Simone Biles’ Curly Hair Transformation: Why It Matters for Natural Curls

Simone Biles has flipped the script on her look yet again—this time with a standout curly hair transformation that lit up Instagram while she cheered on her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens. Beyond the surface-level excitement of a celebrity switch-up, her new curls tap into something deeper: the ongoing celebration of textured, natural, and curly hair on some of the world’s biggest stages. For anyone in the UK navigating their own curly journey—whether you’re embracing your pattern for the first time or returning to it after years of heat styling—there’s a lot to take away from Biles’ latest look.

Simone Biles’ Curls: A Cultural Moment as Much as a Style Move

According to coverage from E! News, Simone Biles debuted her curly hair transformation in a late-November Instagram post, supporting her husband at a Chicago Bears game. The photos show Biles with defined, voluminous curls that frame her face and feel both playful and powerful—very much in step with the growing wave of athletes and public figures embracing texture on and off duty.

In recent years, we’ve seen more sportswomen—from track stars to footballers—choose braids, coils, and curls instead of defaulting to sleek, straightened looks. For someone with Biles’ global profile, wearing textured hair isn’t just a personal preference; it feeds into a wider conversation about representation and the freedom to wear hair in its natural state without compromise.

Here in the UK, that resonates strongly with many people who have felt pressure—socially, culturally, or professionally—to straighten or “tame” their curls. High-profile style moments like Biles’ can help normalise curls everywhere from the office to the gym to nights out.

• It spotlights curls as glamorous and performance-ready, not just “casual”.
• It underscores that textured hair belongs in elite, high-visibility spaces.
• It encourages people to explore their own pattern with more confidence.

From a practical standpoint, the takeaway is simple: if you’ve been debating a return to your curls or coils, seeing them celebrated at top-level sport and in global media is your green light to experiment on your next wash day.

What Simone’s Look Tells Us About Today’s Curly Hair Aesthetic

Biles’ curly look—judging by event shots and social posts—is defined, glossy and full of movement, rather than overly rigid or crunchy. That aligns closely with where modern curl aesthetics are headed in both UK salons and at-home styling: touchable, healthy-looking, and true to the wearer’s natural pattern.

Across London, Manchester and Birmingham salons that specialise in textured hair, stylists are reporting more clients asking for:

• Shapely cuts that enhance the curl pattern rather than fighting it.
• Soft definition with minimal cast and more natural volume.
• Low-manipulation styles that hold up during busy, active days.

Simone’s curls embody this balance: visible definition without losing that effortless, lived-in edge. While the exact method behind her styling hasn’t been disclosed, many UK stylists would likely interpret the look with a few recurring principles:

• Hydration first: richly conditioning the hair to minimise frizz and maximise shine.
• Layered styling: using a leave-in conditioner, then a curl cream or gel for structure.
• Diffusing or air-drying with care: to preserve clumps and avoid disturbing the pattern.

For readers, the practical next step is to assess how your curls behave at their most hydrated. On your next wash day, focus on moisture and gentle styling rather than forcing the hair into a style that works against your texture—Simone’s look is a reminder that working with your pattern is usually more successful than working against it.

Building a UK-Friendly Routine Inspired by Biles’ Curly Era

While we can’t see every product or technique behind Biles’ routine, we can draw on best practice from UK stylists who work with curls daily. The goal is a routine that fits our climate—often damp, occasionally harsh—and real lives: commuting, working out, and socialising.

A typical, curl-friendly routine might look like this:

• 1. Gentle cleanse: Many stylists recommend a sulphate-free shampoo or cleansing co-wash, especially for tighter curls that tend to be drier.
• 2. Deep conditioning: Use a conditioner or mask that you can detangle with, working from ends upwards with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
• 3. Style on very damp hair: Apply leave-in conditioner, then your curl cream or gel in sections to encourage even coverage and defined clumps.
• 4. Set the curls: Either air-dry (ideal when time and climate allow) or diffuse on low heat and low speed to minimise frizz.
• 5. Break the cast: Once fully dry, scrunch out any stiffness with a lightweight oil or serum for a soft, touchable finish.

In UK winters, frizz can be a challenge thanks to rain and humidity. Many curl specialists recommend layering products thoughtfully rather than simply adding more gel or cream; too much can weigh curls down and reduce the very bounce that makes Biles’ style so eye-catching.

A realistic action you can take this week is to simplify your routine: pick one cleanser, one rich conditioner, and one styling product you trust, and focus on technique—raking, scrunching, and drying methods—before buying anything new.

Protecting Curly Styles in High-Activity Lifestyles

As one of the world’s most decorated gymnasts, Simone Biles needs hair that can withstand serious movement, sweat, and frequent styling. Athletes and gym-goers in the UK face similar demands, even if not at Olympic level. The challenge is preserving curl health and definition without constant heat or harsh manipulation.

Stylists who work with active clients often highlight a few key strategies:

• Low-tension protective styles: Loose buns, puffs, or braids that keep hair contained during workouts without pulling at the hairline.
• Scalp-aware care: Dermatologists often suggest gentle cleansing after heavy sweating to avoid build-up, especially around the hairline.
• Night-time protection: Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, or using a bonnet or scarf, to reduce friction and preserve curl shape.
• Refresh, don’t restart: On non-wash days, using a light mist of water and conditioner to revive curls rather than starting the whole routine again.

If you’re in and out of the gym, consider designating two or three “core” hairstyles that work with your schedule—a defined wash-day look for the start of the week, a looser, pinned-up version mid-week, and a bun or puff for your most active days. This mirrors the kind of functional glamour we see from Biles: styles that are camera-ready yet undeniably practical.

Key Takeaways

• Simone Biles’ curly transformation reflects a wider celebration of natural texture in sport and celebrity culture.
• Her look aligns with modern curl trends in UK salons: hydrated, defined, and touchable rather than overly sleek.
• A strong curl routine prioritises moisture, gentle cleansing, and careful styling over heavy-handed product use.
• Active lifestyles benefit from low-tension styles, scalp-aware care, and simple refresh techniques between washes.
• You can start today by refining your technique—how you apply and dry products—before overhauling your entire product line-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get curls similar to Simone Biles’ new look?
While everyone’s texture is different, you can move towards a similar feel by focusing on hydration and definition. Style on very damp hair, apply a leave-in and curl cream or gel in sections, then either air-dry or diffuse on low heat. Once fully dry, scrunch out any stiffness with a light oil to keep curls soft and bouncy.

Do I need to follow the "Curly Girl Method" to achieve this style?
You don’t have to follow any single method strictly. Many UK stylists now encourage a more flexible approach: avoid harsh detergents if your hair is dry, limit high heat, and prioritise moisture and gentle handling. You can borrow the elements that work for your hair rather than adopting a full, rigid routine.

How often should I wash curly hair if I’m active like Simone Biles?
The ideal frequency depends on your scalp, lifestyle and curl type. Some people wash or co-wash two to three times a week if they train regularly, while others stretch to once weekly. If you sweat heavily, many professionals suggest at least rinsing or co-washing the scalp more often to remove salt and build-up.

What’s the best way to protect curls overnight?
To maintain a style similar to Biles’ curls, minimise friction at night. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase or using a bonnet or scarf helps. Many people also “pineapple” their curls—loosely tying them on top of the head with a soft scrunchie—to preserve shape.

How can I reduce frizz in the UK’s damp weather?
Frizz control begins with hydration. Make sure your conditioner is rich enough for your texture, and seal in moisture with a cream or gel while hair is still very damp. Once outside, avoid touching your curls too much, as this can disturb the cuticle. On particularly humid days, a light, flexible hold gel can help keep definition for longer.

Is it better to air-dry or diffuse curly hair?
Both methods can work well. Air-drying is gentle and often gives a softer finish, but it isn’t always practical. Diffusing on a low heat and low speed setting can speed things up while still preserving curl pattern. Many stylists suggest experimenting with both to see which gives you the best balance of definition and volume.

Can I colour my curls and still maintain a healthy, Simone-style look?
Colour-treated curls can still look glossy and defined, but they generally need extra care. Many stylists recommend regular deep conditioning, limiting direct high heat, and scheduling trims to prevent split ends. If you’re considering colour, book a consultation with a colourist experienced in curly and textured hair.