She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Societal Beauty Standards

Growing up in a culture that emphasizes physical appearance can be suffocating. In post-colonial India, the idea of conventional beauty is deeply ingrained, with tall, slim, and fair being the ultimate benchmarks. As a darker-skinned, short, plus-sized individual, I’ve experienced firsthand the pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards.

The Multibillion-Dollar Industry of Beauty Insecurities

The beauty industry thrives on our insecurities, promising quick fixes and miracle solutions. From neighborhood salons to online dieticians, everyone seems to be cashing in on our desire to fit into societal norms. But at what cost? These industries not only perpetuate harm to our mental and physical well-being but also make a fortune from our vulnerabilities.

My Journey to Self-Acceptance

I used to buy into the narrative, spending hours and money on beauty treatments that promised to transform me into a more acceptable version of myself. But I’ve since realized that true freedom lies in embracing my authenticity. Here are some “beauty” related habits I’ve broken free from, which have made my life infinitely easier and my mental health better:

Ditching Long Hair

Having long hair is considered a symbol of beauty in Indian culture, but it’s a tedious chore that consumes hours of my time. I used to spend Sundays surrendering my locks to an elder family member, only to be left with a bad hair day and a worse mood. When the pandemic hit, I impulsively cut my hair short, and it’s been a game-changer. I’ve saved hours of time and eliminated bad hair days altogether.

Saying Goodbye to Painful Hair Removal

Waxing, threading, and bleaching are common practices in Indian beauty parlors, but they come with a price – physical pain and emotional distress. I used to cry every time I got my eyebrows threaded, so I switched to DIY solutions like facial razors and trimmers. It’s been a liberating experience, saving me time, money, and tears.

Embracing My Natural Skin Tone

Skin bleaching or “anti-tan” treatments are rampant in India, but they’re harmful and toxic. I used to believe that fair skin was beautiful, but now I know better. I’ve saved money and gained self-love by avoiding these treatments and embracing my dark, beautiful skin.

Rejecting Shaping Undergarments

I used to wear Spanx and tummy tuckers to look smaller, but they caused me physical pain and emotional distress. I’ve since vowed to never put my body through such torture again. I feel free and confident, even at my heaviest, and I’ve saved time and money in the process.

Ditching Painful Bras

The pandemic has given us a chance to reevaluate our priorities, and for me, that means saying goodbye to painful bras. I’ve invested in comfortable ones, and it’s been a game-changer. Giving up on traditional beauty standards is a way for me to resist misogyny and be my authentic self.

By breaking free from these societal beauty standards, I’ve gained confidence, self-love, and a healthier perspective on life. It’s time to redefine what beauty means to us and celebrate our individuality.