Coco Gauff Discusses Comments on Her Natural Hair After Photoshoot: Embracing Everyday Beauty
Coco Gauff Addresses Criticism Over Natural Hair in Recent Photoshoot
Tennis champion Coco Gauff has publicly responded to online criticism regarding her recent photoshoot that showcased her natural hair. The 22-year-old athlete shared her sentiments during a TikTok video on April 9, revealing her experience after taking a month-long break from social media platforms TikTok and Twitter.
Upon her return, Gauff was met with negative comments focused on her appearance. "I saw thousands of people talking about the way that I look and not in a positive way," she disclosed in her video.
Earlier this month, Gauff shared images from a Miu Miu campaign on Instagram, where she highlighted her look featuring a red polo and navy skirt, accessorized with a leather tote bag. She expressed her enthusiasm on April 2, writing, "Big bag day means my @miumiu Vivant can carry just about anything I need 🤎." The photoshoot, according to Gauff, took place in her parents’ backyard with a simple concept: demonstrating how the handbag could fit into everyday life.
Gauff elaborated that she styled her own hair and makeup for the campaign. "That’s exactly how my hair and my makeup looked for dinner [after the shoot]," she noted. She aimed to reflect her everyday look, avoiding overly slicked-back styles that could damage her hair. "I personally don’t like to slick back my hair super sleek because it does damage my hair," Gauff explained.
The tennis star emphasized her pride in her natural 4C hair, which is characterized by tightly coiled curls. "I do play tennis, so most of the time when I’m wearing it in a bun, I choose to allow my natural hair to be at present in its 4C self," she said. Gauff insisted that she does not feel the need to apologize for her look, especially since she and her friends appreciated it when the photos were shared.
“There are other girls who have the exact same hair as me and I just wanted them to see [and] feel represented,” Gauff remarked, underlining the significance of her appearance for others with similar hair types. She pointed out that her natural hair was sufficient for a high-fashion brand like Miu Miu, stating, “If my 4C hair is good enough for that, then yours is good enough to do whatever you need it to do. I’m not going to apologize for that.”
Gauff’s look has garnered support from several notable figures, including Kerry Washington, who commented, "You’re amazing. Sending you LOVE." Meanwhile, Angel Reese praised her as a "gorgeous QUEEN" and Chloe Kim expressed disbelief over the negativity, stating, "You are so so beautiful I can’t believe anyone’s saying otherwise?!”
As Gauff continues to make her mark both on and off the court, her stand on embracing natural beauty resonates with many, reinforcing a positive message of self-acceptance.
