RECORD: Ashley Larson

Ashley Larson’s #31daysofhalloween returns

Ashley Larson is not your traditional artist. Where some people create with paper, pen and ink, Ashley’s preferred mediums are hair and make-up. 

It’s an interest that first grew from her family. Her grandmother is, after all, Kay Staab of Kay’s World of Wigs in downtown Salem.  

“I grew up around the wig shop and have always had an interest in wigs and hair thanks to my Grandma,” Ashley said, who was also influenced by her mom who surrounded her and her sister with art. 

“I got more interested in makeup and the art of it from playing roller derby, by coming up with a new theme of makeup look each bout,” said Ashley. 

And while Ashley may create all year round, we’re heading into her most exciting season: Halloween, which also happens to be her favorite holiday.

“I celebrate all through October even some of September,” said Ashley. “My family and I have a tradition of running the 5k “Run like Hell” race and we all dress up and make our costumes for that. There are so many fun things to do around town: haunted houses, corn mazes, interactive theater. The list is endless and I try to soak it all in.”

Images left to right: (top) Skelton; Betty Boop; David Bowie. (middle) Leeloo, ‘The Fifth Element;’ Oh Deer!; Cheshire Cat. (bottom) Freddy Mercury; Peggy Bundy, ‘Married…With Children;’ Carol Brady, ‘The Brady Bunch’

It’s common for people to post their art on social media as it’s an easy way to share with an international audience. It’s also host to a wealth of ideas.

“Instagram has so many fun makeup and hair looks that are super motivating towards my own creativity,” said Ashley, “So last year I thought it would be fun to challenge myself and creativity.”

That challenge was #31daysofHalloween. Ashley dressed up and posted photos for 31 days leading up to Halloween. Her costumes ranged from Freddy Mercury to the Cheshire Cat to Carol Brady of the Brady Bunch. 

“I get a lot of ideas from new wig styles we get in at my shop. Many times I’ll get the most random ideas from pop culture,” said Ashley. “I also find inspiration from color combinations often found in candy and junk food labels.”

“The more silly and random things I can create the better. I made a lollipop candy crown placed on an elaborate pink up-do wig. I’ve formed a wig into a Christmas tree shape and added working lights.”

And of course, at this time of year, in addition to planning and creating her own costumes, Ashley is busy styling and selling wigs online. Two of her most popular are the characters Lydia and Miss Argentina from Beetlejuice.

“I just want to bring a smile to people with my creations, and hopefully spark other’s creative endeavors,” said Ashley.

Spark your creativity — follow Ashley’s Instagram at @ashleyshairdesigns.

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 9 (Oct/Nov 2019)