Freelance Writer

As an expert in her industry, Ashley shares her professional opinions and insider access, making her one of the most unique voices in beauty content today. She is an expert contributer to Byrdie. Her writing also appears on Mane Addicts, Because I’m Addicted, and other beauty outlets.

BYRDIE

I TRIED 3 DIY HAIR CURLER METHODS (THAT REQUIRE ZERO HEAT)

I decided I'd test out three viral, DIY hair curler methods for getting heat-free curls. To my surprise, each method took me less than 10 minutes and gave pretty impressive results.

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how to create the perfect chignon on short hair

While there is a chignon style out there for everyone, today, I'm showing you how to do a clean and simple twisted chignon on short, thick hair.

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HOW TO USE THINNING SCISSORS TO TEXTURIZE AND REMOVE WEIGHT

Today we'll be talking about one of my personal favorites, the thinning shear.

MANE ADDICTS

How-To: Emily Weiss's Low Double Bun

Learn this easy to do hairstyle that I created for Emily at Into The Gloss's Top Shelf Live!

byrdie
fyi: you’re probably not conditioning your hair enough

During a time when we’ve been encouraged to shampoo our hair less and less, (in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion) I can’t help but wonder—are we conditioning our hair enough?

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6 Colorist approved ways to lighten your hair naturally

From classic lemon juice to certain tea formulas, these home remedies will keep you from breaking the bank on a full round of highlights.

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20 glamorous side-swept hair looks

This style is minimal effort for maximum payoff.

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how to use hot rollers for long, cascading waves

Less damage, more volume.

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these shaved hairstyles might convince you to grab a clipper

Trust us, they’re buzz-worthy.

MANE ADDICTS

What To Buy: The 5 Best Holiday Hair Reads

The holidays: It's a time of love, a time of cheer, and a time to catch up on your reading in search of inspiration for the new year ahead!

MANE ADDICTS

The Supercool New Hair Accessories Line We're Crushing On

What happens when you put a jeweler, an interior designer, an architect, and a hair colorist in the same room?  I interviewed my friend, hair colorist Cara Craig, for the story behind her new innovative accessories line. 

MANE ADDICTS

How-To: Nell Diamond's Knotted Rope Braid by Ashley Rubell 

When Nellie Diamond launched her luxury lifestyle brand, Hill House Home, we decided to do something super fun with her ALREADY PERFECTLY LONG LUSCIOUS locks! 

MANE ADDICTS

Mane Master: Garrett Markenson

Garrett is the mentor I turn to who doesn't realize he's the mentor I turn to. This guy is always fueling me with inspiration and the desire to tell a story. So naturally, I shared his. 

MANE ADDICTS

What To Buy: Protecting and Perfecting Summer Hair 

I asked my favorite colorists for advice on perfecting those golden locks without frying them or interrupting our sunbaths. 

MANE ADDICTS

How To: NYFW Ethereal Texture by Bok Hee x Tracy Reese

After assisting Bok Hee's team for this NYFW SS16 show, I share a quick tutorial on how it was created. 

MANE ADDICTS

How To: Faux Bangs by Brian Buenaventura

There IS an approachable option for those of us who are scared of commitment (to bangs). Brian Buenaventura shows us how to sport a proper faux bang in high fashion.

MANE ADDICTS

How To: Elle Fanning's High Ponytail by Jenda Alcorn

I used to work with Jenda when I was assisting at Ramirez Tran in LA and when I saw this sleek, chic ponytail she created for Elle, I had to ask her to share how she did it! 

MANE ADDICTS

Mane Master: Sunnie Brook 

She was the one who introduced me to freelancing as a hairstylist, and has quickly become one of my dearest friends. She is inspiring, generous, humble, and a very talented hair stylist. 

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HOW TO CUT YOUR HAIR AT HOME USING THE PONYTAIL METHOD

The ponytail method can only give you one type of haircut: a heavily layered one. As a professional hairstylist, I'd suggest only entertaining this method if you have extremely long hair or curly hair, because drastic layers are best suited for curly texture and lots of length.

5 Tips to Keeping Curly Hair Healthy

Follow these easy steps and I promise you’ll have an easier time taming your tresses.

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this single-ingredient, old school hair mask is a dry hair hero

Apparently when you're desperate for all-over moisture, you should actually reach into your pantry. Because mayonnaise has loads of purported benefits.

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HOW TO CUT FACE FRAMING LAYERS, ACCORDING TO A STYLIST

I've outlined everything you need to know about doing this DIY move carefully and confidently, just like a pro.

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FOLIC ACID FOR HAIR GROWTH: THE COMPLETE GUIDE

Recent findings are now directly linking folic acid to hair perks like volume, growth, shine, and the prevention of graying and thinning.

MOLLY GORDON’S HALF-UP PONY WRAP

Learn how to recreate this look I did for Molly during her BookSmart press in NYC!

MANE ADDICTS

New York: Wallflowers Exhibit at Suite Caroline 

The artists I know over at NYC's Suite Caroline Salon showcased a display of their collective creativity which is elevating hair color to be accessible rather than alternative. 

MANE ADDICTS

How-To: Maria Sharapova's Chic Met Gala Ponytail by Adir Abergel

After assisting Adir with Maria's hair for the Met, I broke down this complex-looking ponytail into a simple 5 step tutorial so you could re-create it yourself! 

BYRDIE

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE WASHING MY HAIR?

As all hair rules go, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The pros weigh in on varying hair types.

MANE ADDICTS

New York: Salon Ruggeri

My friend and fellow hair stylist, Aussie babe Michelle Garwood, invited me into her salon for a trim and I loved it so much I just had to share the experience!

MANE ADDICTS

How-To: The Cool Girl Bun

Because I moved to New York and every one around me (including self) was sporting this style

MANE ADDICTS

What To Buy: Know Your Styling Products

I used to assist Neil Grupp who always preached the phrase "grip or slip" when it came to his hair products. So I used the phrase, along with his insight, to share some tips on the matter. 

MANE ADDICTS

Over The Counter Must Haves

I asked the mentors who trained me- the busy celebrity hair stylists that they are- for their best tips, tricks, and secret product finds that are accessible at any local drug store. 

MANE ADDICTS

Mane Master: Lacy Redway

As one of the many hair stylists out there that has influenced my own career path, I decided to interview Lacy and share her insights on living a balanced life, and on all things hair of course. 

MANE ADDICTS

Olivia Culpo Becomes The Brand Ambassador For GHD

With a brand that’s named after Good Hair Days, it’s no surprise ghd chose Olivia Culpo as their first celebrity brand ambassador.

MANE ADDICTS

What To Buy: All Gold Everything

My favorite gold items to keep your kits elegant and your manes luxurious. 

MANE ADDICTS

Gigi Hadid Dons Rainbow Afros for Italian Vogue by Guido Palau 

I had a chance to chat with Guido about the process of this iconic shoot and the successes that come with time, when you learn to trust yourself and the people you work with. 

BYRDIE

5 DIY HAIR PROTECTANTS YOU CAN USE IN A PINCH

Experimenting with DIY protectants should be an informed decision—if used incorrectly, it can cause some serious damage —which is why we sought out a trichologist's advice to help guide you through.

byrdie
a step-by-step guide to creating a simple french braid

Don't let a new braiding technique intimidate you. I’ve created an easy to follow, step-by-step breakdown of a classic French braid.

BECAUSE I’M ADDICTED

HOW TO SHOP FOR CLEAN HAIR CARE

Instead of simply avoiding toxic ingredients, let’s empower ourselves to know which natural alternatives are there to help cure our hair woes.

byrdie beauty

how to cut your own hair: a complete guide

We’re all guilty of taking matters into our own hands between salon visits. Here’s what you need in order to get away with it.

How-To: Pick the Right Texture Spray

Learn which wet and dry texture sprays are best for your hair type!

HOW-TO: MOLLY GORDON’S GLAM WAVES

Learn how to recreate this classic style I did on Molly Gordon for the NYC premiere of her latest movie BookSmart.

march review: shampoos + conditioners

This month I decided to begin writing product reviews and I’m kicking things off with Shampoos + Conditioners.

MANE ADDICTS

How-to: The Faux Bob

A great trick to have up your sleeve for any occasion.

BYRDIE

THESE ARE THE 12 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS FOR WOMEN

We spoke to a dermatologist and a trichologist about the varying dilemmas responsible for thinning out our strands and how to proactively put up a good fight.

MANE ADDICTS

How-To: Knot Your Average Pony

When knots become the new braids, they're naturally the best accent to your ponytail. 

MANE ADDICTS

Mane Master: Nikki Providence

This girl helped me find the courage to leave LA and pursue my own dreams by making the move to NY. She's just chalk full of inspo. 

BYRDIE

HOW TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE PERFECT HAIR COLOR ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Here’s what you should consider for one of the most photographed days of your entire life.

MANE ADDICTS

Marrakesh: Travel Essentials

The more I've had to travel for work, the smarter I've gotten with my kit. 

MANE ADDICTS

Must Have: DIY No Crease Clips

Every season I work fashion week, I'm guaranteed to loose a majority of my no-crease clips due to the chaos of getting models ready, so I decided it'd be best to start making them myself and saving my dollars. 

MANE ADDICTS

What's in the bag? with Conrad Dornan

I was assisting Conrad on set a while back and ended up cleaning and organizing his kit - there's truly no better source of inspiration for a "what's in the bag" piece ;) 

MANE ADDICTS

Need to Know: 90s Hair Do's and Don'ts

Chokers are one thing, but butterfly clips are another...

BYRDIE

4 DIY DRY SHAMPOO RECIPES FOR EVERY HAIR COLOR (THAT LEAVE ZERO WHITE CAST)

These cost-effective DIY dry shampoo recipes will keep for up to two years.

MANE ADDICTS

Mane Master: Marco Santini

I worked with Marco during Bridal Fashion Week one year and I remember thinking, this guy is involved in all facets -  salon, freelance, and education - and I've got to learn more about him.

BYRDIE

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEAT-ACTIVATED, COLOR-CHANGING HAIR DYE

You can finally toss your mood rings to the side and wear your heart on your strands.

MANE ADDICTS

What To Buy: Caring For The Hair Texture You're Born With

It’s not as if we want what we don’t have; a lot of us want what we do have! When it comes to maintaining natural texture, all you need is an open mind and an open hand to work in some product.