Simone Biles is opening up about her hair journey and the criticism she’s faced over her hairstyles.
In an interview with Elle published on Wednesday, July 17, the 27-year-old gymnast reflected on the backlash she’s received for her hairstyles over the years. When discussing her looks in the gym, Biles shared that she “used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” but has now reached a point where she’s “not embarrassed about it anymore.”
The Olympian faced particular scrutiny following her 2023 wedding to NFL safety Jonathan Owens. After sharing photos of their courthouse ceremony in Houston, some critics called out her wedding day hairstyle, a high ponytail with waves, commenting that her edges looked messy.
Fans quickly rallied around Biles, defending her against the negative comments. “There is no way there should be this much discourse around THEE SIMONE BILES natural hair being worn at her wedding,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Another added, “Simone Biles is one of THEE top gymnasts we’ve ever seen and y’all worried about her hair…..?!”
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Biles reassured her followers that she wasn’t bothered by the criticism. “I think they also forget I live in HOUSTON TEXAS & I sweat those out!! soon as we stepped outside for pics but they can keep complaining idc idc idc,” she replied.
Addressing the social media frenzy, Biles told Elle, “Most of the backlash we get is from our own community, which is unfortunate. I don’t really care if my edges aren’t smooth.”
Rather than dwelling on the negativity, Biles is now focused on healthy hair care. With the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris on the horizon, she’s taking steps to ensure her hair stays healthy. Biles mentioned that her hairstylist, Jazmine Johnson, introduced her to K18 products to help repair her locks after experiencing stress from tight hairstyles.
Biles emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy hair, especially given the physical demands of her sport. By sharing her hair journey, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their natural beauty and prioritize self-care over societal standards.
