Going Curly Is Controversial For Indian Women, But I'm Doing It Anyway

Zarna Surti is the founder and editor-in-chief of Tonal Journal, a new independent print publication celebrating women of color. The following essay has been edited for length and clarity. Most people I meet think Indian women have naturally straight, shiny hair. I get it, you've seen the photos of Bollywood stars, their strands billowing in slow motion across the screen. Maybe you've even purchased Indian hair extensions, or seen long-haired Indian influencers hawking Sugar Bear gummies on Inst...