Never has a love-hate relationship been more pronounced than with a woman and her curly hair. You know it gives you character, that it sets you apart from the crowd. But sometimes you just want to blend in with everyone else, and sometimes you wish your hair wasn't such a life force unto itself. Couldn't it just behave itself, for once?
For Arab women, whose genetic combo make you more likely than most in the world to have curly hair, the problems are all too familiar. Our advice? Embrace those gorgeous, unruly locks. Love them, so you they can love you back.
Need some help feeling inspired? Check out these gorgeous Arab women who let their curly locks loose. They revel in them and it's nothing short of glorious.
1. Afef Jnifen
Afef Jnifen is a Tunisian fashion model, actress and television presenter. Currently a judge on Elie Saab's Project Runway ME, Jnifen is a real beauty, not only because of her stunning physical features but because of her arresting charisma. Her curly locks announce a certain confidence and love of life. They let her beauty shine through and practically touch the sky.
Her hair looks meticulous and wild at the same time, and that's exactly why curly hair has such irresistible charm.
Amna El Shandaweely is another North African pick of ours. The Egyptian fashion designer has a funky style that complements her beautiful locks perfectly. It feels like each strand is unique, like they were crafted by a meticulous artist. She's also a contestant on Project Runway ME a nd it's impossible to have her escape your attention.
El Shandaweely's designs bring an authentic Egyptian/African looks to the 21st century with genius design work.
3. Myriam Fares
This Lebanese singer and entertainer is known for her big, loopy, varied curls. Her distinctive looks have made her more than just a pop icon. She's also a big deal in the region's artistic community.
Fares released five albums in the course of her career. She holds records on the music streaming app Anghami for “most played artist” and “most played album.”
Practically mesmerising.
Najla Kaddour's coiled curls prove that there's no one way to rock your curly hair. Najla's hair is slightly flatter than her counterparts on this list, but that doesn't mean they're any less stylish. She shows you what it means to love your curls just as they are so you can make the best out of them.
This Dubai-based blogger focuses on makeup tutorials, but her pointers on fashion and hair are also very valuable.
To be curly is to have personality. To have personality is to be human.
5. Shakira
You knew you were going to see her here. Born to a Lebanese father, Shakira is an international sensation and we think her gorgeous, unmistakably Arab curls most definitely helped propel her to the top.
Shakira has a powerful voice that you either love or hate, but we all agree that her hair is divine. Her locks are natural, epic yet down-to-earth. It feels effortless and it monopolizes your attention.
6. Diana Zahra
Known for her humor on Vine, Diana Zahra also has a lighthearted approach to style. Diana's locks are earthy and accentuate the sweetness of her character. Bouncy curls are nothing short of a work of art.
Her hair may have distinct character, but it is also versatile, as evidenced by her varied styles.
Lebanese poet and women's rights activist definitely has strong curls going for her. She makes us wonder, does a woman take after her curls or do curls take after the woman?
She's one of the world's most powerful Arab women (according to Arabian business), so it's no surprise to see her embracing not just her culture but her beautiful natural curls.
Not only is she bold in her work, but bold in her style too.