Answering a Reader Question #523

Farrah Wrote:

Hello Dania,
I would just like to ask you a few questions concerning modelling. Well i'm 21, female, 5"9, (30-27-34). I've always been told that i look like a model, however i've never really been confident about my looks and whenever i see photos of models they always have those perfect features and perfect white teeth. Unfortunately, my nose is not tiny, it's not huge but it's noticeable, i also don't have straight teeth or soft hair. I'm scared if i try modeling, they would reject me because of these flaws. Do you think a larger nose and a few imperfections could be an issue? And also do you think 21 is too old to try Runway modeling? Last but not least, Do you think there are models out there who started with no confidence and with time they were able to grow and become more confident?
Thank a lot :)

Hi, Farrah,

There are TONS of runway models with imperfections...many right on their faces. But that didn't stop them from becoming successful, especially since they met the other requirements like height and measurements. One of the first names off the top of my head of a supermodel that has a larger than normal noses is VS Angel Karolina Kurkova. Trust me, I've seen long lists of models online that were identified solely by the size of their nose alone.

As far as your teeth, not all models have perfectly straight, pearly whites. I've seen a handful in editorials, magazines and even TV commercials, sporting noticeable gaps between their front teeth, big gums and/or teeth that were visibly not straight.

You also have to remember that Photoshop retouching plays a large part in minimizing or downplaying certain flaws that models have.

Unless people are going to be touching your hair, chances are they're not going to know it's not soft. If your hair is currently damaged or looks unhealthy, it doesn't take much to turn that around. Identify what hair issues you're experience like if you're using too many heated tools on it, are suffering from split ends, etc. And then find the proper products to treat it. If anything, hair is the one thing that can be easily "fixed" if you aren't happy with it. 

Agencies that represent runway models typically set the age maximum at 21 so you're just at the cusp of the cut off. But that doesn't necessarily mean they wouldn't accept you. 21 is considered "old" in the industry to start modeling but you'll never know if an agency would be willing to sign you unless you send in snapshots or attend open calls. I will say, however, that if runway is your goal, you'll need to slim down your waist measurement. 24 inches is ideal but the max agencies will allow you be is 25. So be aware of that.

Just as with the models that have managed to be successful despite having certain imperfections, there are many more that didn't grow up feeling confident or feeling like they're worthy of being models. Tyra Banks is just one of a handful that have shared publicly their feelings of insecurity and feeling "ugly" as teens. I even came across an online article last year (wish I had bookmarked it!) with an interview that focused on supermodels who--to this day--feel insecure and less than beautiful on a regular basis.

So the feelings you have are completely normal. The key is to make sure those emotions don't end up running your life or influencing your behavior and decisions. Even the most celebrated and successful models have "bad days." The sooner you work with your perceived flaws instead of against them, the closer you will get to your modeling goals.