From a small town to the pinnacle of international coloristry, Yevhenii Sapianov’s journey is a testament to prodigious talent, relentless self-improvement, and an unwavering commitment to personalized hair artistry. Now making waves in Canada and with accolades spanning continents, his name is synonymous with innovation, particularly his unique approach to hair color and health. We connected with the stylist whose work graces fashion weeks and whose philosophy is reshaping how we think about the transformative power of color.
Q: Yevhenii, your story begins with a very early passion – experimenting with mannequin heads at 14, while others were otherwise occupied. Many stylists discover their calling, but this level of early dedication suggests a deep, almost innate connection to the craft. What was it about hair, and specifically color, that captivated you so profoundly at such a young age?
Yevhenii Sapianov: It was an intuitive drive, a search for an exclusive style. While my peers had other interests, I found myself spending hours with those mannequins, not just practicing, but genuinely experimenting, trying to replicate and then to innovate. It wasn’t a conscious decision to pursue a career path back then; it was more like an intrinsic need to explore the possibilities, to see how I could create something unique, something beyond the standard. The foundation was there, an inherent pull towards transformation through hair.
Q: You’ve mentioned that education for a master is “an endless process.” After a prestigious university education in Eastern Europe, you highlight studies with top stylist Svetlana Khorlikova as pivotal in honing your signature style. She described you as already a strong master, needing direction and additional knowledge. Could you elaborate on what specific insights or shifts in perspective from that period truly sharpened your now-renowned approach to color?
Yevhenii Sapianov: Svetlana Khorlikova’s mentorship was indeed crucial. While university provided an excellent base, her guidance helped refine and direct that raw skill. It was about elevating the technical to an art form. I recall her challenging me with a complex evening look on a very nervous model; completing it successfully and quickly wasn’t just about technique, it was about managing the entire experience. The “knowledge that overturned my understanding of coloristry” often came from intensive seminars and masterclasses, particularly a coloring technique I later modernized. It’s about constant absorption and adaptation, realizing that foundational knowledge is just the launchpad for continuous evolution. My goal has always been to push beyond existing boundaries.
Q: Your approach to color is described as an “experiment with a guarantee of results,” a synthesis of technology and hair care. You mix dyes with oxygen, use active components, even a mixer. This sounds quite alchemical. Could you unpack this “oxygen coloring treatment” and your custom formulas for fellow colorists? What is happening at a chemical or structural level that allows you to achieve such clean, vibrant, predictable results, even on damaged hair, without relying on what you call “quick miracles from silicones”?
Yevhenii Sapianov: It truly began with a frustration, a disappointment with products that promised repair but only delivered temporary gloss – a deception, in essence. This pushed me to delve into compositions, chemistry, pH levels. The “oxygen coloring treatment” involves manually intensifying the composition, making it plastic and uniform – it’s a professional tool, not an amateur trick. I found myself, much like a scientist in a home lab, developing these initial author formulas. It’s not about magic; it’s about understanding how to blend conditioners and masks with active ingredients like keratin, proteins, and oils, tailored to each client’s hair texture, porosity, and condition. This scientific approach allows me to work with severely compromised hair, not just without further damage, but often restoring and improving it. The result is pure, bright, lasting color because the hair itself is genuinely healthier.
Q: This leads directly to your “conscious coloring” philosophy and your stance on hair health. You’ve observed clients are now more prudent, seeking repairing compounds. How do you educate your clients about the difference between marketing claims and genuine hair restoration, especially when developing your own custom treatments for them? And what does “conscious coloring” mean beyond just hair health for the client experience?
Yevhenii Sapianov: “Conscious coloring” means clients want individualized color formulas, and they seek masters who genuinely understand the process. They’re moving away from just wanting to change color to wanting to entrust their hair to someone who knows precisely what they are doing. Part of this is guiding them past the marketing hype. I openly share that many supposed “treating” products offer little real care. My method involves tailoring treatments to the individual, which builds trust. They see the results. And “conscious” also extends to the emotional transformation. A new color isn’t just about hair; it’s about permission for a new beginning. I’ve witnessed clients visibly transform in the chair, finding new confidence that extends into their lives – new jobs, new relationships. This deeper impact is a core part of that conscious approach.
Q: You’ve stated, “The main trend is centered on finding an individual image.” You don’t work with templates; you listen, then advise, then act. This bespoke service has built a reputation for handling complex cases others might avoid. Could you walk us through your consultation process when a client arrives, perhaps with very damaged hair or a challenging color correction? What are you looking for, and how do you navigate their desires with the reality of their hair’s condition?
Yevhenii Sapianov: The key is truly listening first. Clients who come for complex corrections or with damaged hair often have a history with their hair, and understanding that is crucial. My initial phase is about absorbing their concerns, their hopes, and their past experiences. Then, based on a thorough assessment of their hair’s current state – texture, porosity, elasticity, previous chemical services – I offer honest, professional advice. There are no templates because every head of hair, every client’s vision, is unique. If a desired look isn’t immediately achievable without compromising hair health, we map out a journey. This might involve treatments, a staged approach to color, or adjusting the target shade. It’s this commitment to honesty and achieving the best possible outcome for them that allows me to take on cases others might turn away. They trust that I will prioritize the integrity of their hair while working towards their aesthetic goals.
Q: Your work with Ukrainian Fashion Week for four consecutive seasons, and more recently Canada-Israel Fashion Week, often as a lead stylist managing a team, must be incredibly demanding. You mentioned it’s crucial that the hairstyle complements the designer’s idea, the fabric, the model’s presentation – “no ‘after,’ you have to know how to do it perfectly and quickly.” How has this high-fashion, high-pressure environment influenced your day-to-day salon work and your broader vision of color and form?
Yevhenii Sapianov: It’s a unique and invaluable experience. The immediacy of runway work – the need for perfection under tight deadlines – sharpens your skills and decision-making incredibly. It profoundly developed my vision of color and form because hair on the runway isn’t an isolated element; it’s an integral part of a total look, a visual story. You learn to see how hair interacts with light, movement, and fabric in a dynamic way. Managing a creative team also teaches you leadership, collaboration, and how to unify diverse talents towards a single vision. And interestingly, it made me realize that I, too, can set future trends. Seeing styles you created backstage appear on magazine covers or TikTok weeks later is a “silent revolution.” This exposure undoubtedly infuses my salon work with a broader perspective and a sharper creative edge.
Q: Your move to Canada in 2022 was a significant leap, essentially starting anew despite remarkable success in Eastern Europe. You rapidly ascended into the top 5% of earners among Canadian hairstylists within two years. This speaks to an extraordinary work ethic – working weekends, late nights – and a clear strategy. What were the initial challenges in a new market, and how did you cultivate such a strong, high-demand clientele so quickly, particularly among VIPs?
Yevhenii Sapianov: The move was indeed a responsible step, and yes, in a foreign country, you often begin from scratch. The challenges were an unfamiliar market, a different culture, and competition from established local masters. However, I was driven by ambition and backed by a strong portfolio. I initially secured a position in a well-known salon where my skills with VIP clients were recognized quickly – a continuity, as I’ve worked with discerning clientele since I was 20. The intense demands of that salon, with long hours, further honed my professionalism. The decision to work independently was driven by a desire for self-realization. My willingness to work when most others don’t, like weekends and late evenings, undoubtedly set me apart. Offering unique, high-quality services, from exclusive bridal work to personalized styling, led to a tripling of my income. Word of mouth from satisfied, discerning clients spreads rapidly. It’s about exceptional work ethic combined with a truly unique and personalized service.
Q: You are now working on developing your own line of hair cosmetics, aiming to “transform how people perceive hair care at home.” This is a significant undertaking. Given your exacting standards for ingredients and performance, what gaps in the current market are you seeking to fill, and what will make the Yevhenii Sapianov line distinct?
Yevhenii Sapianov: This project is much more than a business venture for me. My goal is to genuinely elevate the home hair care experience. As I mentioned, my journey into creating custom formulas began with disappointment over existing products. The market is often saturated with aesthetic appeal – nice packaging, pleasant scents – but lacking in real efficacy. My line, developed with a team of chemists, will be based on unique formulas with high concentrations of active ingredients, exclusive fragrances, and innovative packaging. The focus is on noticeable results from the very first application. It’s about providing users with care they will genuinely love and trust, bridging the gap between professional salon results and what they can achieve at home.
Q: Your career is marked by numerous accolades – “International Hairdresser of the Year” at The Fashion & Beauty Awards, multiple first places in Ukrainian competitions. You’re also a member of prestigious associations like the Professional Beauty Association and Allied Beauty Association. For the next generation of stylists, colorists, and hairdressers looking up to such achievements, what core advice would you offer them as they navigate their own paths in this demanding yet rewarding industry?
Yevhenii Sapianov: The most important thing is to enjoy what you do! Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it initially seems like non-commercial art – sometimes the coolest images are born from that experimentation. Learn constantly, be creative, communicate with people. A hairdresser is simultaneously an artist, a psychologist, and, in a small way, a creator of destinies. Never lose your passion. When I won my first “Young Talents” competition, that was the moment I understood I could be more than just a good professional in my city; I could be a high-level player. That belief, coupled with continuous learning and daring to be different, is fundamental. Support from recognized professionals, like Evgeniy Zhorov, Nataliya Vlasenko, and Olga Kosinskaya in my journey, was also invaluable, so seek out mentors and build your network. But above all, keep that fire for the craft alive.
