Black American women athletes at the 2024 Olympics are in the spotlight, along with their hair. Sprinter Kendall Ellis, 28, plans to showcase her natural hair texture by wearing a sew-in with hair extensions that match her kinky hair during her competitions in Paris. “It was one of the first things I thought about!” she said after qualifying for the Olympics. Ellis believes it’s important to represent natural hair on such a large stage.
Ellis, who competes in the 400-meter race, is not alone in considering her hairstyle. Athletes like water polo goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson and track stars Brittany Brown and Anna Cockrell are also planning how to manage and style their hair for the Games. Brown, a 200-meter sprinter, believes looking good helps her perform well.
Historically, Black female athletes have faced scrutiny over their hair, from Venus Williams’ beaded hairstyle controversy to criticism faced by gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles. Ketra Armstrong, director of the Center for Race and Ethnicity in Sport at the University of Michigan, notes that this new generation is challenging hair discrimination and reclaiming their natural hair styles.
Swimmer Simone Manuel shares her hair care routine publicly, and sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson is known for her colorful wigs and elaborate braids. The Paris Olympics will see Black women athletes embracing styles that protect their hair while making them feel beautiful.
Johnson, competing in her third Olympics, plans to wear cornrows with a touch of color under her swim cap. She highlights the importance of protective styles for maintaining hair health and relies on products like Camille Rose, Rizos Curls, and Biolage to keep her hair hydrated.
There is a strong sense of camaraderie among Black women in sports regarding hair care, with athletes sharing tips and connecting with stylists. Richardson, inspired by stylish sprinters like Florence Griffith Joyner and Gail Devers, sees the track as her runway.
Despite the challenges of finding stylists and battling hair discrimination, these athletes are determined to look and feel their best. They often have to learn to style their own hair while traveling, as Brittany Brown did by learning to cornrow through YouTube tutorials. The natural hair movement has led to more Black-centered hair care products, making a significant difference for athletes like Anna Cockrell, who find hair care routines almost meditative and essential for their performance.
