Every night from Monday to Thursday, a voice as smooth as silk graces the airwaves across the nation. Her warm and welcoming tone brings a feel-good vibe to every show. But, there’s more to her than meets the ear. We chat with the daring and dynamic Danny Painter to find out what makes her tick.
She is most known as the host of Jacaranda FM’s Love Songs with Danny Painter, but she also works as a TV presenter, singer and songwriter, content creator, motivational speaker, business owner, MC, and voice actress for just about anything you can think of. But when it comes down to it, Danny Painter says, she’s human.
“I also have anxiety, crippling phobias and (believe it or not) severe stage fright. At the same time, I’m a very together, A-type person with insomnia … who sometimes leaves clothes on the floor and sleeps for two days straight.”
The best word to describe her? Authentic! If you take so much as a quick scroll through her Insta feed, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Honest. Real. And unapologetic. In the same way she believes all women should be able to express themselves.
From a growing collection of (strangely unique) tattoos and an all-black wardrobe – because it makes her feel sexy and confident – to rocking the bald look and eloping with her now-hubby Phillip after only knowing him for four months, Danny Painter is determined to live her best life. All while staying true to herself.
“I believe a woman is not defined by her hair, her age, her body, or any of the physical things. I believe a woman’s heart and energy says more about her than anything else. The inherent feminine energy, the divine.”
And so one of the things that make Danny… well, Danny are her tattoos. All 30-something of them. Her fave tatt? Danny laughs. “That’s so difficult to say! I have a portrait of David Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King, from my favourite movie Labyrinth. But I also really love the vampire skull on my ribs. Oh, and don’t forget my movie sleeve! Ok, let’s just say I will most probably always love the newest tattoo the most!” Although she admits to spending way too much on ink, it’ll be hard for Danny to give up this monthly spoil, simply because it makes her happy.
“My life motto is that money flows. Money will come and go, but it is always flowing, and it will flow back. Don’t hold it too tightly.”
Another feature that sets this media darling apart is her ever-changing hair. Danny has never been afraid to experiment. From chopping it all off to trying new styles, colours, and treatments, she’s put her hair through it all.
“I have really awful, thin, mousey hair and so I shaved it for the first time when I was in high school. Since then, I have been bald every so often – which I actually prefer. Being bald is incredibly empowering for me and I never feel sexier!
“I also colour it often because I genuinely get bored with my hair and I simply can’t stand my natural colour. So, the weirder my hair, the more confident I feel. Although, I am bald again, and I think it will stay this way for some time to come.”
And don’t think she skimps on appearance just because she works as a voice actor! In fact, Danny’s always been passionate about skincare and cosmetics owing to her mother, who instilled in her from an early age the value of always looking good — you know, in case you run into someone you don’t like. From botox and fillers to serums and gua sha, Danny does it all!
She admits that one of her better decisions was to study cosmetics as an aspiring host so she wouldn’t have to hire makeup artists for shoots. A true artist at heart – her body the canvas – Danny can spend between 15 minutes up to an hour each morning on her skincare and makeup regimen alone.
So, who is Danny when she’s at home and not wearing any makeup?
“Definitely more opinionated, louder and more fun than I appear. I have a very close circle of friends and I’m way too close with my family. Those spaces allow me the opportunity to really be me, say things that I can’t necessarily say in public, and maybe misbehave a little.
“I think my people would say that I am always up for an adventure and there will always be shots. My mother says I’m loud. My nephew says I’m a party and my husband says I’m more reserved. So, I don’t know who’s lying, haha.”
When she’s not making her mark in the media industry, Danny can most probably be found in front of the piano, cooking, reading, gardening or playing with her rescue doggos – Ziggy, Flea, Durby, Roxy and Chaser.
Although she has to juggle a lot of balls with a crazy daily to-do list, Danny will always make room for some well-deserved me-time through meditation, weight lifting and therapy. Adding that “I live a really full and privileged life. So, I don’t really have to unwind as such. I just maybe need a little more work/play balance.”
For Danny, a fulfilled life boils down to showing compassion for others. An empath at her core, she can’t imagine a life that’s not centred around love, human connection and kindness.
“Just be kind. Be kind to every single person you meet. You have no idea how much a smile, a kind gesture or a kind word can change the course of someone’s day!
“Oh, and never apologise for what you want – especially if you’re a woman in a male-dominated industry. Always be truly, authentically you and never think you’re unworthy of your heart’s desires!”
Details: Follow @dannypainter on Insta and Facebook
Danny’s Top 6 ultimate hair care tips:
- If you like experimenting with your hair like Danny and want to keep it looking healthy in the process, she suggests the following hacks. Remember, she adds, it’s just hair and it will always grow back
- Don’t wash your hair daily. Washing your hair on a daily basis has a massive impact on the health of your hair. “Dry shampoo is your best friend,” she shares. “I’m a once or twice a week girl and it has done wonders for my hair! The analogy Jonathan Van Ness from the reality series ‘Queer Eye’ has always shared has stuck with me. He says ‘If you washed your favourite shirt every day, it would end up tattered and worn, don’t do that with your hair’”.
- Rosemary water – a viral hack that works. After discovering this trend on social media, Danny admits that using rosemary water has had an incredible impact on her hair. “I know, this trick has no peer reviews, no papers written about it, but after seeing this on TikTok, I tried it and it works!” Danny said. “My hair is fuller and healthier than it’s been in ages! Oh, and it’s easy to make! All you need is a bunch of fresh Rosemary in water, boil for around an hour, decant into spray bottles and spray on your scalp after every wash before styling!”
- Use heat protection. From blow drying to straightening, heat is often used to style hair – and it can leave a nasty effect. A heat protectant adds moisture to your hair and forms a protective barrier which reduces moisture loss caused by the heat, preventing hair breakage and damage. “I highly recommend the use of heat protection. It works. Don’t leave this step out!” she continues.
- The products you use matters. When using product in your hair, make sure to do some research on the effect this could have on your hair. “I learned this from my time using KMS,” Danny explains. “They taught me so much about layering product to get the best results and I was blown away. Research your hair type and learn how to use the amazing products we have available to make it the lane of your dreams.”
- Enjoy the process. Your hair is more resilient than you think – and having fun with your hair is a great way to express yourself. “Don’t be afraid to experiment, it’s hair. It will grow back!” Danny concludes. “If you have ever wanted to try a style and were too afraid to, this is your sign to just go for it!”
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET.
