I’m Ashly Alvarez but I’m better known as Shands. A name organically given to me by followers and admirers on social media and throughout the professional session stylist community. Bam! My very own “Sasha fierce” was born.
I was born with a talent trapped in my hands that manifested itself by way of hair artistry. I began as most stylists do, working in the salon world behind the chair. At 19 I did what I could in that world, while simultaneously figuring out how to advance my career, follow my passion with hands simply bursting with creativity! These hands needed to fly!
I started dabbling in the fashion world in the behind the scenes curtain of session work. From there I segued to the tv production world, spearheading glam departments for numerous international television shows. MasterChef Latino, Taste of the Border and multiple Telemundo, Univisión and Discovery Channel shows to name a few.
Aligning with Saints & Sinners and becoming a recognized and well respected Sinnergist allowed me to create and express with products that not only outperform the competition, (which as a session stylist I am well versed in) but as a lead Sinnergist I can get behind their motto of Luxury Performance, No Bad Stuff®. Believe me, as a session stylist I use products at their MAX capacity…if a product doesn’t work, I’m going to know it.
As a Sinnergist, Saints & Sinners allows me room to be myself, embrace my badassery, and all my creative modalities are welcome!
I appreciate the no bs approach, which is just like me! We had an instant love affair and as a Sinnergist I get to speak on how f’ing great Saints & Sinners really is!
My life behind the scenes as a session stylist continues to be ever changing and so exciting! Working on Netflix “La Firm” and “The Signing” with all glam art direction by yours truly, Shands! I’ve also turned a page and have entered my music industry phase, and I’m loving it! Creating on location, being able to supply my clients with at home care, products to save their hair and keep the integrity after our intense styling sessions (photo shoots, red carpets, videos, performances, concerts…). Next on my docket, find me on set or in the studio at any given moment…
Look out for creations by #Shands! Talking about myself doesn’t always come easy but I thank Saints & Sinners for trusting and giving me the space to notice that I’m pretty dope! Saints & Sinners really is the G.O.A.T! I tested it!;)
Follow my adventures on Instagram @ashlyshands
Sinfully Good Styling!