These curly-haired queens are rewriting beauty rules—one spiral at a time

Once you get past the body jokes, curly hair jokes are right up there—Maggie noodles, springs, frizz panic, you name it. But those days are long gone. No more brushing until it’s straight or hiding behind flat irons. Today, women are embracing their curls—and their curves—with confidence, pride, and a whole lot of power.

We spoke to five fabulous, curly-haired women who are redefining beauty standards one unapologetic curl at a time. 

Anjali Sivaraman, actor and singer

Have you ever found it difficult to embrace your curls?

I actually did. When I was in school, I found my hair to be really messy and unruly—I wanted it to be silky smooth so I would straighten it all the time.

Who’s your favourite fictional character with curly hair?

Merida (from Pixar’s Brave, 2012) because she’s so strong and her hair is part of her personality, which I can relate to.

Dalima Chhibber, defender, Indian Women’s National Football Team

What is the wackiest remark you have received about your curls?

People called my hair madhumakhi ka chatta (beehive in Hindi) in school because whenever I would tie it, it would look huge!

Who is your favourite fictional character with curly hair?

I have grown up watching the Harry Potter films, and I really love Hermione’s (Granger, played by Emma Watson) curls.

Anshula Kapoor, content creator

Have you ever found it difficult to embrace your curls?

Yes, as a child I really didn’t understand my curls. However, I had the shortest crop possible, so I didn’t really have to take care of them.

Are you a different person when your hair is straightened?

Absolutely. I also feel like I look more like my mom when my hair is straightened.

Akshara Shivakumar, model and content creator

What zodiac sign would your curls be?

Every single day I wake up not knowing what my curl pattern is going to look like, so my curls would be Gemini like me because they are super versatile.

What is the wackiest remark you have received about your curls?

Were you just electrocuted?

Favourite fictional character with curly hair?

Marge Simpson!

Archana Jain, CEO & founder, PR Pundit Havas Red

What zodiac sign would your curls be?

Has to be my own Zodiac sign—Scorpio.

Favourite fictional character with curly hair?

Goldilocks. I was called that all through my school years —”Oh, there comes Goldilocks.”

And which celebrity gives you major curls envy?

Shakira.

Makeup: Ayushi Parekh for Anjali, Anshula, and Akshara. Muskan Chhaparia for Dalima and Archana

Hair: Gina Ghai for Anjali, Anshula, and Akshara. Muskan Chhaparia for Dalima and Archana

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia and J Shruti

Editorial Intern: Navya Manocha

Photographs by Amitava Saha and Tongpangnuba Longchari

This article originally appeared in the print edition of Cosmopolitan, July-August 2025.

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