Working exclusively with ethically sourced Virgin Russian hair, the queen of luxury extensions, Tatiana Karelina is the ambitious beautician turned business woman.
First coming to the UK eleven years ago, Tatiana Karelina began working in a hair loss and extension clinic to make money the only way she knew how. Fascinated by how a full head of hair could transform a person’s image and self-confidence, she began experimenting with bonding and weaving techniques that were more advanced than the systems she had been originally trained in. Discovering a way of working that integrated discreet metal clips and created a full-bodied but natural effect whilst allowing the hair to continue to grow, without any risk of damage and the use of glue, Tatiana began sourcing the highest quality hair from all over the world and providing her growing clientele with outstanding results. Catering to men and women of every desired hair length and age, Tatiana’s hair extension system has become sensationally popular, all over the world. Committed to discovering the very finest hair, she’s constantly on the hunt, sourcing from the most ethical of places. Now a minor celebrity in her own right, Tatiana’s soft blonde barnet and eye catching outfits are a staple on the West London beauty scene. Coming from a small Russian village to conquer one of the fastest-moving, competitive capital cities in the world, she remains grounded, polite and infectiously funny. Tatiana does not distinguish between celebrities and walk-ins, her only ambition is to continue to deliver unrivalled results that keep everyone talking about how innovative her hair stylists are, and how beautiful the hair the salon sources feels. Looking to expand to LA and NYC in the not-too-distant future, her flagship salons are currently located in Manchester and London. i-D travelled over to Kensington to get long hair and engage in some light chat about chihuahuas with the first lady of luxury hair extensions.
Special thanks to Lucy Dartford PR.
Text: Milly McMahon
Photography and film: Makda Iyasu
