Shari Besanceney’s career has taken her from beauty school to Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera, film, and television, where she has built a reputation for combining technical skill with a deep understanding of character, texture, and story. Best known for her work on productions including Law & Order: SVU and The Punisher, Besanceney approaches hair design as more than styling. For her, the work requires observation, collaboration, trust, and the ability to create looks that feel authentic to both the character and the world of the story.
Her path into film and television began after years of training and hands-on work, including time at the Metropolitan Opera and mentorship under Tom Watson. That foundation helped shape an approach that values realism, adaptability, and an understanding of different hair types and textures—skills that become especially important when budgets, schedules, and production demands are constantly changing.
In this conversation with Soulivity contributor D’angelo Thompson, Besanceney reflects on the importance of patience, the value of learning from everyone around you, and the role compassion plays in both leadership and artistry. She also shares how meditation and awareness help her stay centered, why creativity continues to feed her soul, and why her evolving sense of purpose remains connected to growth, art, music, psychology, and extending more compassion to others.
Best known for her work on Law & Order SVU and The Punisher, Shari Besanceney's journey, from beauty school student to wig designer on Broadway and television, has taught a great many things. As a department head, she gives plenty of advice on delegating tasks based on the strengths of others; fostering trust with artists; and, creating realistic designs in the story and on the set.
Note: All Photos Supplied By Subject.
DT: Shari, I consider you a quiet storm when we are in the HMU room and or camper together. I've seen you work magic with wigs from your archives with a limited budget. And a clear understanding of all hair types and textures.
I think your practice of staying centered through meditation and your awareness of energy is definitely part of it.
DT: How long have you been a hairstylist? When did you enter the world of film and television?
SB: I have been a hairstylist since 2007. And, I started in film and television in 2013, with my first TV projects, including Marvel's Luke Cage, The Punisher, and others. I also worked at the Metropolitan Opera for a year and worked with my mentor Tom Watson for three years.
DT: Share some of your favorite hair products or treatments.
SB: I love the Shu Uemura BB Serum that detangles the hair. It gives hair a softness, volume; and, great on fine hair. It's ideal for blowouts. Also, the Wonder Worker is great for air drying.
DT: How important are hair trends to you?
SB: Not super important to me, it all depends on hair type and the frequency of styling you need or want. It is more about getting a trim, but if you have a precision haircut, there will be a lot more upkeep.
DT: What intentions have you set forth for the new decade?
SB: Wow, I think I will approach clients with the same type of compassion I give to myself. You never know what people are going through.
DT: What lesson would you share with your younger self?
SB: Two words, "BE PATIENT." You can learn something from everybody no matter at what level.
DT: What is your Purpose? Passion? Inspiration?
SB: My purpose is always changing. When I was younger it was about being creative in my work. I think I am still evolving as a human being on this planet.
Art is one of my passions - being creative and seeing new things feed my soul. Music is another strong passion of mine, as well as, self-improvement and psychology.
What inspires me is all of the things above and the diversity of it all.
DT: Finish this sentence, "the shift I would like to see in the world is…"
SB: "…extending more compassion to all beings".
Name: Shari Besanceney
Job Title: Hair Department Head
Instagram: @shariannb
Website: www.sharibesanceney.com
