Dolores Kondrashova, a renowned Soviet hairdresser, has passed away at 86. The news was shared on social media by television presenter Oksana Pushkina, who has long known Kondrashova and speaks of their deep friendship and shared memories.
Pushkina recalled their mutual love of music and the way they understood each other. She described watching films together, discussing life, family, beloved partners, and children, and how they traveled with joy and celebrated every happy moment. Even quiet moments felt comfortable with Kondrashova, who always gave generously. A remarkable woman who elevated hairdressing into an art, according to Pushkina, who maintains a close friendship with Kondrashova. (Citation: Oksana Pushkina)
The TV host noted that Kondrashova was among the early female faces on the program Woman’s Gaze, marking her as a pioneer in Russian television and beauty culture.
One in a million, Pushkina said, and after a quarter of a century their friendship remained strong. Kondrashova had left this world, and Pushkina admitted the loss with sorrow, urging reflection on their shared history. (Citation: Oksana Pushkina)
Born in Baku, Kondrashova moved to Moscow with her mother and sister following her father’s death. In the capital, she discovered a passion for hairdressing and began a career that would leave a lasting impact on the industry. She earned recognition by winning the Friendship Cup hairdressing competition, held among socialist countries in 1970, and she collected a silver medal at the World Hairdressing Championship in Paris, underscoring her international standing.
Kondrashova led the Hairstyling Laboratory under the Ministry of Consumer Services for 18 years, from 1971, and she remained the head coach of the Russian national hairdressers team until the very end. She founded Dolores magazine, a professional publication for stylists and beauticians, in 1992, and established the Hairdressing Academy in 1997, fostering a generation of practitioners and educators in the field. Her leadership and vision helped shape modern hair artistry in the region.
Among Kondrashova’s students was Sergey Zverev, who went on to become a notable figure in the profession, reflecting the enduring influence of her mentorship and teaching.