Jon Stojan
Image credit: Anna Gusarova
International beauty expert, official stylist of the LA Fashion Show, and a team member at one of the leading bridal services shares her approach to creating timeless bridal looks.
May is traditionally considered the beginning of the wedding season. It’s a busy time not only for newlyweds but also for everyone involved in the wedding industry — including hairstylists. Creating looks for brides and their bridesmaids requires technical skill, taste, and intuition. A stylist must be able to craft a hairstyle that’s flawless, comfortable, trendy, and still looks beautiful in photos for years to come. That’s the belief of Anna Gusarova, a hairstylist at California-based wedding service Team Hair & Makeup.
Previously, Anna was a lead stylist for the international salon chain G.Bar, where she launched new locations in major Russian cities and trained teams in Los Angeles. Today, she works at the Los Angeles Fashion Show and prepares premium bridal service clients for their weddings. The company was recently named one of the Top 19 Wedding Makeup and Hair Artists in the US by wedvibes.media.
We spoke with Anna Gusarova about her work at the Los Angeles Fashion Show, the growing trend of effortless elegance, and the hairstyles she creates for clients before weddings and special events.
– Tell us about your background. I know you were one of the leading figures at a major international salon chain in Russia — launching new studios, training other stylists, and working with influencers. How smooth was your transition into the U.S. hair & makeup industry?
– The beauty salon chain I worked for was among those companies that elevated the Russian beauty industry to an international level — in terms of hair techniques, cosmetic products, and customer service. I developed my career in several directions at once: I worked as a hairstylist with clients, taught other professionals, launched salons in Krasnodar and Moscow, and trained a team here in Los Angeles. I was trusted with key responsibilities — from developing internal standards to styling for lookbooks. So when I started working in the U.S., I didn’t have to start from scratch. It was more like a natural continuation of my career, which has always been guided by the principle of working with taste and respect for the client — wherever I happen to be.
– You recently worked at the Los Angeles Fashion Show — a trendsetting event. Tell us how you styled the models’ hair before they went on the runway. In other words, what hairstyles are stylists offering this season?
– One of the most popular styles at the Los Angeles Fashion Show was wet texture at the roots combined with soft curls through the lengths. This look is both modern and feminine: it gives a sense of freshness and that signature “wet shine,” highlights facial features, and still feels soft and wearable. It strikes a great balance between minimalism and expressiveness — which is exactly the trend right now.
Another favorite on the runway was the undone bun. But this wasn’t your typical “slightly messy” version. It was carefully thought out: the right volume, intentional texture, and softly styled face-framing strands. It’s a hairstyle that looks effortless but actually requires precision and an understanding of shape.
Overall, the season’s trend is not about overload — it’s about naturalness with attention to detail. The focus is on hairstyles that don’t steal the spotlight but complement the overall look. The stylist’s job is to find the exact shape and texture that highlights the model’s individuality and fits seamlessly with the show’s aesthetic.
– The service you work for specializes in bridal and event hairstyles, with a focus on a personalized approach and timeless aesthetics. That means a hairstylist has to create looks that won’t seem outdated even years later in photos. How do you achieve that?
– That’s exactly right — my goal is to create a look that’s not only relevant today but will remain stylish years down the line. That’s why I use fashion trends as tools, not as the end goal. Inspiration, yes — but always through the lens of the client’s individuality and timeless aesthetics. For example, if texture is trending, I’ll incorporate it into the style — but subtly, without going overboard. Or if shapes from the 1990s are making a comeback, I’ll adapt them to suit the client’s face shape, hair type, and overall style. The trend becomes an accent, not the main focus.
I always think about balance: how the hairstyle will look in photos, under different lighting, and even 5–10 years from now when the client looks back. The goal is for them to feel, “Yes, this still looks stylish.” That’s why I focus on clean lines, quality techniques, and details that feel luxurious but understated. Timeless style is when trends enhance your personality, not mask it.
– Tell us about current trends in bridal and event hairstyles. What do you recommend to your clients preparing for a wedding or an important event?
– Right now, the dominant idea is effortless elegance — light, natural beauty without pretentiousness. Gone are the days of heavy hairspray, stiff curls, and complex constructions. Today’s brides and guests want to look like the best version of themselves — authentic, but elevated.
Soft textures, airy shapes, and natural hair movement are all in style. Particularly popular are low buns with gentle volume, loose chignons, soft waves, and sleek styles that aren’t overly slick. We take into account face shape, head posture, dress style, accessories — everything has to “breathe” together. I always tell my clients to start with the overall vision: the venue, the dress, the mood. From there, we build a hairstyle that complements rather than clashes with the setting. And we always do a trial and rehearsal, especially for big events — it reduces stress and gives confidence that everything will be perfect on the day.
– You create looks for brides and their bridesmaids — a special category where psychological connection and emotional sensitivity are essential. How do you earn a new client’s trust?
– Working with brides and their bridesmaids truly is a special genre. It requires not just technical skill and taste, but also empathy. A wedding day is filled with emotion, anticipation, and inner tension. So my main job isn’t just to create a beautiful look — it’s to be a source of calm and comfort. I quickly read a client’s mood and adjust to their pace: some want to chat, others prefer peace and quiet. I don’t force myself into the moment, but I’m always present.
We might laugh, chat, or sit silently while I work — in each case, that connection helps build trust. Another important step is the preliminary meeting or trial day. I pay attention to every detail — the bride’s overall look, the dress, the wedding atmosphere, even the flowers. All of that gives me context and helps me offer a solution that feels like ‘her.’ And when a client sees that I’m thinking two steps ahead, offering ideas without imposing them, it always creates the feeling that she’s in good hands.
– Listening to you, I can’t help but think of the concept of conscious beauty — which includes eco-friendly products, gentle techniques, and ethical practices in the beauty industry. I’m sure this approach resonates with you. How do you apply it in your work?
– Absolutely. First, I choose products with transparent ingredients — cruelty-free, free of harsh chemicals, especially when working with sensitive scalps or damaged hair. I carefully read labels and never use a product just because it’s trendy — only if it genuinely works and is safe.
Second, I use gentle techniques. I’m committed to preserving the health of the hair, even if that means skipping a certain style or treatment. It’s important to me that the client leaves not only looking beautiful, but also feeling cared for. That, too, is part of conscious beauty — respecting not just aesthetic goals, but the condition of the hair, scalp, and emotional state.
And finally, conscious beauty is about how you interact with the client. It’s about not upselling, not pushing a “right” image, but truly listening, offering suggestions, and becoming a partner in the process. It’s about honesty, trust, and making the client feel like they were part of an experience where beauty and care go hand in hand.
– Before we started the interview, you mentioned your plans to open your own studio in Los Angeles. What principles and ideas would you like to build this project around — in terms of service and your approach to beauty?
– Yes, I dream of creating a studio that’s more than just a place for styling or coloring. I want it to be a space where a woman feels completely comfortable being herself — without pressure, without the need to “fit in,” but with full attention, respect, and genuine care for her beauty.
My project is built on three key principles. First: mindfulness and individuality. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. In my studio, there won’t be standardized services — only personalized ones, based on lifestyle, personality, hair texture, and the client’s inner needs. We won’t just work on appearance, but on the woman’s whole image — through shape, color, and the movement of hair.
Second: ethics and quality. Only trusted, safe products with clean ingredients. I want every client to know her hair is in good hands, and that no treatment will compromise its health. This applies to everything — from coloring to styling. Beauty should be gentle.
Third: atmosphere. I want to create a space you don’t come to just for an appointment, but to reconnect with yourself. No rush, no noise. I imagine an interior with soft lighting, warm details, calm music. I want the studio to feel like a small sanctuary — where you can breathe, relax, and feel beautiful and authentic.
For me, this isn’t just a business. It’s a way to share my philosophy of beauty and build a community of women who value depth, simplicity, and style without the noise.