One of the most inane controversies of the London Olympics was about Gabby Douglas’ hair. While the 16-year-old was busy competing for gold medals, she was being trashed on social media by some for what they perceived to be an embarrassing hairstyle. I didn’t see any of the criticism because obviously I’m not following the right people on Twitter, but it was pretty rampant.
Hairstyle is apparently a source of pride among African-American women, so while many of them won’t ever be famous or compete for gold medals, the one area they think they can top Douglas is in the style department. Let’s put aside how misplaced the priorities of the women who spend $200 at the salon while falling behind on their bills are, and ignore how pathetic it is to criticize a 16-year-old who’s competing in athletics for unkempt hair. Why? Because those women now no longer have ammunition.
Douglas, her agent, and manager got together with celebrity stylist Ted Gibson and asked him to give the gymnast a hair makeover. Gibson, who charges $950 per haircut, happily obliged. He also lashed out at Douglas’ critics.
“I couldn’t believe it and still can’t,’’ Gibson said of the criticism, according to The Daily Beast. “You have this young girl doing amazing things, and the conversation becomes about her hair? It was ridiculous and shameful.”
Gibson said he wanted to create a hairstyle for Douglas that wouldn’t make her look older than her age.
“I hope we can create something that’s easy and looks great no matter what she’s doing or where she is. I hope to create something that makes her feel good about herself as well,” he said.
Most people would agree that Douglas looks great with the new ‘do. Hopefully this will end the chatter about the silly matter.
Photo via Gabby Douglas on Twitter
