Contemplating Hair

Abstract

What is it like to be a woman with wavy/curly hair in a country like India? Although hair stories are different for different women, one common hair story for all Indian women with wavy/curly hair is moments of insecurity regarding the normalcy and beauty appeal of their hair. Aside from the discrimination faced due to the texture of hair, Indian women also face restrictions and suffocations in terms of creative self-expression of hair. This chapter presents an overview of the hair culture in India from a historical perspective along with religious narratives. The nature of hair discrimination of women in India is discussed and the chapter also shed light on institutionalised illogical restrictions. The author's personal hair stories will serve as an example to underline the complexity of hair discrimination in India.