy, emphasizing the hair’s natural movement and vitality. The most sought-after look today is “your hair, but at its best.” Another major trend is personalization. This is especially true with high-end clients: they value not just a beautiful result but also the service experience and attention to detail.

 My strength lies in the combination of artistic vision, technical precision, and deep client understanding. I don’t just create a hairstyle — I set a mood, bring out the person, and enhance their individuality through details, shape, and texture. That comes with experience — with visual literacy, and with a fine-tuned sense of empathy. If I had to highlight specific skills, I’d say I’m especially proud of my eye for style and my ability to “read” the overall look. I can see the big picture — how the hairstyle complements the makeup, the outfit, the vibe of the event, even the client’s
personality. That allows me to create looks that don’t overpower a person, but instead highlight who they are. Technically, I’m very strong when it comes to working with texture and shape — I can do both classic and fashion-forward styles, and create complex looks that still feel light and modern. Another key strength is adaptability. I can work at different paces, with all hair types, and across a wide range of tasks — from a quick morning shoot to the hours-long prep of a bridal party. That makes me a versatile and reliable professional — especially in an industry where speed, taste, and resilience are everything.

Working at a fashion show is definitely all about speed, pressure, and total focus. Everything happens fast: dozens of models, limited time, constant changes. But it’s in those conditions that your real skills come through — not just technical, but psychological. I gained a lot of this experience working on large-scale projects back in Russia, and later here in the U.S., where the standards are even higher and the pace even tougher. What helps me handle it? First — preparation. I never just show up and hope for the best. I study the show’s concept, the brand’s aesthetic, the team’s brief— and start building the vision in my mind beforehand. Second — flexibility. Sometimes the looks change at the last minute, and you can’t panic; you have to adapt quickly. I’ve learned to stay calm and focused even in chaos.

Participating in the Los Angeles Fashion Show became a real school of focus, speed, and pure creativity for me. Backstage work isn’t just about hairstyles — it’s about instantly adapting to the concept, functioning as part of a team, and staying focused on the result even when you’re surrounded by chaos, music, cameras, and dozens of models in line. Yes, this experience has had a big impact on how I work with individual clients. First, I learned how to make quick decisions and bring them to perfection under tight deadlines. That’s especially helpful when a client is running late or when the look needs to be tweaked on the spot — I don’t panic, I just adapt calmly. Second, fashion show work has sharpened my eye and sense of style: I can offer a client not just a trendy hairstyle, but one that fits — something that suits her look, her mood, and the occasion. Also, being part of fashion projects has taught me to value individuality. On the runway, each look is part of a bigger vision, but every model is still a person. It’s the same with private clients — I don’t create one-size-fits-all hairstyles, I design them around the person. Clients can feel that, and they really appreciate it.
For me, being a great stylist isn’t just about technical skill. Yes, it’s important to work confidently with your hands, understand shapes and textures, and know the logic behind styling. But at a high level, that’s not enough. I always look for three qualities: observation, dedication, and emotional maturity. First, it’s about being visually literate and detail-oriented. If someone sees not just a “hairstyle,” but the shape, silhouette, and mood — that’s a huge advantage. That kind of stylist will grow, because they know how to analyze and feel, not just copy. Second, it’s the ability to stay focused under pressure and be results-driven. Opening a new salon is a high-stress situation — a lot can go off track in the beginning. And that’s when you see who panics and who stays calm and adapts. I really value stylists who can be a steady presence — not just for the client, but for the whole team. And finally, a desire to grow and a respect for the profession. It’s okay if someone doesn’t know everything yet — what matters is how they respond to feedback. The ones who are open to learning, who aren’t afraid to admit when they don’t know something, and who want to do better — they’re the ones who rise to meet high standards. When I was building a team, I didn’t just look at résumés — I paid attention to how a person looked, how they listened, and how they interacted with others. In 90% of cases, that told me more about their potential than any credential ever could.

My passion for natural hair tones began with one moment: a client came in with an incredibly beautiful, natural-looking hair color. I couldn’t resist complimenting her. She smiled and said, “It’s not my natural color — it’s just that my stylist is so good you’d never guess it’s dyed.” That was a turning point for me. From then on, I knew I wanted to become that kind of stylist — someone who could restore color so subtly it looks like a gift of nature, not a result of complex technique.

I’m particularly passionate about working with brunettes and medium brunettes. When they start going gray, the contrast with their natural color is stark, and it’s often perceived as a problem. Most conventional coloring techniques used to cover gray hair produce unnatural results: the color fades quickly, shifts into a dull warm tone, and the hair loses its elegance. I want to promote a different approach — gentle coloring in natural, rich shades in the level 5–7 range, carefully tailored to the client’s skin undertone, hair texture, and the degree of gray. My goal isn’t just to cover — it’s to create the illusion of natural color, so that regrowth appears seamless, with no harsh lines, and so that a woman still feels like herself. Gray hair is beautiful. But it does change texture — it gets coarser, sticks out, andis harder to style. I’m not for completely “erasing age”; I’m for a respectful approach. Gray hair can and should be colored — but in a way that preserves naturalness, dignity, and comfort. It’s a subtle craft that requires not only technique but a deep understanding of what a woman truly wants — not based on trends, but on how she feels inside.

One of the stories that’s stayed with me was about a woman who came in for a blowout after a painful breakup. She looked closed off, exhausted, a bit lost. We barely spoke — I just sensed she needed a quiet space where she could feel caredfor, gently and respectfully. I gave her a soft but expressive style — something that framed her features without overwhelming her. I snapped a few photos on my phone to show her what she looked like from the outside. And in that moment, she lit up. Her shoulders relaxed, she smiled, and her expression changed — more confident, stronger, with a hint of playfulness. Then she said, “I haven’t felt desirable in a long time. Thank you for reminding me.” That, to me, is the most valuable kind of feedback. Because I truly believe that being a stylist isn’t just about the hair — it’s about the inner state. I’m not just arranging strands — I’m helping someone reclaim their sense of self. Sometimes, that means helping them put it back together from scratch. And that’s a real honor.

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