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How to Ask For What You Want at the Salon
Getting your hair done is kind of like going on a first date with someone who might totally change your life — or ruin your week. You’re trying to be open-minded, you have flirty inspo pics at the ready, and you’re being as cool, calm, collected as this experience allows… until halfway through, your eyes meet your reflection and you see where this is going, and your soul quietly leaves your body. You nod. You smile. You tip. Next thing you know, you’re spiraling in the salon bathroom asking ChatGPT “how long does it take bangs to grow out?” wondering if you’ll ever be able to trust a human again.…
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Embracing My Feminine Side As a Gay Man Led to My Power
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment I learned that who I am at my core wasn’t what the world wanted from someone born a boy. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been labeled feminine. How I walked, talked, moved, held a pencil, or even laughed seemed to invite commentary, ridicule, and insult. I understood very early on as a child that the things I naturally gravitated toward — softness, creativity, beauty — were considered for girls and therefore not meant for me. But for me, femininity didn’t feel soft. It felt powerful. I was mesmerized watching my mother transform with a fresh blowout, her makeup like war…
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How to Find Your Makeup Shade IRL As An Introvert
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably paced around an Ulta Beauty, hoping to look like you know exactly what you’re doing while secretly spiraling inside. Most of the time, I spend more energy figuring out if I can muster up the courage to ask for help than actually trying on shades. Because of my ADHD, I easily become overstimulated, and the next thing you know, I’m purchasing six concealers because I’m too shy to ask for help. It’s a whole vibe of pretending to browse while low-key hoping no one notices how out of place I feel. Sound familiar? Trying to discern your foundation or concealer shade without asking…
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Are Expensive Hair Tools Worth It? A Hairstylist Weighs In
Welcome back to From the DMs. I’m David Lopez, and if you’re new here, I’ve spent 19 years in the hair world as a celebrity stylist, content creator, and creative director. Every month, I’m tackling the big questions you all slide into my DMs with, and today’s hot topic: Are expensive hair tools really worth it? With over 15 years of experience as a consultant and brand ambassador for the buzziest hair tool brands, I’ve seen it all — from glossy marketing campaigns to the behind-the-scenes innovations that have changed the industry. But many moons ago, I was just a curly boy on a mission for pin-straight hair who discovered…
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Are Silicones Bad For Hair? A Hairstylist Weighs In
Welcome to my very first PS column, From the DMs. My name is David Lopez, and I’ve worked as a celebrity hairstylist, content creator, and creative director for over 15 years. Every month, I’ll dive into some of the most frequently asked questions I get about beauty and wellness. If there’s one thing I want you to keep in mind, it’s that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to beauty. My goal is to give you real, honest answers that not only support you on your journey to feeling good but also keep it real. My first edition kicks off with a question I get asked a lot: “Are silicones really bad…
