Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruslan Nureev.
Hi Ruslan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a celebrity hairstylist living in LA! My career started back in Russia when I was 15 years old I went to the hair school, and ended up being the best in my class! I knew back then that I needed to pursue this career and become the best of the best and work with the most amazing clients. I worked in the best Russian hair academy as an assistant for two years then got a job at a really cool up & coming salon where I’d work with amazing and famous clients. When I was 20 years old I decided to move to the United States and start my career there (because you start from scratch when you are new in America) so I moved to NYC and worked there as an assistant in the beginning! I ended up living in NYC for 5,5 years, two of which I assisted celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh, he was my mentor and he helped me to start my career! I adore Harry he was an amazing mentor! While I was working with Harry in NYC I have met and assisted another amazing hairstylist Chris Appleton, and he asked me if I’d like to become his assistant and move to LA, which I eventually did! Assisting is so important, you can learn so much during that time, I was like a sponge, was trying to learn as much as possible! After working with Chris for about a year, I began my own career of a freelance hairstylist, and my career took off pretty fast. I was busy working with all my amazing clients, and I still do. I love my job; it’s never boring.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not the smoothest road. Some obstacles and struggles while I was an assistant, working long hours and not making enough money, but I had a clear picture of the future and my vision and to life after I dedicated all that time going through difficult times, it all paid off.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do hair, for special events, carpets and music videos, and pretty much anything that requires someone to look their best! I’m known for my very detailed hairstyles that are super clean and beautiful, I love working with beautiful models to showcase my work even better! I’m most proud of my hair extensions line that I recently launched, called LEV hair, ethically sourced and ethically produced extensions that are completely different than any other hair on the market! Becoming a brand founder is really amazing and requires a lot of work but I love it and it’s super exciting! I’m looking forward to the future and where this brand takes me.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think it’s really important to get out of your comfort zone, that’s when you grow honestly. I moved from Moscow to NYC when I was 20, didn’t speak any English and not knowing anyone, but that risk paid off big time! I love taking risks with my work too it’s definitely not easy but always beneficial in my opinion because you learn a lot from the experience.
Pricing:
- Haircut $350
- Style (do&go) $500 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.levextensions.com/
- Instagram: hairbyruslan
Image Credits
Jasmine Tookes, Renee Murden, Romee Strijd, Elsa Hosk, Giorgina Rodriguez
