Hi, I'm Ashley Gundersen. Welcome to ASH Salon + Extensions, the ultimate "IT GIRL" experience. I started my journey 15 years ago. I was 16 the first time my mother took me to have my hair done. It brought me so much happiness and confidence that I instantly knew I wanted to share that feeling with others.
After graduating with a degree in business and attending cosmetology school at Capitol School of Hairstyling and Esthetics, I decided it was time for a change, I could do hair anywhere. My dream was to make it to California and do hair for the stars. So I packed up everything I owned and with the help of my family and friends headed West to Colorado. It was a place for a fresh start-I was more motivated than ever to make it in this industry and this new chapter of my life.
I worked in a small local salon for a year before I ventured out and opened my own salon with two amazing friends, that soon became my business partners, bel ami Salon; it means beautiful friend. It was the first time that Colorado finally felt like home. I fell in love with my reignited passion all over again. Education became the most important thing in my career and it was perfect timing. This industry is constantly changing and evolving and with new trends comes new techniques.
In Colorado I also got more involved in the wedding scene; because what better place to get married than the mountains? I fell in love again with something I dreaded doing back in cosmetology school: bridal up-dos. Suddenly, my outlook changed and it was no longer just bridal up-dos, it was helping a bride make her wedding dream vision into reality. I love getting to know a love story between a soon to be bride and groom. Wedding party's were no longer scary, they were the best part of the job. Getting to know a beautiful bride and her best friends on her wedding day while I get the privilege of helping everyone get ready for the big day. On one of the most important days of his and her life and they chose me, what an honor.
Color has always been my passion. In 2017, I was introduced to the term and technique called Balayage. Balayage is a highlighting technique in which lightener is hand-painted on. It creates graduated, natural looking effects. It became my motivation to become the best I could be at natural-looking, sun-kissed hair color. Balayage gives a low maintenance, lived-in, and natural look that I became infautated with.
Want to talk game changer? Lets talk about in 2015 when I was introduced to the world of hair extensions. Hair extensions and full custom colors, balayage quickly became my most favorite part of the hair industry world. With a little added length or volume and a custom color to match you can go from boring dull hair to hair you see on the red carpet. Isn't that what its all about? Having our red carpet moment everyday. I wanted to change the hair extensions industry for myself. I am now proud to say I am a certified a master in hair extensions. With many different methods, brands, length, and colors I'd love to have you in for a consultation to show you why ASH Salon + Extensions is above the rest. Knowing so many different hair extension methods allows me to customize looks that work for you in your everyday life.
Now, you may be thinking when and why Papillion, NE? This is my hometown, my husband's hometown, and after the birth of our daughter I knew it wouldn't be long before we would come home! I've learned over the years that as much as hair is my passion, family is everything. The best part about this industry is that you can take it wherever you go. I'm excited and motivated to bring both my worlds together, a hair salon in my hometown.
When going to work doesn't feel like work, you know you are doing what you were supposed to do. I'm crazy about this industry and as a client of ASH Salon + Extensions I vow to help you achieve your hair goals one appointment at a time.
