I almost always laugh when I see memes about bloggers and how they take you on a long winded story before they get to the point of the blog post or the recipe they are sharing – you know the ones! While I know that I can be long winded I do hope that if you’re sitting down to read this right now it’s because I bring a certain pizaz to my writing that you enjoy and that resounds with you. Be it your first time on the blog or you’ve been with me since day one nine and a half years ago. Well my friends, today I’m going to embody that stereotype for the purpose of giving you a glance into who I was many moons ago vs who I am today and you’ll understand why we took a walk down memory lane.
Let’s quickly head back to 2002 ish and I had just identified as a proud and out gay man. At 22 years old I had a lot of catching up to do with many of my friends having been sure of their sexual identity for years. One thing was certain – I needed some help with my style.
Thankfully by that point Catherine and I had been friends for a few years and she came to the rescue. She brough over a flat iron one day before we went out and showed me that my wild curls, although gorgeous in their own right (see below) could be tamed. It was as if a whole new world opened itself up to me. I could evolve my look and my identity at the same time? Game changing.
I am very lucky to still have Catherine in my life motivating me to feel and look beautiful. Not to mention my fashionista husband who reminds me that confidence comes from the inside, but it accentuated by what’s on the outside. Sounds a bit vain to some, but it’s important to feel beautiful in my opinion.
A few years ago for Julio’s birthday I decided to buy him THE Dyson hair dryer. This was the hottest item in the hair care game to ever launch and while I didn’t get it, I knew Julio loved it. I mean, Julio and his hair. If you know, you know. Now it’s my turn to get the best of the best.
Fast forward to 2022 and here I am with a Dyson Corrale straightener ($649.99) on the way to me which is definitely a step up from my burnt out and ancient hair straightener that’s upstairs under the sink. So why the upgrade and why now?
Well as I’ve gotten older my hair has changed and is thinning. After speaking with my family doctor, I am taking finasteride for hair loss, and while I do bleach my hair in the summer, I need to be mindful of the products I use to cleanse it but also the products I use to style it. This is the best of the best!
Flexing plate technology: Flexing plates shape around your hair, gathering it neatly together on each pass for more control. This means you can achieve the same style with less heat, and therefore half the damage compared to conventional solid plates.
Cord-free versatility: Use corded or cord-free. Up to 30 minutes of cord-free run time that delivers the same thermal performance of a corded straightener.
Intelligent heat control: Regulates the temperature of the plates 100 times a second, ensuring you never exceed your chosen temperature.
Suitable for all hair types: Choose from three precise heat settings –330°F, 365°F and 410°F –to suit your hair type, length and desired style. Dyson recommends beginning with a lower heat setting, as the flexing plates require less heat for styling.
When it arrives I can retire my trusted hair straightener that I bought two decades ago (probably should have already done that, but oh well) and use a product that will enhance my inner beauty in a whole new way. Because at this point in my life, it’s time to invest in me again a little more.
Come along with Julio & I if you aren’t following us yet at @dothedaniel & @fashionights on all platforms
Photos: Daniel Reyes Cocka, participating brands and all social media accounts mentioned
Don’t forget to be kind & laugh a little more this year
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