Women Inspiring Women: Meet Dhara

“I am dynamic. I am kind. I am free. I am Dhara.” 

MEET: DHARA

Media buyer, meditation enthusiast, and LA native, Dhara embraces a low-maintenance hair routine that’s essential to her busy lifestyle. Growing up with Indian roots, she learned the importance of caring for her hair at a very young age. These days, she enjoys experimenting with her style, whether straightening, curling, or sporting her superlong, naturally wavy locks. An advocate of being kind and doing the right thing, she’s quick to respond to negativity with grace and dignity. 

 

How would you describe your current relationship with your hair?

I have really thick Indian hair. I personally love it because I don’t have to do much to it. I simply wake up and voila! 

 

Growing up, how did you feel about your hair? How has this evolved?

I had really short hair (as a kid) and didn't much care for it at that length. It was not something I paid much attention to. Now that I'm older, I prefer it long and I do enjoy styling it—curling it, straightening it. I love that I have lots of options. 

 

How did your family/the media shape your views about hair?

It's an Indian thing, but growing up my mom put oil in my hair all the time. It’s hydrating, good for you, and keeps it polished, but I didn’t enjoy the stickiness or greasiness it left behind. Today, I do not put oil in it. Instead, I prefer the occasional styling products. 

Most people you see on tv have had their hair done, and having styled hair can make you feel more confident. I say, to each their own. 

 

What was your a-ha moment when it came to understanding and identifying society’s unrealistic beauty standards?

When I realized it's all about confidence... it doesn't matter what you look like, it’s more about just showing up and being confident.

 

What makes you feel confident?

My personality, who I am as a person, my values. At the end of the day, I’m happy with myself, my values, being kind, what makes me, me. I go to sleep with a clear, happy mind knowing that I'm a good person. This makes me feel confident. 

 

What do you love most about your hair?

The texture, the length, which is naturally wavy. Luckily, I don’t have to do much to it. It’s easy to handle and low-maintenance.

 

Which is your favorite L’ange product? What do you love most about it?

The Lustré Curling Wand. This tool gives the perfect curls, and especially waves in my superlong hair

 

How do you express your individuality through your hair?

It’s about mixing things up and being creative...I’m a very dynamic person, I love change. I especially love changing up my hairstyle, dyeing it, cutting it off (though I’ve regretted that), styling it up/down, or however i feel for the day. Changing up your hair is a great way of expressing yourself. 

 

What is the nicest compliment you’ve received about your hair?

“I love your hair! What do you do to it?” People tend to ask me for product recommendations (thinking i use a lot of product) because I have a lot of natural volume. 

 

What is a negative remark about your hair that’s stuck with you to this day?

I’ve heard the occasional, “It's dry, you need a haircut”. When I hear something like this, I just tell people to mind their own business.

 

What would you like to share with the next generation that you wish you had known growing up?

No one is you and that is your power.

Watch the video here. 

To learn more about Dhara’s go-to styling tool, check out the Lustré Curling Wand here.