In a recent Instagram post Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas opened up about her hair journey.
She shared a picture of her natural hair explaining the embarrassment she felt about how damaged it was during her gymnastic days.
She shared:
From the heart from a very young age I always had to put my hair in a tight ponytail to do gymnastics and due to that my hair became completely damaged.
I had bald spots on the back of my head.
I was so embarrassed and self-conscious that I put a bunch of clips over the spots to try and cover them up, but it was still noticeable.
My hair grew a little, but shortly after, I had to cut all of my hair off because it was so damaged. I cried and cried and cried.
Most days I didn’t even want to go to the gym because I felt so embarrassed that all my hair was gone.
I used to think: why can’t I have healthy hair? despite yet another challenge, I kept going. fast forward to both Olympics and my hair was the topic of conversation ? now here I am today – no extensions – no clip-ins – no wigs – no chemicals – all me. ?
This was the picture she shared:
Her followers showed her a ton of love on her post some reminiscing on how her hair overshadowed the fact that she made history. Some even apologized!
Read some of the comments below:
ry_media
I remember how you made History?!! And all the media did was criticize your hair.. Who has the last laugh now!! You are awesome Gabby????
chefkdq
Sorry you had to go through this Gabby. And even sorrier that everyone was so focused on your hair, they didn’t see that you were killing the game!
Black women have always had a love/hate relationship with their hair. Bald or with hair, short or long, nappy or straight, black or colored…we love you however you love you! -Love your true fans ??♀️
shodgedaniels
You hair never defined you. I was disgusted but the people who criticized your hair when the focus should have been on your amazing talent. You are an inspiration to little girl. ?
elmany_h
? Sorry you had to go through that on a public stage at such a young age. No one deserves that. Glad you’re able to grow out your hair and feel much better about yourself☺️ You’re beautiful and talented?
nyceshanee
I love you sis. I’m so sorry you were criticized like that. It was so wrong of us. We should have supported you better.
Gabby mostly maintains her natural hair using protective styles, like wigs and weaves which have been serving her well.
View this post on Instagram
remember that time in 2012 &2016 when some of ya’ll said “edges on delete”? nah. edges on SLEEK.
