Coco Gauff’s Hair: It’s Not Unkept, It’s Anti-Black

Imagine this: you take a break from social media, only to return and find people tearing apart your appearance. That’s exactly what happened to tennis sensation Coco Gauff after she posted a Miu Miu ad featuring her natural hair. Instead of celebrating her style, she was met with a wave of anti-Black rhetoric, highlighting a persistent issue within our society.

The Miu Miu Ad and the Backlash

The ad was a simple concept: Gauff showcasing a new Miu Miu bag in an everyday setting. She opted for her natural hair, styled in a textured bun with a middle part and scrunchie, a look she also wore to dinner that night. However, this choice sparked outrage on X (formerly Twitter), with commenters making offensive comparisons and suggesting her hair needed to be ‘neatened up’ with gel.

Gauff explained that she prefers not to slick her hair back too tightly, as it can cause damage. She embraces her hair’s natural 4C texture, especially when wearing it in a bun. This personal choice, however, was twisted into a reason for criticism, revealing a deep-seated bias against natural Black hair textures.

A History of Policing Black Hair

This isn’t just about Coco Gauff; it’s a reflection of a broader issue. For generations, Black people, especially women, have been taught that “presentable” hair means hiding our natural texture. From princess cover-ups to relaxers and wigs, the pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards has been immense. The term ‘good hair’ itself is a loaded, anti-Black concept.

The expectation is that natural hair, particularly 4C texture, needs to be smoothed, gelled, or otherwise altered to be considered acceptable. This is a harmful double standard. While braids, weaves, and slicked styles are beautiful choices, they shouldn’t be the only paths to being deemed ‘done,’ ‘presentable,’ or ‘professional.’

Gauff’s Powerful Response

Gauff’s response was nothing short of powerful. She rightly pointed out that those who criticize others’ appearances often harbor their own insecurities. She highlighted the unfairness of other races being able to wear their natural hair without judgment, while Black hair is constantly policed for not meeting arbitrary standards.

Black hair isn’t up for discussion. Natural hair is “done” and it is a complete style. — Coco Gauff

Her message is clear: natural Black hair is beautiful, professional, and complete as it is. She proudly stated, “I’m not going to apologize for the way that my hair looks because there are other girls who have the exact same hair as me.” Her confidence in her natural style, especially when embraced by a high-fashion brand like Miu Miu, sends a vital message of self-acceptance and pride.