About Me

Hi there! I’m Marina Karpalova – a hairstylist, beauty enthusiast, and now (to my own surprise) a blogger too.

For over 15 years, I’ve lived and breathed hair. From my earliest days with dull scissors and a mirror taped to the wall, to now – running my own cozy studio and working with amazing women every week – it’s been a wild and beautiful ride. I didn’t grow up dreaming of being an “influencer.” I just loved how a simple haircut could change everything – not just someone’s look, but their energy.

“She walked in quiet, head down. I gave her a soft layered cut and showed her how to style it in five minutes. She left smiling, hair bouncing, posture different. That’s when I knew – this is what I want to do.”

In the beginning, I had no clients. No fancy tools. Just a second-hand hairdryer and a deep belief that I could make someone feel better. I practiced on friends, on my sister, sometimes even on myself. I made mistakes. I learned. I grew. Slowly but surely, one happy client at a time.

Over time, I opened my own studio. Some of my clients have been with me for over a decade now. I’ve done their hair for weddings, job interviews, birthdays, baby showers, and even quiet Mondays when they just needed a little pick-me-up. These women have become friends, and honestly, they’ve taught me as much as I’ve given.

“The best salon conversations aren’t about hair – they’re about life. We talk love, heartbreak, kids, new jobs, aging parents, dreams we’re too shy to say out loud. Hair is just the beginning.”

The idea of this blog started quietly, like a whisper in the back of my mind. I’d be doing someone’s hair and they’d ask, “How do you always make it look so easy?” Or, “Can you show me that braid again?” And I realized – maybe I can help more than just the people in my chair.

So I decided to create this space.

Not to chase trends or sell products. But to share what I’ve learned. Real tips. Honest reviews. Simple tutorials that don’t require a glam squad. Stories from behind the chair. And inspiration for the days when you don’t feel like your best self.

I believe in natural beauty. In hair that fits your life, not the other way around. I believe that you don’t need perfect cheekbones or $500 products – just a bit of knowledge, a few tricks, and someone who’s been there.

And if you’ve ever walked out of a salon feeling like the world got just a little brighter… you get it. That’s what I want to bring here, too.

Oh – and one more thing about me?

I love Christmas. Like really love it. I decorate early, bake ginger cookies, watch cheesy movies, and fully lean into the sparkle. There’s something about that season – the coziness, the magic, the way everyone slows down and reconnects – it reminds me what matters. (Yes, I’ll be sharing some festive hair looks too. And yes, there’s a picture of me in a giant sweater holding a cup of cocoa. You’ve been warned. 🎄)

This blog is a continuation of the hundreds of real conversations I’ve had with women over the years. Only now, the circle is bigger – and you’re part of it.

Here you’ll find:

– Simple hair tips that actually work
– Before & after transformations
– Real-life beauty routines (not 2-hour glam fests)
– Thoughts on confidence, womanhood, and finding your style
– And a touch of sparkle ✨

Thank you for being here. Truly. Whether you’re a longtime client, a new reader, or someone who just stumbled across this page – welcome. Make yourself at home.

👉 Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for even more ideas, tips, and inspiration.

With love,
Marina 🤍