Coco Gauff Embraces Natural Hair, Empowers Young Black Girls

Tennis star responds to criticism of her 4C hair in Miu Miu shoot, sparking conversation on diversity in sports and fashion.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:04pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the blurred, fragmented form of a tennis player with kinky, natural hair, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport while highlighting hair as a symbol of self-expression.Coco Gauff's powerful message of self-acceptance and empowerment for young Black girls with natural hair resonates beyond the tennis court.Charleston Today

Tennis player Coco Gauff has responded to criticism of her natural 4C hair in a recent Miu Miu photoshoot, using her platform to encourage young Black girls to embrace their own unique hair textures. Gauff's powerful message has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of sports, fashion, and societal beauty standards, particularly for Black athletes.

Why it matters

Gauff's statement challenges the notion that athletes must conform to certain hairstyles or textures deemed 'acceptable' in sports. Her decision to wear her hair naturally is a statement of empowerment, advocating for self-expression and the recognition of diverse hair types within the sports world.

The details

In the Miu Miu shoot, some online commenters criticized Gauff's hair as 'unkempt' and compared it to civil-rights-era hairstyles. However, Gauff responded with a message of self-acceptance, saying 'To all the young Black girls out there who have kinky hair like me, do what you want to do with your hair.' This statement not only acknowledges the diversity of Black hair textures but also empowers others to embrace their unique features.

  • Gauff's Miu Miu shoot took place in April 2026.

The players

Coco Gauff

A 22-year-old American professional tennis player known for her natural 4C hair texture and advocacy for self-expression.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, Tennis Player

The takeaway

Gauff's response to the hair criticism highlights the broader implications of sports and fashion in shaping societal beauty standards. Her advocacy for self-expression and the celebration of diverse hair textures is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and equitable sports culture.