Let’s get one thing straight: Simone Biles is a phenomenon. With eight Olympic medals to her name, she’s shattered records, pushed the boundaries of human capability, and inspired millions around the globe. Yet, in 2024, some people still feel compelled to talk about her hair. In the grand scheme of Simone Biles’ storied career, why does her hairstyle even merit a mention?
Picture this: Drenched in sweat, Biles delivers another jaw-dropping performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The temperature is a blistering 35 degrees Celsius, the bus has no air conditioning, and the trip to the stage takes 45 minutes.
Amidst all this, people feel it necessary to critique her high ponytail. Yes, you read that right. Instead of celebrating her incredible achievements, they zero in on her hair.
The conversations
In a world that should be focusing on her unparalleled athletic feats, Biles had to defend her hairstyle online. “Don’t come for me about my hair. It was done, but the bus has no AC & it’s like 9,000 degrees … oh & a 45-min ride,” she posted on Instagram. She followed up with, “Gonna hold your hand when I say this … next time you wanna comment on a black girl’s hair. Just don’t.”
We need a new narrative
This isn’t a new narrative for Biles. Earlier this month, she opened up in an interview with Elle about her journey toward embracing her natural hair texture. “I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” she revealed. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.” Why should she be? Why should anyone be?
The double beauty standards
The criticism of Biles’ hair is deeply rooted in racism and sexism. Black women, regardless of their achievements, are often unfairly scrutinised for their natural hair. Meanwhile, athletes of other races can compete with messy buns or hair strands out of place without a second glance. This disparity is not just about hair; it reflects how society judges beauty and professionalism through a biased lens.
And that’s why when a black woman like Biles sports a natural hairstyle, or a protective style like braids, it’s often labelled as unprofessional or unkempt. On the other hand, when non-black women sport the same styles, they are celebrated as trendy and edgy. This double standard perpetuates a cycle where black women are pressured to conform to Eurocentric beauty norms while their natural beauty is undermined.
So let me be blunt: if you’re focusing on Simone Biles’ hair, you’re missing the point entirely. This woman is out here defying gravity and rewriting the history books, yet you’re worried about her edges? She’s spinning, flipping, and soaring through the air with a precision that leaves audiences breathless. Of course, her hair is going to spin out of place.
The sheer absurdity of it is laughable, yet also deeply troubling. Critiquing her is like criticising a sprinter for sweating. It’s a sad commentary on our society’s priorities and the unrealistic beauty standards that continue to burden black women.
The solution
The world should agree to celebrate diversity in all its forms and reject the narrow definitions of beauty that exclude natural black hair. It’s time to recognise and respect the versatility and beauty of black hair, from Biles’ high ponytail to Rebeca Andrade’s braids and beyond.
As black women, we need to love our hair because no one will love it more than us. We need to be proud and loud about our hair before anyone else will follow. Only then can we begin to dismantle the harmful double standards that have persisted for far too long.
So, the next time you find yourself tempted to critique a black woman’s hair, take a step back and reconsider. Better yet, don’t. Let’s instead channel our energy into celebrating their brilliance, resilience, and, in Biles’ case, mind-blowing athleticism. Her hair? It’s just another part of her magnificence. And if you can’t see that, maybe it’s time to check your biases.
