SEEING a macho man highly-interested in hairdressing and beautifying women might still come as not-so-normal for a number of people. However, these days, few men have already been making waves in the industry.
In my previous column, I talked about my frustration for not getting the right hair color that I always wanted. But, things changed when I visited Pink & Gold Salon. And that is where I met Marlon Gonzaga, the macho hairdresser, who is not afraid about the common stereotyping, that is, if you are into it then you must be gay.
Read on to know more about this 32-year-old beauty consultant.
Being in the industry for almost 13 years now, Marlon narrated how his passion towards beautifying women started.
“Noong una po wala akong interest kasi baka isipin ng iba bading ako pero after ilang months napansin ko iyong mga kasama ko na mga straight na lalaki talaga, mga hairdresser pala kaya sabi ko pwede din pala ako. Doon ako nag-umpisa,” he recalled.
Taking his inspiration from his family’s economic status, Marlon worked hard to become more competitive in the salon industry.
“Isa din sa nakapag-motivate sa’kin eh yung pinaka-unang mga mentors ko na mag-asawang Sir Fred at Ms. Lucy ng Hairshaft Salon sa Manila. Dun talaga ako nag-umpisa at nahubog as a hairdresser. Nakakabilib kasi iyong dedikasyon at husay nila sa hair industry, kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, kung kaya nila, kaya ko din,” he added.
When it comes to the usual notion that guys who are into this craft are actually gays, Marlon had this to say, “Iyon din ang naging first impression sa’kin ng asawa ko (laughing). Noong una po syempre medyo mahirap pero katagalan nasanay nalang ako. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na lalaki naman talaga ako at saka minsan yung mga clients ko na din ang nakaka-realize na, ‘Ay! Hindi pala siya bading.’"
Furthermore, when asked about his thoughts on being a macho man in an industry dominated by women and gays, he shared that he feels “unique and special” to be part of it. In fact, he is very proud of his job and expertise.
“Iniisip kasi nila na ang laki ng katawan ko, pagkatapos ay nasa salon industry ako. Pero proud ako na hairdresser ako, kasi dito ko nakita iyong passion ko at nailalabas ko iyong creativity ko,” he pointed out.
His wife, 28-year-old Evangeline Ciacico-Gonzaga, is proud of him as well.
“I'm very proud syempre lalo na sa mga na-achieve niya. He's very dedicated with his profession and he really loves his job. Passion niya talaga,” she said, as she emphasized that Marlon is not only good at hairdressing but also as a family man who never gets tired of loving his wife and daughter to the point of spoiling them.
So what interests him most when it comes to beautifying women?
“Iyong before and after ng hair transformation nila. Syempre alam ng lahat ng kababaihan iyong kasabihan na ‘your hair is the crown you never take off.’ Nakakataas kasi ng self-confidence ng mga babae iyong magandang buhok lalona pagna-realized nila na bagay pala sa kanila ‘yong ganitong hairstyle o hair color,” he noted.
To keep up with the ever-changing hairstyle and hair color trends, including the preference of women, Marlon makes sure that he does his homework. He never stops doing research. Also, his bosses at Pink & Gold Salon, Ms. Golda Valenzona Divinagracia and Ms. Pinky Soriano Pineda, support him by sending him to training programs. It is also a good thing that he has been helping them manage the salon.
Of course, I didn’t end the interview without asking him for an advice.
“Give your hair the treatment it deserves and always ask the expert kung may gusto ka ng ipagawa sa hair mo. At huwag ninyong gugupitin ang sarili ninyong bangs, please!” he said.
If you want to experience Marlon’s “magic,” you may visit him at Pink & Gold Lanang at Door 2, Jetti Business Complex, just in front of SM Lanang Premier. You may also check their official Facebook page: Pink&Gold Salon.
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If you have special events and fashion tips to share or just want to discuss about any fashion and lifestyle-related stories with me, you are always free to reach me at mendoza.jennygrace@gmail.com.