Coco Gauff Defends Natural Hair in Miu Miu Shoot Criticism

Coco Gauff has recently addressed criticism regarding her natural hair following a photoshoot for the fashion label Miu Miu. The 22-year-old tennis star emphasized the importance of self-expression for young Black girls with natural hair, encouraging them to embrace their beauty.

Coco Gauff’s Miu Miu Photoshoot

On April 2, Gauff shared images from the shoot promoting Miu Miu’s Vivant bag. In a video posted on April 9, she described the setting as her parents’ backyard, highlighting a relaxed, everyday aesthetic. Gauff opted to showcase her natural 4C hair during the photo session.

Response to Criticism

After the photos were released, some social media users criticized her hairstyle as “unkempt,” with comparisons made to “civil-rights-era” looks. Gauff, however, defended her choice, stating that her hairstyle reflects her identity as an athlete.

Many Black female athletes, such as Manchester City’s Khiara Keating and Tottenham’s Jessica Naz, have discussed the complexities of managing their hair, which often requires extensive planning. Gauff echoed this sentiment, explaining that she prefers her hair in its natural state rather than styled in a demanding way that could cause damage.

Embracing Natural Hair

• Gauff encourages individuality in hair styling:
• Wear it natural or styled as desired.
• Options range from afros to braids and sleek hairstyles.

She acknowledged that while the criticism affected her briefly, she quickly regained her confidence. “Black women are beautiful,” she affirmed. “Kinky, Afro hair texture is beautiful.”

Coco Gauff’s Competitive Journey

As the current world No. 3, Gauff is gearing up for an important period in her 2026 tennis season. Last year, she reached finals in all three major clay-court tournaments: the Madrid Open, the Italian Open in Rome, and the French Open, where she secured victory against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

The upcoming competition begins on April 20 in Madrid, marking another significant milestone in Gauff’s professional career.