Simone Biles Overcomes Criticism to Embrace Her Natural Hair: 'I'm Not Ashamed'

Photo bySimone Biles. PHOTO: ELSA/GETTY

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Simone Biles, the 27-year-old gymnast, has opened up about embracing her natural hair despite facing criticism over her hairstyles. In a candid interview with Elle, Biles shared her journey towards self-acceptance and the backlash she has encountered along the way.

Embracing Natural Hair

In her interview with Elle, Biles reflected on the criticism she has received for her hairstyles, particularly during significant moments in her life. She revealed, "I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional, but I'm not embarrassed about it anymore."

Jonathan Owens and Simone Biles.Photo byRAETAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Day Criticism

The Olympian faced intense scrutiny following her 2023 wedding to NFL safety Jonathan Owens. Photos of the courthouse ceremony in Houston drew negative comments about her high ponytail with waves, specifically targeting her edges. Biles responded to the backlash, highlighting the realities of living in a humid climate like Houston.

Public Support

Fans quickly rallied around Biles, defending her against the unwarranted criticism. Social media was abuzz with supportive messages, emphasizing her achievements and questioning the focus on her hair. One user on X wrote, "There is no way there should be this much discourse around THEE SIMONE BILES natural hair being worn at her wedding."

Hair Care Journey

Despite the negativity, Biles remains focused on maintaining healthy hair. She credits her hairstylist, Jazmine Johnson, for introducing her to K18 products, which have helped repair damage caused by tight hairstyles. "My hair is starting to come back to life," Biles shared, noting that K18 leaves her hair feeling "silky, strong, and beautiful."

Personal Bonding

Hair care has also become a bonding activity for Biles and her husband, Owens. "He loves the smell of hair being straightened," she said. "He gets his hair braided every two weeks, so we're in a similar boat."

Conclusion

Simone Biles's journey to embracing her natural hair amidst public scrutiny serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. As she prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Biles continues to inspire with her strength, both in and out of the gym.

Source: For more details, visit the original article on PEOPLE.