Natalia Shakhnazarian: "A modern woman radiates confidence"

At the end of April, the heroine blooms on the DIGITAL cover of BOMOND VIP fashion, for whom this exit becomes special - on her birthday. Natalia Shakhnazarian is a colorist and ambassador of the Unic brand, a woman who creates not only color, but a holistic system of care and image. In the new interview, we talk about a special path, from the first steps in a small barbershop to a deep understanding of how modern female confidence is formed through details. About beauty, which begins not with a shade, but with systematicity. About the "selling image" as a language of self-presentation. About blonde as an art that requires not only skill, but also responsibility. And about the frank choice of "I can", in the purpose of seeing true beauty.

Ms. Natalia, today our interview is on a special day for you. I would like to start the conversation with words that became very close to me when I read one of your posts. You wrote that you were on your own professional path not because you were brave, but because there was a small feeling inside you: "I can". It's really worth a lot, especially in moments when the world sometimes dictates rules that make you want to retreat or give up. Tell us, please, what was the beginning of your professional history before the role of a colorist?

I started from the very bottom - from a small barbershop, where I just cut my hair.

I always talked to clients: what they do, about their complexes and about the desire to have a comfortable image (everyone has a final desired image - not everyone can only explain it). And I tried to emphasize the beauty individually.

But just a haircut is not enough. I recommended: if you change the color, the shape will change; if you add strands, volume will appear in the right places, almost as nature created it. Playing with colors is of great importance.

And the clients themselves encouraged me to go to learn coloristics, because if you have an idea and trust, that's half the success.

If you, as an artist, were to depict a portrait of a modern woman, what would it be like? Tell us, please, what features would be inherent in this image and how do you see a woman today on this symbolic canvas?

A modern woman - made of titanium (as Fileva sings) - she exudes confidence: with well-groomed hair, a timely updated haircut and the right color that only enhances her image.

I think it's no secret that the perfect hair color is not the only marker of a beautiful image. Of great importance is also what remains "behind the scenes" - a care system that helps hair look not only spectacular, but also healthy. You work a lot with this area. Tell me, please, where is it worth starting to build the right hair care system?

The "basic minimum" of modernity is the system of care. And, like any system, it brings results.

The foundation in this system is a well-groomed scalp, because it is in it that the hair bulb is located. This includes peeling and shampoo selected by skin type. Oily skin needs seboregulation, dry skin needs hydration so that the hair grows healthy.

The frame and walls are the cortex (the internal structure of the hair). As in construction, the frame keeps the shape of the house, and in the care of the cortex (cortical substance) determines the strength and elasticity of the hair. Nutrition and restoration (masks, proteins) strengthen the hair from the inside.

Facade — cuticle (outer layer of hair). In construction, the facade protects the walls from external factors. In care, the cuticle consists of scales, and conditioners and balms cover them, providing shine, smoothness and protection.

And the final stage is protection and styling (the roof of our house): thermal protection, indelible fluids, oils.

In the header of your Instagram profile there is a very interesting wording "...create a selling image". In the modern world, the image as we represent ourselves often becomes the first impression, and sometimes an important tool for self-presentation. Tell me, please, what exactly do you put into the concept of "selling image"? What is behind this definition in your professional vision?

For me, a "selling image" is not about manipulation or an "early" look at any cost. It is a visual strategy where each element of appearance works for a specific goal.

In my professional vision, this term consists of three key components:

Correspondence to the context. The image should convey exactly those qualities for which you are ready to "pay" - money, trust or time. If you are a financial advisor, it is stability; if you are a creator, it is courage.

Congruence (sincerity). This is a state when a person's internal state coincides with his appearance. If the image "presses" or seems alien, the audience will feel it. It only sells confidence.

Attention management. Using colors, lines, and accessories as tools to emphasize your expertise. This is a way to stand out from the competition before you even start talking.

Simply put, it's a marketing package that helps shorten the path from first acquaintance to successful interaction.

Please share the hair care products that you use personally or that you consider to be real favorites, those that are time-tested and give a really noticeable result.

Since I am not only an ambassador of Unic, but also an active user, I can say: the main thing is to choose the right product for the type of scalp and hair. And these are not always means from one line.

I, for example, use the DELIGHT series (moisturizing line), and 12-in-1 thermal protection — from the Crystal line. But the result brings only regularity.

By the way, about the favorites. What I like about Unic is their development policy. Already known positions are constantly improved in accordance with the needs of the end consumer, and at the same time new lines are created for the requests of us, the masters.

The company creates a product, and the master breathes life into it, directly recommending it to the client, because these products can only be found in beauty salons.

Beautiful hair color, especially the one that is harmoniously combined with the color type and inner feeling of yourself, you always want to keep as long as possible. Are there any secrets or rules that help maintain the shade and enjoy it for as long as possible?

Keeping the same "perfect shade" from the salon only with shampoo is like trying to keep a tan without cream after a vacation. Almost impossible. And here the toning masks come on the scene.

Why do I, as a colorist, literally insist on having one on the shelf:

1. This is a "safe care" for hair

Unlike paint, the mask does not contain ammonia or oxidizer. It does not penetrate inside the structure, but gently "wraps" the hair with pigment on the outside. You get color - without harm.

2. Filling "emptiness"

After dyeing (especially blonde), the hair becomes more porous. If these voids are not filled with pigment, they accumulate impurities of water, dust and styling residues. The result is a dull, "dirty" shade. The mask compacts the canvas and restores shine.

3. The "just from the master's chair" effect

A familiar moment when a few weeks later the cold beige begins to turn yellow? A toning mask is your personal quality control. It neutralizes unwanted heat and returns the same visual "high cost" to the shade.

4. Intensive nutrition

Professional toning masks are usually more saturated with oils and keratin than classic conditioners. That is, you simultaneously update the color and restore the hair.

5. The error is practically excluded

This is not a household paint, where it is easy to get an unpredictable result. Masks are washed off gradually and evenly. Even if you overhold, the effect will be gently corrected in a few moments.

My professional verdict:

A toning mask is like a regular "recharging" of color. It allows you to visit the salon less often, but look well-groomed every day, and not only in the first week after coloring.

Blonde is one of the most desirable shades among women, but at the same time one of the most demanding. It requires very delicate work not only during painting, but also in further care and maintenance of the color. If a woman dreams of a beautiful and well-groomed blonde, where should she start and what are the key steps on this path?

No matter how fashion changes, the demand for blond is only growing.

Today, blonde is not just "bleaching everything to the state of the wall", it is the art of imitating naturalness: as if you did nothing, and your hair just shimmers beautifully in the sun.

The main secret of a well-groomed blonde is home care.

One client once said, "Blonde is not a color, it's a second mortgage."

Shampoo is the basis.

And now you have your own — and you won't share it with anyone for that price — it's an acid shampoo (pH 4.5–5.5). It closes the cuticle so that your pigment does not "leak" into the sewer.

The toning mask is your "emergency".

After two weeks, any blonde will begin to hint at a "warm greeting" from the background of lighting. It's like a filter on Instagram, only in real life.

Hair dryer - only with "bulletproof vest".

Without thermal protection, the hair will literally "cook" and can break. You need not just a spray, but a high-quality cream protection that really works.

Water matters.

If a "rusty fanta" flows from the tap, the blonde will quickly turn red. Either install a filter, or prepare for a constant struggle with metals in the cabin.

Blonde is beautiful. But only when it shines.

Your love for the business and the way you talk about your profession is really inspiring. But we know that the path to the professional peaks is never absolutely easy. What advice would you give to those who are only at the beginning of their history in the beauty industry?

I started my journey in completely different times, when the profession of a hairdresser was often talked about in a devaluable way: they say, "I went to the hairdresser because I didn't do well in school."

But I, having graduated from the institute as a lawyer, deliberately chose a different route in my life. And only purposefulness and the desire to create helped me in this.

While studying, I observed how girls, regardless of wealth, constantly talked about hairstyles, shared the secrets of styling and care, advised each other salons and masters. And I realized: I want to be on the other side of this process. I don't just want to listen, I want to change.

Actually, that's what I did between couples: I combed my hair, braided, helped prepare for important meetings and dates.

But at the same time, I faced another - ridicule and rejection. And that's actually the most difficult thing. It is at such moments that you need to show willpower, stubbornness and focus on the main thing - the development of skills and constant development.

It is very important to honestly answer yourself the question: what exactly do you want to bring to this world of beauty? What can you complement it with?

These questions may seem abstract, but they help you find your audience and your own path.

And one more thing, don't be afraid to try.

Hair, not teeth, will grow back.

(Mrs. Natalia says with a warm smile on her face)

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