From 17 in his home salon chain, playing by his own rules, and secrets of working with a global beauty giant
L’Oréal Professionnel has launched Season 2 of the “Hair Transformation Space” project. The BACKSTAGE network once again acts as a project partner, but the main highlights are the people on screen. Denys Datsenko, ART Stylist at BACKSTAGE, has been with the chain for 10 years — he started here at 17 and grew into a expert respected by international brands. In this interview, he shares insights on inner freedom, team respect, and his experience filming for a global beauty powerhouse.
— Collaboration with L’Oréal sounds like the ultimate dream for many in the beauty sphere. But you mentioned that during the first offer… you turned them down. How is that possible?
— What is behind this confidence? Is it personal qualities or the environment in which you grew up?
— You have been working in the network for 10 years, having joined as a very young guy. What was key to your growth?
— At 17, it’s hard to plan big projects. But from the first days, I realized: this is a place where I want to work long-term.
In the beginning, there were fears, as salons often open and close. However, I watched BACKSTAGE develop and scale, and that dispelled all doubts.
The main foundation of the network is respect. There has never been harsh pressure, constant nitpicking, or fines here. There is a feeling that you are your own boss — within the limits of healthy corporate ethics, of course.
Besides, here I learned respect for my colleagues. In the beginning, I saw true professionals before me — Ihor Bilobrovskyi and Olya Semida, and alongside me, a strong new generation was growing. It is a natural evolution: experienced specialists pass on knowledge, and the youth picks up this foundation and moves forward.
— In Season 2 of “Hair Transformation Space,” you present the new French Blending technique. What makes it so special?
— The future is already behind this technique, and I saw it with my own eyes. L’Oréal Professionnel is actively developing the French Blending approach — a technique that allows for maximum naturalness, softness, and aesthetic appeal in hair color, even as it grows out.
— How was the filming process?
- Day 1. Concept and atmosphere. Together with my colleagues — Andriy Kryvonos and Slava Voloshyn — we shot presentation frames, searched for the best angles, and set the mood that the viewer would see.
- Day 2. Transformation. We worked with a model, performing complex coloring using iNOA dye from L’Oréal Professionnel. The hair looked incredibly expensive and high-quality.