She's the most decorated gymnast in history, having won a record-breaking eight (!!) Olympic medals, yet Simone Biles has had to respond to criticism about her hair. Do better, people.
Earlier this week [July 30, 2024], Simone shared two Instagram Stories featuring herself and a number of fellow Olympians on a 45-minute bus ride amidst the heatwave currently sweeping through Paris. In the initial video, the 27-year-old was shown to be using a handheld electric fan in an attempt to keep cool in the 35-degree Celsius temperatures.
In the caption, she addressed the appearance of her hair after viewers had left negative comments about it online. "Don't come for me about my hair," she wrote. "IT WAS DONE but bus has NO AC & it's like 9,000 degrees."
Simone then followed up with a photo, reminding people that it's never okay to comment on someone's hair. "gonna hold your hand when I say this," she put, before adding: "next time you want to comment on a Black girl's hair, JUST DON'T."
In an interview with ELLE ahead of the 2024 Olympics, Simone revealed that throughout her career in the spotlight, she has developed a healthier relationship with her hair. "I'm finally learning to love my hair and the texture that I have and the styles that I can do," she said. Continuing, she also addressed criticism of her 2023 wedding hairstyle. "Most of the backlash we get is from our own community, which is unfortunate… I don't really care if my edges aren't smooth," the champion said.
Sadly, unrealistic beauty standards aren't only held to the general social media user, but clearly, an athlete defying gravity, too. Despite her superstardom, people are holding Simone to unrealistic (and unhealthy) expectations when it comes to her hairstyle – and that's not OK. Celebrity or not; heatwave or not; it's never OK to comment on someone's appearance.
Everyone's clicking on...
Alas, there's no denying that Simone's legacy is much greater than any hairstyle. Mic = drop.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
