Name: Olga Khatko @olgastar_hair
Profession: licensed cosmetology instructor, beauty salon owner, USA team coach for the hairstylist World Cup 2025, accredited coach, judge and elder by GK.
Company: ICUT Studio
How did you get started working in this industry?
In 2020 I decided to start a new chapter of my life, went to a beauty college. And two months into the program everything was shut down due to Covid 19 pandemic. I was devastated even though of quitting not to mention financial burden of the situation. Luckily the modified version of classes was created by the college and all the students continued education. I managed to graduate 1.5 months earlier by taking extra apprentice hours in one of the Seattle based salons who hired me as a contractor as soon as I was licensed. The next two years of my career I worked there and had my private suite on Eastside. The business was growing rapidly and in 2023 I managed to open a new salon in Bellevue which is called ICUT Studio.
What evolution within your work have you seen that makes you excited to see more?
The rapid industry change, new techniques and the most important, clients desire to be a part of the industry and learn! Almost every day I get questions on social media or in person about personal care, quality products and maintenance of natural textures. Also not only clients desire to learn and change but major hair industry companies implement eco-friendly and sustainable approaches that tremendously help to reduce color waste.
What role has the LGBTQ+ community had on your work?
LGBTQ+ community is well known for setting trends, from bold colors to avant-garde styles which is definitely my favorite one. Wigs, extensions, and gravity-defying looks that push the limits of creativity are all great examples of an impact on the hairstyling world. Over the last couple of years I had a pleasure to be a part of multiple LGBTQ+ weddings as a hairstylist and every single wedding I witnessed had a deep story about the way a couple had to go through to be in the room of closest friends and family just to say “I DO! without being punished by the society. To see it as a person who grew up in a foreign country with less support for LGBTQ+ community is a truly amazing experience!
What advice do you have for our community to utilize what you do, even more?
If you always wanted to try something new and different, don’t wait! Ask for help from a qualified professional and go for it! Hair is one of the ways to express yourself in many different ways. Why wait?
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by people and ideas that push boundaries, foster growth, and bring positive change to the world. One of these people is a famous hairstylist George Kot. His approach, sense of style and respect for classic forms is something that is I am constantly bringing to my work and everyday life as well!
When it comes to the entire beauty/fashion/etc. industry, where would you advise someone to start who has never really focused on it before for themselves?
Funny thing, I’m the example of this very person. Someone who had never had a thought of being a hairstylist or even liked touching hair. Who had different plans for life but changed career and decided to try.
One way or another you have to go through the beauty school to obtain your professional license and get first experience. Use time wisely! In my case the majority of knowledge I got came from continuous education and investment in myself. Color is not as simple as we used to think. It’s hard and challenging in the beginning but with hard work, dedication and support you’ll be rewarded.
What is a must-do or a must-have that you think everyone should do/have?
Freedom to express themselves through different forms of art. And one of them is hair. Photoshoots, fashion shows, magazines, competitions, everyday life. Pick anything the sky is the limit!
Do you have any simple steps or things that you can recommend for people to do that they can implement into their routines?
Of course I do!
The first one is to choose the right shampoo. You pick one for your scalp not for hair.
Don’t be afraid of sulfates once in a while. They help to remove products built up and oils really well. Later it will help moisturizing products to absorb well.
And use heat protectant while drying hair or styling with hot tools.
What is your biggest mistake (beauty/fashion-wise), and how did you learn from it?
Love the question! Probably the biggest mistake was to think that I’m not good enough in what I was doing and let people manipulate myself through it. I had a number of difficult cases with clients that brought me down to the ground emotionally but now i understand that it was the best way to learn and become who I’m now. Professional, honest, following my dreams with quality service and trusting clients in mind.
