Simone Biles, hailed as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), is embracing a newfound appreciation for her hair at age 27, after navigating various challenges on her journey of self-care.
In a recent interview with Elle Magazine, the four-time Olympic gold medalist disclosed that she used to fret about public opinion regarding her hair while honing the unparalleled skills that have made her a dominant force in gymnastics. Standing at just 4-foot-8, the Columbus, Ohio, native is often seen sporting a sleek ponytail adorned with vibrant ribbons, blown out, or donning Goddess braids, which are characterized not only by their larger size and flatness against the scalp but also by their wavy and loose appearance.
“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” she said. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”
Biles’ confidence largely stems from the therapeutic practice of caring for her own hair. Managing her natural tresses has evolved into a ritual of self-care and empowerment. The icon, praised for achieving the difficult Yurchenko double pike vault, noted that styling her hair is now a crucial part of her pre-competition routine, enhancing her confidence during competitions and daily life. She also finds joy in visiting the salon for pampering sessions.
“I understand and realize I have to take care of my physical appearance as well as my mental,” the star, who will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, added. “I’m finally learning to love my hair and the texture that I have and the styles that I can do.”
Biles isn’t alone in her hair care woes. Many Black women experience lack of confidence due to their crown.
A 2023 study co-commissioned by Dove and LinkedIn found that Black women’s hair was 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional in the workplace. The data also revealed that 66% of Black women often change their hair for a job interview, with many opting for a straight hairstyle over their natural tresses.
Around 54% of participants said they felt they had to wear their hair straight in order to be seen as a professional or deemed successful. Some women said they experienced uncomfortable microaggressions from coworkers or higher-ups when wearing their natural or textured hair in the workplace. “More than 20% of Black women aged between 25-34 had been sent home from work because of their hair,” the study noted.
Now that she has overcome her fear of hair concerns, Biles enjoys browsing social media for tips on enhancing and maintaining the health of her beautiful locks. The world champion gymnast favors K18 hair products to repair damage and replenish moisture to her scalp and ends, especially after subjecting her hair to stress from tight buns and ponytails. Biles praises the products for transforming her damaged hair, making it feel silky, strong and beautiful. She’s a big fan of K18’s leave-in hair mask and repair hair oil.
During busy times, the star has learned to appreciate and embrace her hair without needing extra grooming and attention. In 2023, when critics swarmed her Instagram page to comment on her “unkempt” hair and edges after posting wedding pictures with husband Jonathan Owens, the world champion simply let the negativity pass by without letting it affect her.
“Most of the backlash we get is from our own community, which is unfortunate,” Biles added. “I don’t really care if my edges aren’t smooth.”
Period, sis! Congrats to Simone Biles.
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