At just 20 years old, **Coco Gauff** has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis. With multiple singles and doubles titles to her name, including a standout victory at the 2023 US Open, Gauff is proving herself to be a formidable player on the international stage. Yet, her impact extends far beyond her impressive record on the court. Gauff has become a powerful voice for equality and empowerment, using her platform to challenge the status quo and speak out against the unfair treatment of athletes—especially young women of color. Her dedication to inspiring others and advocating for change has made her not only a sports icon but also a role model for many.
A crucial aspect of Gauff’s journey, both as an athlete and an individual, is her unapologetic celebration of her identity—something she connects closely with her hair. In a recent conversation with sports journalist and broadcaster **Taylor Rooks** on the show *Hair Me Out*, Gauff opened up about the role that hair plays in her life. She spoke candidly about how wearing her hair in a way that makes her feel confident directly influences her performance. “I love to show braids, I love to wear my curls,” she shared with Rooks. “When you look good and you feel good, and you feel good about yourself, it almost makes you perform better.” This simple yet profound sentiment underscores how closely appearance and confidence are linked, especially for young athletes constantly under the spotlight.
Gauff’s relationship with her hair is not merely about aesthetics; it’s a form of **self-expression**—a way to embrace her roots and stand proudly in a sport that has historically lacked diversity. As Rooks pointed out during their conversation, hair is a powerful symbol of identity and self-expression, particularly for Black women. For Gauff, this has meant embracing natural hairstyles and celebrating the versatility of Black hair, even in the traditionally conservative world of professional tennis. Her willingness to wear braids or curls while competing sends a strong message to young Black girls everywhere: you don’t have to change yourself to fit in or succeed.
Gauff’s new role as an ambassador for **Carol’s Daughter**, a leading brand in natural hair care, has further solidified her commitment to representation. Known for its pioneering work in creating products tailored for textured hair, Carol’s Daughter aligns perfectly with Gauff’s ethos. She acknowledges that partnering with the brand has inspired her to experiment with different hairstyles, pushing the boundaries of how Black female athletes are perceived. “I’ve been open to trying new styles to play with,” she explained. “I want to be that representation, especially in my sport of tennis, where there are not a lot of Black girls playing.” Through her public embrace of natural hair and the varied styles she rocks both on and off the court, Gauff is doing more than just playing tennis—she’s creating a more inclusive space for future generations of athletes.
Beyond the arena, Gauff’s willingness to discuss the challenges of managing natural hair as a professional athlete resonates with many. In her conversation with Rooks, the two shared their personal stories, reflecting on how their hair journeys were shaped by family traditions and the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. They also touched on the struggles Black women often face in finding the right products, the best routines, and the courage to embrace their natural textures in a world that sometimes undervalues them. Gauff’s candidness about these issues helps break down stereotypes and provides a platform for more inclusive conversations around beauty and identity.
For Gauff, hair is more than a style statement—it’s a symbol of confidence, heritage, and authenticity. Growing up in a supportive family, she learned early on the importance of celebrating her uniqueness. She spoke fondly about the role her family played in shaping her confidence, recalling how her mother would carefully braid her hair before matches and how those moments became a source of strength. Now, as a rising star, she hopes to pass on that same sense of empowerment to others by remaining true to herself and encouraging young women to do the same.
Throughout her career, Gauff has also highlighted the need for greater diversity within tennis, pointing out the lack of representation at the highest levels of the sport. By staying vocal about these issues and unapologetically celebrating her Blackness, she’s paving the way for other young athletes who might not see themselves reflected in the current roster of professional players. Her focus on empowering others is not just about tennis; it’s about fostering a culture where differences are celebrated rather than sidelined.
This attitude was on full display during the filming of *Hair Me Out*, where Gauff and Rooks delved into the nuances of their hair routines, shared tips on managing curls, and discussed the intersection of beauty and athleticism. They laughed about their earliest hair experiments, reminisced about their favorite childhood styles, and even shared a few awkward moments of trial and error that ultimately led to a better understanding of their hair. The conversation was more than just a beauty tutorial—it was a reflection of how far Gauff has come, both as an athlete and as a young woman navigating the complexities of self-identity in the public eye.
One of the most touching moments came when Gauff recalled meeting her tennis idol, a memory that left her starstruck and humbled. It was a reminder that despite her growing fame, she remains grounded and eager to learn from those who came before her. This humility, coupled with her drive to challenge expectations, makes Gauff a unique and compelling figure in the world of sports.
Her partnership with Carol’s Daughter is just one example of how she’s leveraging her influence to encourage authenticity and confidence. By sharing her personal hair journey, Gauff is giving young girls—especially those who may not see themselves reflected in mainstream media—a sense of belonging. It’s about more than just winning matches; it’s about redefining what success looks like for young women in sports.
In the end, Coco Gauff’s story is about more than tennis victories or brand partnerships. It’s about a young woman stepping fully into her power, embracing her identity, and using her platform to uplift others. Whether she’s competing on the court or sharing her story off it, Gauff’s message is clear: authenticity is a strength, and true success comes from being unapologetically yourself.