Coco Gauff Embraces Natural Hair in Miu Miu Shoot

Tennis star responds to criticism of her 4C hair texture in fashion campaign

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:40am

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An extreme close-up photograph of tightly coiled, textured black hair strands lit dramatically to create a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic.Coco Gauff's embrace of her natural 4C hair texture in a high-fashion shoot challenges narrow beauty standards and celebrates the diversity of Black hair.Today in Miami

Coco Gauff, the 22-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion, has responded to online criticism of her natural 4C hair texture featured in a recent Miu Miu fashion shoot. In a video posted to social media, Gauff defended her choice to wear her hair naturally, explaining that as a professional tennis player, she prioritizes hairstyles that are healthy for her hair rather than overly slicked-back looks. Gauff encouraged young Black girls to embrace all styles of natural hair, from afros to braids to buns.

Why it matters

Gauff's response highlights the ongoing conversation around the representation and acceptance of natural Black hair textures, especially in the fashion and sports industries. As a prominent young Black athlete, Gauff's stance on celebrating her 4C hair sends a powerful message to her fans and the broader public about the beauty and diversity of Black hair.

The details

Gauff posted photos from a Miu Miu 'Vivant' bag shoot on April 2, which she said was a 'minimal' aesthetic shoot in her parents' backyard. Some commenters criticized Gauff's natural hair as 'unkempt' and compared it to 'civil-rights-era' styles. In her response video on April 9, Gauff explained that as a tennis player, she prioritizes hairstyles that are healthy for her 4C hair texture, rather than overly slicked-back looks that can damage it. She encouraged young Black girls to wear their hair however they choose, whether that's straightened, in an afro, braids, or a bun.

  • Gauff posted photos from the Miu Miu shoot on April 2, 2026.
  • Gauff posted her response video on April 9, 2026.

The players

Coco Gauff

A 22-year-old American professional tennis player who is currently ranked world No. 3. She has won two Grand Slam singles titles.

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What they’re saying

“'To all the young Black girls out there who have kinky hair like me, do what you want to do with your hair.'”

— Coco Gauff, Professional Tennis Player

What’s next

Gauff is preparing for the upcoming clay-court season, with the first tournament starting on April 20 in Madrid.

The takeaway

Coco Gauff's embrace of her natural 4C hair texture in the Miu Miu shoot and her subsequent response to criticism sends a powerful message about the beauty and diversity of Black hair. As a prominent young athlete, Gauff's stance helps advance the ongoing conversation around representation and acceptance of natural hairstyles, especially in industries that have historically marginalized them.