Coco Gauff Addresses Criticism of Her Natural Hair in Miu Miu Photoshoot

Tennis star Coco Gauff has responded to online criticism regarding her natural hair, which was featured in a recent fashion photoshoot.

The photoshoot for the label Miu Miu, posted on April 2, featured Gauff wearing her hair in its natural 4C texture. Some online commenters described the hairstyle as "unkempt" and compared it to "civil-rights-era" styles.

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

In a video posted on April 9, Gauff directly addressed the commentary. She stated that her hair choices are often connected to the practical demands of her athletic career, noting that slicking hair back tightly can cause damage and that elaborate styles require time that may conflict with training schedules.

She encouraged people to wear their hair as they choose, listing options such as straightened, permed, afro, braids, cornrows, or slicked back.

Gauff acknowledged that the criticism did affect her, but said she moved past it.

"Black women are beautiful. Black hair texture — kinky, Afro hair texture — is beautiful."

Background and Context

Miu Miu has co-designed some of Gauff's tennis kits in recent years. Gauff also wore her hair in a similar natural style under a baseball cap during her run to the Miami Open final last month.

Currently ranked world No. 3 in tennis, Gauff is preparing for upcoming clay-court tournaments, beginning with the Madrid Open on April 20.