Shalom Harlow is a Canadian model and actress. She was born in Oshawa, Ontario, the daughter of Sandi Herbert and David Harlow. Her mother named her Shalom, meaning "peace" or "Hello" in Hebrew.
Her father held several jobs as a social worker, real estate agent and financial investor while her mother, Sandi Herbert, worked with mentally challenged adults. Her parents allowed her to experience growing up in a 'hippie community just outside of Toronto and the family often spent time at their family cottage built by her great-great grandfather.
Early on, Shalom took up Ballet which she later decided was not for her as she claimed in a 2008, New York Times article, "My rebellious nature always comes out." Shalom instead became interested in tap dancing as she enjoyed the noise it created. Shalom was passionate in the arts from an early age which later became apparent in her adult career.