Black American women competing in the 2024 Olympics are not only preparing for their sports but also making bold statements with their hair.
Athletes like Kendall Ellis, Ashleigh Johnson, Brittany Brown, and Anna Cockrell are showcasing their unique styles, challenging traditional beauty standards, and embracing their natural textures.
Kendall Ellis, a 28-year-old sprinter, plans to highlight her kinky hair texture during her events in Paris. After qualifying for the Olympics, Ellis stated:
“It was one of the first things I thought about!”
She intends to wear a sew-in—extensions sewn over her braided hair—that matches her natural texture.
“I want to do a more natural-looking style because I think it’s important to have that representation on such a large stage,” said Ellis, who will compete in the 400-meter race.
Ashleigh Johnson, a water polo goalkeeper, also places great importance on her hair. Heading into her third Olympics, Johnson plans to wear cornrows with a touch of color, a practical style that will fit comfortably under her swim cap.
“Having a protective style is a big part of maintaining my hair’s health right now,” she explained.
Johnson’s routine involves using products from brands like Camille Rose, Rizos Curls, and Biolage to keep her hair hydrated despite the drying effects of chlorine.
Track athlete Brittany Brown, who will race in the 200-meter sprint, echoed this sentiment, saying:
“If you look good, you run fast!”
Brown and other Black women athletes are turning hair care into a form of self-expression, sharing tips and stylist recommendations to ensure they look and feel their best.
This new generation of athletes is challenging the discrimination Black women have historically faced regarding their hair.
Ketra Armstrong, director of the Center for Race and Ethnicity in Sport at the University of Michigan, noted:
“Black women were judged by their hair, called unprofessional or unqualified. We’re at a point now where Black women are reclaiming their crown.”
Swimmer Simone Manuel and sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson are among those leading the charge. Manuel has publicly shared her hair care routine, while Richardson is known for her vibrant wigs and intricate braids.
Richardson credits Olympic icons like Florence Griffith Joyner and Gail Devers for inspiring her to glam up on the track.
“My lane is my catwalk,” she told Vogue. “Look good, feel good, do good.”
The natural hair movement has significantly impacted Black athletes, providing a range of products that cater specifically to their needs.
Innersense, for example, is a favorite of Anna Cockrell, a 26-year-old track and field star. Cockrell, who sports a short, tapered style, described her hair care routine as meditative, helping her focus and relax before races.
However, Black athletes still face challenges, from finding stylists while traveling to dealing with discriminatory rules.
For instance, swimming’s governing body, World Aquatics, initially banned the Soul Cap, designed for natural hair, from the Tokyo Olympics but reversed the decision in 2022 after public backlash.
Despite these obstacles, athletes like Ellis, Johnson, Brown, and Cockrell are pushing forward, embracing their natural hair and inspiring others to do the same.
As they prepare for the Paris Olympics, their hair care routines and styles are not just about appearance—they are a powerful statement of identity, resilience, and pride.
