YouTube Hair Guru AskSash88 Shares What She Loves About Vlogging
p>Sasha of AskSash88 can create hundreds of hairstyles, and her mind is always so chock full of ideas that she decided to start a YouTube channel to share them with the world. Since then, she's filmed simple videos like "Quick and Easy Everyday Hairstyles" (which has amassed over eleven million views) as well as more complex looks, like the intricate "Triple Fishtail Braid". But no matter what she's filming, the end goal is the same: To make girls feel confident in their own skin! You want to be her BFF too, right?
Take a peek into Sasha's day-to-day and find out what's next for the queen of coifs.
- Photo: courtesy of AskSash882/5
What's your your major?
Biology and Anthropology. I couldn't chose between my interest in health and science and my fascination with different cultures so I decided to study both.
Where did you grow up?
I was raised in North Carolina. It has beautiful mountains and beaches as well as some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Aside from vlogging, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love going to see some of my favorite bands play live. I also love to cook and try new recipes. I like to think I'm a foodie in training so I jump at any opportunity to try a new restaurant. The next foods on my to-try list are sea urchin and natto (AKA Japanese fermented soybeans).
Were you on any school teams?
I played volleyball in high school despite only being five foot two. I wasn't exactly the star of the team!
- Photo: courtesy of AskSash883/5
**What music are you listening to lately? **
I just saw Passion Pit, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Phoenix at the Sweetlife Music Festival so I've been listening to them a lot lately. I started listening to The Smiths when I was 15 and never stopped!
What's your dream job?
Continuing with YouTube, wherever that may take me, and finishing my masters in nutrition to become a Registered Dietitian truly is my dream. I would love to help as many people as possible get healthy and feel confident about themselves.
When did you first decide to start your channel?
I did it about three years ago after I watched other girls' videos. At the time YouTube didn't have too many hairstyle-centered channels and I always loved coming up with creative new looks. I had so many ideas that I just dove in.
What camera do you use, and what's your filming setup like?
I use a Canon Rebel T3i. Usually I'm in my room with a tripod set up and two umbrella lights. My camera screen flips around so that I can make sure I'm in the shot while I'm filming. If I'm doing a hair tutorial, I place a mirror right next to the camera so that I can see what I'm doing to my hair.
- Photo: courtesy of AskSash884/5
Many of our readers want to start their own channels. What three nitty-gritties would you advise them to do or not to do?
First, don’t buy an expensive camera and equipment right away. Start out using what you have, whether it’s a webcam, a digital point-and-shoot camera, or your iPhone. Make a few videos, get some feedback, and see if being on YouTube is for you. Secondly, make videos about what you’re passionate about and what you’re an expert in. Share your unique talents, personality, and knowledge with the world.
What’s the latest beauty product you’ve fallen in love with?
I love Nature’s Gate Shampoo and Conditioner in the chamomile scent. I developed a sensitive, itchy scalp a few years back and after much searching this is the only shampoo that would remedy it. Not only is it free of sulfates and harmful chemicals, but it also makes my hair look healthy and beautiful.
What are your three can’t-live-without-them beauty essentials?
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara, Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, and Aussie Volume Maximum Hold Hairspray.
Do you have any cool storage tricks for keeping all your stuff organized?
I like to keep hair ties and bobby pins in their own little mason jars on my dresser. I use a few shelves of my bookcase to showcase my favorite high heels, which gives me extra room in my closet for shoes (because you can never have too many).
- Photo: courtesy of AskSash885/5
What is your most-viewed video?
My 10 Easy, Quick Everyday Hairstyles video. I think it has been so popular because girls want to be able to throw their hair up in the morning in a few minutes and still look beautiful. This video gives some great alternatives to the boring ponytail and they are simple enough for anyone to do.
Tell us about your single most frustrating vlogging moment.
There have been many but the worst was when I was up late filming in my bedroom and I accidentally bumped into my umbrella light. It came crashing down and one of the $20 compact fluorescent bulbs cracked into a million pieces. CFL bulbs are filled with toxic mercury and when one breaks you are supposed to hastily clean up the pieces, open a window and evacuate the room for several hours. At one o’clock in the morning I was forced to quit filming, pick up poisonous mercury glass remnants and sleep on the couch!
What’s your favorite part of being a YouTube beauty guru?
I love the interaction and encouragement I get from my subscribers. The real payoff comes from hearing stories from girls who say they feel more confident and beautiful after trying the tips in my videos.
Who are a few of your favorite beauty gurus?
ItsJudyTime is one of my all-time favorites because she is so sweet, genuine, funny, and talented. I can trust her to only vouch for the products she believes in and she has really great hair tutorials. AnneorShine has great style and DIYs and ClothesEncounters is my favorite fashion YouTuber.





