In New York, where the beauty industry operates on the principle of constant reinvention, true value lies not in spaces that merely react to trends, but in those that think strategically. In a city of instant transformations, projects that create meaning rather than fleeting effect stand out most clearly. Institut de Beauté is one of them — a salon located in the heart of Manhattan that offers not just premium hair care, but a holistic philosophy rooted in European tradition, education, and uncompromising precision.
Institut de Beauté was founded by Leo Grabko and Nick Panasenko — professionals with a European background who, from the very beginning, defined the salon as a long-term cultural project. In a city where speed often outweighs quality, they deliberately chose a different rhythm: calm, thoughtful, and focused on long-term consistency.
Restrained Luxury of Space
The interior of Institut de Beauté resembles European studios where details, light, and silence play the leading roles. There is no visual overload here: a neutral palette and carefully considered zoning create a sense of privacy. The space does not display luxury — it communicates it through restraint. This approach is a direct extension of the salon’s philosophy: beauty should not shout; it should speak with confidence.
This vision was largely shaped by Leo Grabko’s professional experience. Over 13 years in the beauty industry, working with premium coloring techniques, taught him the most important principle: results must be predictable, and the process comfortable. That is why Institut de Beauté was conceived as a place where clients are not rushed, and masters have the time for analysis and precise decision-making.
Individual Color Design
One of the salon’s key specializations is bespoke color design. The team works with natural, complex shades, avoiding sharp contrasts and short-lived trends. References are not copied here — color is created to serve the individual, taking into account skin tone, hair structure, and lifestyle.
Leo Grabko personally oversees the creative direction and color work at Institut de Beauté. His experience collaborating with international brands such as Paul Mitchell, Urban Tribe, NYCE, as well as his current ambassadorship with BRAÉ in the United States, allows him to combine modern technologies with an authorial vision. For him, color is not a decorative element, but a language through which hair tells a person’s story.
Cold Restoration and Hair Health
Institut de Beauté places a strong emphasis on cold restorative treatments aimed at improving hair health without altering its natural texture. The salon consciously avoids aggressive methods, prioritizing long-term results. This approach reflects the European tradition, where outcomes are evaluated not immediately after a procedure, but months later.
For clients, this means stability and the absence of “post-salon disappointment.” For the team, it means a heightened level of responsibility. That is why all Institut de Beauté stylists undergo rigorous selection and continuous education to maintain a unified professional standard.
Education as the Foundation of Philosophy
From the outset, Institut de Beauté was envisioned by its founders not only as a salon, but also as an educational platform. Masterclasses, proprietary programs, and internal training sessions are an integral part of its daily work. This approach is closely connected to Leo Grabko’s role as an educator.
Leo is the author of numerous educational programs on coloring and styling. His professional book on color theory, Colorist Pro, serves as a reference point for many aspiring and practicing stylists. He regularly speaks at international events, including the Beauty and Wellness Forum, and participated in InterCHARM — the largest beauty industry exhibition in Ukraine — in 2017 and 2018. This experience shaped one of his core beliefs: a strong salon is impossible without a strong school.
Experience That Sets the Standard
The formation of Institut de Beauté is closely tied to Leo’s personal professional journey. His career exemplifies steady, consistent growth rather than rapid success. Working across different market contexts — from the Ukrainian beauty scene to the American premium segment — gave him a deep understanding of quality and service standards.
Brand ambassadorships, collaboration with global companies, participation in professional forums, and years of practice taught Leo to see hair not as a trend-driven object, but as a living structure requiring a systematic approach. This experience became the foundation of Institut de Beauté — a space where decisions are made thoughtfully, with long-term results in mind.
Recognition and Professional Authority
International awards have become a natural confirmation of this approach. Among them are the IBA Beauty Awards 2022, where Leo Grabko received the titles Top Master and Young Talent of the Year, as well as the IBA Beauty Awards XVII in 2024, where he was recognized as one of the top ten hairstylists. Equally important is his involvement in professional communities.
Leo is a senior member of the Eurasian Beauty Guild, a certified member of Global Creative Masters, and a member of the expert committee of the Quality Mark – America’s Top Service Excellence Award, where he participates in professional evaluation and nominee selection. These roles emphasize his status not only as a master, but as an expert influencing industry standards.
A Point of Reference
In Manhattan, where competition in the beauty industry is exceptionally high, Institut de Beauté chooses the path of quiet confidence. It is a place for those who value quality, taste, and professionalism without ostentation. Instant transformations are not promised here. Instead, clients are offered partnership, trust, and results that consistently stand the test of time.
Institut de Beauté is an example of how a founder’s personal professional journey can evolve into a space with its own ethics, rhythm, and voice. For Leo Grabko, it is a natural continuation of years of dedicated work; for New York, it is further proof that the European philosophy of beauty not only has a place here — but a strong future.
