By: Natalie Brooks

In the world of barbering, many professionals can boast about their technical skills, but few can match the deep commitment to perfection and personalized service that Rusana Plonsak brings to the craft. She doesn’t just cut hair — she transforms people. Her technique is rooted in a meticulous consideration of each client’s unique features, allowing her to create flawless haircuts even in the most challenging situations. In this article, we explore how Rusana’s approach to adaptive haircuts and her philosophy make her one of the most outstanding figures in the industry.

The Road to Mastery: From Self-Taught to Mentor

Rusana Plonsak’s story is one of someone who dared to challenge herself and her career. Inspired by men’s haircuts and the spirit of barbering, she began her journey with online tutorials and self-study. However, once she started working in a barbershop, she realized that theoretical knowledge alone wasn’t enough to become a true professional.

“My first experience with real clients showed me how much I still needed to learn. Despite my ambition and desire to be the best, I understood that without hands-on practice and mentors, I wouldn’t make it,” Rusana recalls.

The professionals she worked with became her mentors, helping her refine her skills through real-life experience. After completing barber school with Anastasia Karpenko and attending masterclasses by renowned barbers like Leon Barber, Rusana didn’t stop there. In 2023, she completed a course in trichology and cosmetic chemistry with Daria Koveneva, which gave her a deeper understanding of how various products affect hair and how to use them for the best possible results.

Adaptive Haircuts: The Art of Working with Individual Features

One of Rusana’s greatest strengths is her adaptive haircut technique. This means the ability to work with clients whose hair type or head shape might not allow for the haircut they envision. It requires not only advanced technical skills but also creativity and the ability to adapt and find solutions where others might give up.

“Sometimes, the shape of the head or hair texture poses serious challenges. In those cases, it’s important not to be afraid of experimenting — to search for unconventional solutions, to use your knowledge and experience to craft a haircut that looks perfect,” Rusana explains.

She believes a true barber is not just a technician, but also an artist who can see the potential for a unique look in every client. In the U.S., she noticed a common trend: many men don’t know what kind of haircut they want and opt for something universal and simple. But Rusana’s creative spirit pushes for more — experimentation, fresh ideas, individuality.

And it’s in those moments, when a client trusts her and agrees to something new, that the best results are born — where technique, style, and inspiration come together.

Awards and Recognition: Expert Status in the Barbering Industry

Rusana has built her career on continuous improvement, and she also participates in competitions to affirm her professional status. In 2020, she won first place in the “Fade” category, and in 2021, took third place in the “Neotradition” category at one of Ukraine’s most prestigious barber competitions. These accolades speak volumes about her skill level and confirm her expert status in men’s grooming.

“When you’re in a competition, you’re not just showing your haircut — you’re showing your philosophy, your principles, and how you approach your craft. These events help me understand where I stand and what I need to work on. And, of course, they’re an incredible source of motivation,” she shares.

Competitions also offer a unique opportunity to meet the best in the industry and observe their techniques firsthand. At these events, barbers often host workshops and share their knowledge — which Rusana finds incredibly inspiring.

Teacher and Mentor: Sharing Knowledge

One of the most rewarding aspects of Rusana’s career is her role as an educator. She doesn’t just cut hair — she passes on her knowledge and helps other barbers grow their skills. From the early days of her career, other professionals began asking her to teach them her techniques. That’s when she realized her experience could help others improve.

“I never hosted official courses, but when other barbers started asking me to teach them how I work, I knew I had to start sharing what I know,” she says.

Her students often report that their work improved significantly after learning from her — proving that Rusana is not only a master stylist, but a true mentor dedicated to lifting others up.

No Competitors, Only Colleagues to Grow With

Rusana lives by a philosophy that sets her apart: in barbering, competitors are actually peers you can learn from. She doesn’t see rivals in the industry — only colleagues with whom she can exchange experience and grow together.

“There are no competitors — only colleagues. We all evolve together, learn from one another, and that helps us all get better,” Rusana believes.

This outlook allows her to stay open and kind toward other professionals, while also contributing to her own personal and professional development.

A Master in Constant Evolution

Today, Rusana Plonsak is more than just a barber — she is a true professional and a shining example in the industry. Her pursuit of excellence, adaptive haircut approach, and desire to share her expertise make her one of the most respected barbers in the field. Yet, her journey doesn’t stop here — she continues to grow, explore new techniques, and refine her craft.

Every client who sits in her chair can be certain that their haircut won’t just be technically sound — it will be a true work of art, crafted with attention to every detail and tailored to their individual needs and wishes.

Published by Jeremy S.