SAM Ali Ahmed
Sam Ali Ahmed is a 23-year-old, Mumbai-based sommelier whose fascination with hair colour began when he was 14 years old - about the same time he realised he was queer. What started as a few sparing highlights here and there has, over the past few years, turned into a full head of colour in the hues of bubble gum pink and lavender.
"When I coloured my hair for the first time, I fell in love with myself instantly. Ever since then, I haven't stopped. It has become an integral part of my identity. Everyone recognises me because of it."
TARUN PANWAR
Tarun Panwar is a 27-year-old producer and model. Their hair length, which is a little below the shoulders, often leads to confusion about their gender for people around them. Just a glance at their hair, and people think they are a cis woman only to later associate them with a cis man upon looking at their body. This very confusion of not being able to place them in the stereotypical setting of male or female helped Panwar affirm their gender-queer expression. For them, their hair's fluidity is akin to their identity. Their journey with their hair is not one that looks inward. Instead, they derive it from their day-to-day interactions with others.
This story is from the October 2023 edition of Elle India.
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This story is from the October 2023 edition of Elle India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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