Even for someone as accomplished as Simone Biles—often hailed as the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast and the recipient of over 35 Olympic and World Championship medals—public opinion can still take unexpected turns. The 26-year-old athlete, who also holds the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the highest civilian honor in the United States), has faced criticism for something utterly unrelated to her extraordinary athletic talent: her hair.
From viral social media posts to sideline chatter at major competitions, certain critics have fixated on Biles’ hairstyle instead of her remarkable performances. Amid the noise, the renowned gymnast recently spoke out, reminding everyone that how she styles her hair is a personal choice—one that doesn’t negate her professionalism, her worth, or her commitment to the sport she dominates.
Below is a closer look at the controversy, her response, and why the conversation around Biles’ hair reveals deeper issues about beauty standards, racial biases, and the freedom for athletes to focus on their performance without being undermined by superficial commentary.
A Legacy of Excellence
Before diving into the hair controversy, it’s worth reflecting on Simone Biles’ background to understand why the criticism strikes many as both unfair and disheartening. Biles is a groundbreaking figure in gymnastics, known for her jaw-dropping combinations, soaring vaults, and agile routines that defy what was once considered physically possible in the sport. She has rewritten history books multiple times, earning more than 35 medals between the Olympic Games and World Championships. This impressive résumé has led to her recognition as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
On top of her competitive accolades, Biles holds the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting her impact beyond sports. In addition, she has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and athlete welfare. By speaking openly about the pressures athletes face, she’s become an emblem of both physical prowess and emotional courage. Despite her stellar reputation in the athletic world, however, she’s no stranger to scrutiny—particularly on social media.
The Spark of Criticism
The hair controversy reached new heights when Biles, preparing for a major team final, posted on her Instagram Story a tongue-in-cheek message to people who continuously nitpick her hairstyle. She explained that conditions like extreme heat or a long commute can affect how one looks upon arrival. Yet critics still latched onto images of her slightly undone ponytail or the looseness of her bun, implying it was unprofessional or “unkempt.”
Some of the harshest remarks online claimed that everyone else on the team appeared more “put together,” while Biles supposedly “looked like she just rolled out of bed.” Others took it further, suggesting that her stylist should be fired or that Biles was intentionally ignoring common grooming standards.
However, Biles’ defenders have been quick to point out the context: she competes in a demanding sport that involves sprinting toward vaults, tumbling across mats, and swinging from uneven bars. Stray hairs are inevitable. More importantly, they emphasize that success in gymnastics—and the seriousness with which one approaches the sport—cannot be measured by how tightly one’s hair is gelled down.
Simone’s Direct Response
Never one to shy away from candid conversation, Biles took to social media to address these critiques head-on. “Don’t come for me about my hair,” she wrote in a brief video. She offered practical reasons for its appearance, noting a sweltering environment and a 45-minute bus ride without air conditioning. She then followed up with another story urging critics to think twice before commenting on a Black woman’s hair: “Next time you wanna comment on a black girl’s hair, JUST DON’T.”
Her response resonated with many, particularly women of color who frequently navigate unsolicited opinions about their natural hair or styling choices. Biles’ statement reframed a personal criticism into a universal point, highlighting the cultural sensitivity surrounding Black hair. For years, Black women have fought against stigmas related to their natural textures and protective styles, whether in professional settings, sports arenas, or educational institutions. Biles’ experience shed renewed light on this ongoing conversation, underscoring that the issue goes beyond a few superficial remarks.
Gymnastics Rules vs. Personal Style
In competitive gymnastics, there are guidelines about appearance—largely for safety and visibility. According to many federations, a gymnast’s hair must be “secured away from the face” to prevent it from obscuring vision or interfering with apparatuses. In practice, this rule often translates to ponytails or buns that ensure no stray strands block a competitor’s view mid-flight.
Biles adheres to these guidelines. Observers have seen that she typically secures her hair enough to perform intricate maneuvers without safety risks. What seems to irk critics is that her hairstyle sometimes appears looser than that of her teammates who opt for tightly slicked ponytails. Yet there’s no indication Biles’ hair has ever posed a real hazard to her performance, nor is there evidence that it violates any official sports regulations. It simply does not fit some individuals’ standards for what is deemed “perfect” grooming.
A Wider Social Commentary
This debate around Biles’ hair is symptomatic of larger cultural biases. Historically, Black women’s hair has been a subject of scrutiny, whether in school dress codes or corporate workplaces. The underlying assumption has often been that if it isn’t chemically straightened, tightly secured, or styled in a manner that aligns with Eurocentric standards, then it’s unprofessional.
By questioning why Biles’ bun is “flopping” or why she doesn’t use enough gel, critics rehash a larger societal debate: Why must hair look a certain way to be accepted? And who sets these standards? Biles’ supporters argue that if her performance remains peerless—and if she meets the general safety requirements—then her hairstyle shouldn’t even be a topic of conversation.
Moreover, the focus on something as trivial as a few flyaway hairs detracts from Biles’ athletic excellence. It diminishes a conversation that could instead be about her rigorous training regimen, her new skills, or her approach to mental health in the fiercely competitive world of gymnastics.
Social Media Divided
Scrolling through online forums, one finds a stark split in public opinion. On one side are critics who insist that representing one’s country or performing on a world stage demands an immaculate look—hair included. These commenters often frame their opinions as constructive criticism or aesthetic preference, arguing that details matter in a sport known for its precision and elegance.
On the other side stand those who believe the critique is unnecessarily harsh, racially charged, or plain irrelevant. They highlight that Biles is consistently among the top-scoring gymnasts in the world. Why should a champion known for her near-flawless routines have to divert attention to hair policing? More empathetic voices mention the heat, the rigorous nature of competition, and the reality of swirling, sweaty hair after multiple flips.
Many supporters, both within and outside the gymnastics community, have come to Biles’ defense, reiterating that her hair does not diminish her worth as an athlete or a person. To them, the condemnation of her hairstyle reeks of nitpicking driven by outdated beauty norms.
Standing Up for Individuality
Biles’ choice to respond publicly is consistent with her track record of self-advocacy. She has previously spoken up about mental health, prioritizing her well-being during high-profile competitions. This willingness to tackle tough subjects—whether it’s mental fitness or the policing of her appearance—speaks to her broader influence. She’s not merely a gymnast; she’s a cultural figure who uses her platform to challenge stereotypes.
Her stance also offers an empowering message for young gymnasts and athletes of color. By wearing her hair in a way that feels comfortable to her and then defending that choice, Biles shows younger generations that authenticity can coexist with excellence. They learn that success doesn’t require sacrificing aspects of their identity to please external critics.
Let Athletes Focus on Their Craft
Ultimately, the scrutiny over Simone Biles’ hair illustrates a familiar pattern: women athletes, particularly those of color, often find themselves navigating personal attacks on their appearance instead of being commended for their skill. The conversation overshadows their achievements and perpetuates the idea that their bodies, hair, or clothing choices are fair game for public commentary.
Athletes invest countless hours in perfecting routines, maintaining physical fitness, and managing mental pressures. Criticism that zeroes in on something as superficial as a hairstyle can be discouraging and belittling. For an athlete of Biles’ caliber, the misplaced focus feels especially absurd. She has redefined gymnastics, popularized new moves that have been named after her, and expanded the boundaries of what experts believed gymnasts could do. Yet, despite her record-breaking feats, she’s still subjected to trivial jabs about her bun or ponytail.
Concluding Thoughts
In a world eager to celebrate remarkable talent, it’s baffling that Simone Biles’ hair continues to generate chatter. Of all the elements that define her contribution to sports—her impossibly high vaults, her boundary-pushing skills, her unwavering commitment to advocating for mental health—her hair should be among the least significant.
If one thing is clear, it’s that Simone Biles has the right to wear her hair however she chooses, provided she meets the basic safety requirements of her sport. Her response on social media was a bold reminder that criticism rooted in narrow beauty standards or racial bias is neither warranted nor welcome.
It’s high time we allow one of the greatest athletes of our generation to thrive without needless distractions. As spectators, fans, or fellow athletes, we can choose to focus on what truly matters: the grace, power, and resilience of a champion who continues to raise the bar in every routine she performs.
In the grand scheme of sports and life, Biles’ hair is inconsequential to her unparalleled gymnastic prowess. Let’s cheer her on for her colossal achievements, and leave the trivialities—and the critiques of her hairstyle—to fade into the background where they belong. After all, if her biggest “flaw” is a few untamed wisps of hair mid-routine, then Simone Biles is doing more than fine. And perhaps, we could all learn a lesson in authenticity and self-confidence from the very athlete who has soared above the rest—no matter what her hair looked like in midair.
