Meet Ashley Edwards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Edwards.

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I always had a passion for art, specifically in photography, hair, modeling, and makeup. I originally went to school for radiology, not because I wanted to, but because I let others convince me I’d never make it as a hairstylist. I quickly realized I wasn’t happy and had zero interest in that and switched gears. I graduated from Savannah Tech in 2014 and this career has been an absolute blessing ever since. However, the beauty industry is definitely overlooked. I often got the comment that people go to cosmetology school when they fail at everything else or don’t know what they want to do with their lives. I was surrounded by doubt in every corner.

I worked in a couple of salons starting out, gaining experience, and building a clientele, but I always wanted more. I felt like something was missing. I then decided to become a traveling educator when I wasn’t behind the chair. That took off quicker than I expected and I had the opportunity to travel and teach with well-known color brands and big names in the industry. It was an incredible experience.

In 2019, I was a finalist in the CosmoProf Licensed to Create Awards in two different categories. Saying that out loud still shocks me. I never thought I would see my name in lights. That was an incredibly pivotal moment in my career. A few months later I opened my own private salon studio and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. In fact, I wish I made it sooner! It’s my home away from home and I feel like I’ve been able to create some of my best work there.

Outside of the salon, I have enjoyed doing hair for photoshoots and editorials. As much as I love doing hair, I’ve always wanted to be a model. When I was younger, I went to a modeling school in Savannah. I wish I could say it was a great experience, but it was quite the opposite. I was mocked and made fun of. As a kid, it completely destroyed my self-esteem and I put that dream away for a long time. This year, I decided to just go for it, and it’s crazy what you can achieve when you step outside of your comfort zone. I’ve been published 23 times this year, once in a magazine based out of London! I have worked with some amazingly talented people along the way and it has been very humbling.

I’ve found that society sets the tone that you “can’t do it all.” I’ve let people influence me in the past and I’ve wasted so much time not doing the things I enjoy. I’ve taken my power back and I’m happier than ever. It’s a great feeling and I want to encourage everyone to follow their dreams no matter how big they are. You can absolutely do it!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth, but it’s definitely been worth it. I’ve worked very hard and failed many times, but I always get up and try again. When people are on the outside looking in they usually only see the wins. They don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears.

They don’t see the sleepless nights and all the hours put in. Nothing has been handed to me and it’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication, but I think that’s what makes it the most rewarding.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In the salon, I specialize in creative color and color corrections. I usually only have 1-2 clients a day that I spend 4-8 hours on each. I love creating big transformations that help my clients feel like their best selves.

I’m definitely known for vibrant hair color, specifically color styles that you don’t normally see every day such as hair that glows in the dark, or hair color that resembles a kaleidoscope. I appreciate the creativity that is out of the ordinary. I want to create hair that turns heads. While I am known for fun colors, I really love doing all types of colors. It’s definitely my happy place.

As a model, I’m currently still building my portfolio. I really enjoy shoots that are creative and “outside of the box”. I have a very edgy style and feel most confident in shoots where I can be myself. A lot of my work embodies being strong and fierce. I think a lot of that is because I held myself back for so long and I’m finally coming out of my shell.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
At a very young age, my grandmother taught me how to braid on a giant Barbie doll head. I think that’s where my passion for hair started.

I also had an aunt and uncle who lived in northern Georgia in the mountains. My family and I would always go there for the holidays. We would ride through the mountains and see lots of wildlife, and enjoy the views.

Depending on the time of year, seeing the leaves change was beautiful and it even snowed a few times. I loved it.

Contact Info:

• Email: dropdeadheadz@gmail.com
• Instagram: @dropdeadheadz and @edwardsashley_
• Facebook: Drop Dead Headz Salon

Image Credits
Erik Revills, Tera Jones, Krunal Patel, and Malcolm Tully