Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Hensel
Hi Ash, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the beauty industry began with makeup, where I spent six years developing my skills and creativity. Eventually, I felt called to expand my expertise, which led me to return to school for hairstyling. After working in salons for three years and gaining invaluable experience, I decided to take the leap and become an independent stylist.
Now, I run my own salon suite in Orlando, where I specialize in creative hair color transformations using @Pravana products. My work is a reflection of my passion for storytelling through art, whether it’s collaborating with hair models or creating one-of-a-kind looks for clients. I love bringing out the beauty in each client while creating an experience that feels personal and inspiring.
From my beginnings in makeup artistry to where I am today as an independent hairstylist & photographer, my journey has always been guided by a love for creativity and connection. Every step has shaped who I am and the work I do, and I continue to evolve while staying deeply committed to my craft.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many in the beauty industry, I’ve faced my share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was transitioning from makeup artistry to hairstyling. While I had a solid foundation in the beauty world, going back to school and starting over in a new discipline required a lot of dedication and perseverance. There were moments when it felt like I was starting from scratch, but I kept pushing forward.
Another challenge came with the decision to go independent after working in salons for three years. Moving from the security of a salon environment to running my own business brought new stresses—learning to manage everything from scheduling to financials to marketing. It’s been a learning process, and I’ve faced setbacks, but each obstacle has helped me grow and become more resilient.
Despite the bumps in the road, every challenge has been an opportunity to evolve and refine my craft, and I’m grateful for the journey so far.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a hairstylist who thrives on creating bold, transformative color looks that push boundaries. My focus is always on innovation—taking inspiration from art, fashion, and my client’s personal style to create something that feels fresh and individual. I’m proud to specialize in color transformations that feel as personal as they do striking.
Starting my journey in makeup artistry really gave me a foundation in the beauty industry, and transitioning into hairstyling opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. I’ve always been passionate about evolving my craft, and now, working independently allows me to experiment freely and truly let my artistic vision shine through.
What sets me apart is my approach to every client and project—it’s not just about following trends, but about creating something that feels authentic and special for each person. I focus on the entire experience, making sure my clients leave feeling not just refreshed, but like they’re wearing something unique to them. That connection and creativity are what drive me, and they’re what I’m most proud of in my work.
Along with that I really enjoy using my photography skills to create something beautiful with my clients & a memorable confidence boost for them.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The qualities I think have been most important to my success is adaptability and drive. In the beauty industry, things are always changing—whether it’s trends, techniques, or the needs of clients. Being able to evolve and shift with those changes has been key for me. From starting in a salon, and then going independent, I’ve learned that staying flexible and open to growth is what allows me to keep pushing forward. It’s about not being afraid to try new things, to push boundaries with my work, and to continually refine my craft while staying true to my creative vision. I couldn’t do that without drive and what drives me to keep evolving is the desire to show my daughter how successful an artist can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.afterglow-ash.com
- Instagram: @afterglow.ash
