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.
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 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 and gives it 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 Dept. Head
Instagram: @shariannb
Website: www.sharibesanceney.com
D’angelo Thompson is a three-time Daytime Emmy Nominated Hair and Makeup Artist, “Guest Hair” Daytime Emmy Award winner for the Wendy Williams Show, an accomplished Author, and Podcast Host.
His most recent credits include Law & Order SVU, Season 21, MTV/VH-1/LOGO (Viacom), Amy Trask (CBS Sports), Food Network, Joy Mangano, Amber Stevens West/Andrea DeBordeaux for Run The World (Starz), and Author, James Patterson. His expertise extends to bridal, editorial, commercial, film, and television. Additionally, for over 20 years, D’angelo has been a consultant and educator in partnerships with Il Makiage, Glamour Dolls Makeup, Chic Studios, Makeup For Ever, Calvin Klein Cosmetics, LORAC, and others.
As an Author, D’angelo penned and published “Enhanced Beauty”, “Enhanced Beauty for Teens “, “Enhanced Beauty: Men’s Grooming”, and “A 100 Days of Gratitude”. All are available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and other online retailers.
He is also the host of “Gratitude Is A Journey” available on Anchor.fm/dangelo- thompson and “Beauty & Gratitude” a series on Soulivity Magazine’s ‘SoulivityTV’, available on Youtube.
D’angelo was educated at Pratt Institute for two years in Fashion Merchandising and Fine Art and through mentorships with Alfred Fornay, Byron Barnes, and Sherry Lee. He further attended The Makeup Institute of California, MAC Pro, Makeup Forever Pro/Academy Workshops, Lash Extension Certification through NYIB, and Basic FX lessons from Daytime Emmy Award-Winning artist, Ingrid Okola. He also holds practitioner licenses and accreditations in Emotional Intelligence, Reiki, Crystal Healing, and Hypnotherapy. Currently attending National University, studying Psychology.
As a community activist, he organizes yearly fundraisers to support AIDS research, education, and advocacy with The Latino Commission on AIDS (2009-2017), youth initiatives, domestic violence, and sex trafficking awareness (2000-Present), social justice, and LGBTQ rights & safety (1990-Present).