By: Elizabeth Wire
Among haircutting professionals, there are those who approach their craft with an artistic mindset, and Rusana Plonsak is often considered one of them. Through her personalized approach and thoughtful attention to each client, she has gained the respect of both her peers and her clients. For Rusana, a haircut is not merely a technique — it’s a way to reflect an individual’s personality and character.
Rusana’s path into barbering was not something she had initially envisioned, but she eventually found her true calling and now pursues it with deep dedication. Early in her career, she began learning the art of barbering on her own, watching tutorials from international professionals and studying their techniques. However, she soon recognized that becoming a truly skilled professional required deeper knowledge, prompting her to enroll in one of Ukraine’s leading barbering schools. There, she further honed her skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and industry experts, later enriching her expertise through masterclasses and hands-on practice with real clients.
For Rusana, it’s not just about performing a haircut — it’s about helping each client express themselves through their appearance. This perspective is what sets her apart. She focuses on creating haircuts that are suited to each client’s head shape, hair type, and lifestyle. Her approach is not centered around following trends but rather providing solutions tailored to each individual. She always takes the time to listen to her clients’ wishes and is open to offering her suggestions when she believes it might better suit the person’s features.
Her main focus is on adaptive haircuts. Rusana does not adhere to the idea of a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Every haircut she creates is the result of a thorough analysis of hair growth patterns, head shape, and the features she aims to highlight. This allows her to craft styles that not only look appealing but also accentuate the client’s unique facial features. It is essential to her that the haircut is both aesthetically pleasing and practical, helping the client feel confident and comfortable throughout their day.
An important aspect of her work is the use of modern techniques and tools that support precision and refinement. Fades, creative transitions, and textures — every detail is crucial to Rusana, much like a component in a larger composition. She consistently works to refine her skills and stay updated on new trends, while also honoring classic techniques that have stood the test of time. For instance, she makes use of advanced clipper and scissor technologies, which enable her to explore fresh styles while still relying on time-honored methods.
However, Rusana’s relationship with her clients extends beyond technical skill. A key element of her approach is building personal connections and establishing trust with each individual. She understands that clients seek more than just a haircut — they often want to feel better about themselves, more confident, and at ease. That’s why she makes sure to listen attentively, help clients choose a style that suits them, and offer personalized hair care advice.
Rusana also views education as a vital component of her profession. She frequently shares her knowledge with fellow professionals by conducting masterclasses and training sessions for both newcomers and more experienced barbers. She believes that personal growth, as well as helping others develop their skills, are essential aspects of the profession — the success of the entire industry, in her view, depends on knowledge-sharing and mutual support.
One of the guiding principles Rusana follows is the idea of collaboration over competition. She believes that cooperation and knowledge exchange are far more valuable than rivalry between clients. According to her, every barber has a unique approach, and it is this diversity that enriches the industry. For Rusana, the most important goal is fostering mutual support and growth, which cultivates an atmosphere of trust and unity among professionals.
Unlike many who see barbering merely as a job, for Rusana, it’s a true art — something she is deeply passionate about. She continually works on her own development, refining her techniques and staying committed to her work philosophy, which is rooted in respect for each client’s individual needs. Her work speaks for itself — Rusana has built a reputation as a skilled and thoughtful professional whose work resonates with both her clients and colleagues.
For Rusana Plonsak, every haircut is an opportunity to emphasize a person’s uniqueness. Her attention to detail, understanding of client preferences, and commitment to delivering quality make her the kind of professional clients feel comfortable returning to time and time again.
