Body positivity campaigns teach us to cherish our curves, our skin, any part of us we may deem flawed. But for all the “flaws” out there worth celebrating, big noses have seemingly never been the center of conversation — until now. Radhika Sanghani, a 27-year-old freelance journalist based in the UK, started a social media campaign promoting the one way to capture big noses in all their greatness: side profile selfies. She stresses that every bend, every bump is unique and far from ugly (it’s your face after all).
Last week she tweeted, “Breaking the big nose taboo with my new campaign on the #sideprofileselfie!! Let’s stop hating our noses for not being tiny, little snubs and learn to love them by sharing a #sideprofileselfie.”
Breaking the big nose taboo with my new campaign on the #sideprofileselfie!! Let’s stop hating our noses for not being tiny, little snubs and learn to love them by sharing a #sideprofileselfie https://t.co/2WpuNQmqmY pic.twitter.com/hL6mZmYEwZ
— Radhika Sanghani (@radhikasanghani) February 20, 2018
“I’ve spent my whole life hiding from a side-profile photograph,” Sanghani explained in a personal essay for the website Grazia Daily. “Every time I see a camera I know exactly how to position myself so my nose isn’t captured on film in its full, crooked glory. I know I’m not the only one — and I want you to help me put an end to it.”
She went on to say that big noses have been “taboo for too long” in our society. “We’ve seen the unfiltered spotty skin, the stretch marks, the cellulite and the body hair all being reclaimed as our own and beautiful online. But noses are still hidden in subtle head tilts and awkward poses. We need change.”
Side profile selfies
“People with strong profiles end up feeling unattractive, and even ashamed of their big noses,” Sanghani told TODAY Style when asked why she started the campaign. “I’ve definitely felt this in the past which is why I really wanted to help other people, especially larger-nosed ladies, embrace their noses.”
Sanghani’s message has inspired hundreds — women and men alike — to post side profile selfies and use the hashtag with pride.
I’ve never ever put a photo online of my side profile before because its made me self conscious everyday for as long as I can remember. But you know what, BIG NOSES ARE OKAY although tweeting this is scary ?? #sideprofileselfie ? pic.twitter.com/HbwtxqI1z2
— Molly (@mollydotw) February 21, 2018
Shout out to my long nose with @radhikasanghani ??♀️??♀️! #SideProfileSelfie // Pic by Thomas Echegut. pic.twitter.com/S7puQGOtKE
— Marina Carlos (@MarinaCpom) February 23, 2018
Love this! Teased and called ALL the names. Grew to love my big, broken nose anyway. Now, Gonzo is one of my heroes.#sideprofileselfie pic.twitter.com/MFZ2tJT3rC
— Gregory 1n20DnD Festo (@GregoryFesto) February 22, 2018
throwing my hat in the #bignose ring #sideprofileselfie @GMB – mines a solid roman feature, a defensive bony crest pic.twitter.com/RqCiZ1UU8J
— One In The Morning (@oneintheband) February 21, 2018
This is amazing. I got a nose job at 15 and felt ten times better about myself, but over 15 years later I still get self-conscious sometimes. I realize now that there’s no reason for this stigma!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GyfHPDphU3
— Kaci StillWithHer (@TheSweetSiren) February 21, 2018
#sideprofileselfie I have always had issues with this! X pic.twitter.com/nkCdiBdLvX
— Endo & Me (@EndoMeno) February 21, 2018
Always felt conscious about my nose but thanks to #sideprofileselfie it’s made love who I am ❤️ keep being you and don’t give into the beauty ideals. Thanks but no thanks Hollywood I will keep my big nose ? pic.twitter.com/DM0qToe68n
— m i n a (@minasjournal_) February 21, 2018
My big nose is as much my identity as my big ears! Vive les grands nes! #sideprofileselfie pic.twitter.com/UBPy1tVRwv
— Solo (@Sansomchris) February 21, 2018
Great to see this on tv this morning ever since I was little I’ve had issues with self confidence due to my nose pic.twitter.com/6Rrn4FUhMe
— julie wiseman (@juliewi60221855) February 21, 2018
“For the first time big-nosed people are owning their noses,” Sanghani said, “and inspiring others to do the same!”
Her Twitter bio now dubs her the “nose queen” of side profile selfies — as it very well should.
