Simone Biles' Best Hair Moments Deserve a Gold Medal

Simone Biles at the Met Gala — Getty Images

There are so many superlatives to describe Simone Biles, with each one being just as impressive as the next. Gold medalist? Absolutely. Greatest gymnast of all time? Easily. Hair chameleon? Definitely. She's known for her signature top knot, but when Biles isn't on the mat breaking records, chances are she's trying out a new hairstyle. From sleek blowouts to braided updos and mermaid curls, Biles never shies away from experimenting with fun hair looks, on and off the mat. Ahead, we've rounded up some of her best hair moments worthy of the gold.

01 of 16

Classic Wedding Ponytail

Simone Biles on her wedding day. — @simonebiles/Instagram

For her wedding to Johnathon Owens, Biles opted for a timeless ponytail look and bronzy makeup. The gymnast slicked her hair back into a classic high-ponytail, curling the ends to form pretty ringlets that complimented her tiered wedding gown.

02 of 16

Paris Olympics Braided Bun

Simone Biles competing in Paris. — Getty Images

Biles' signature competition bun deserves a medal in its own right—it never moves out of place through record-breaking twists and spins. Throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles has added a sleek braid down her middle part before tying the rest of her hair into a top knot.

03 of 16

Birthday Boho Braids

Simone Biles with a braided hairstyle. — @simonebiles/Instagram

Biles celebrated her 27th birthday with soft glam makeup, a gemstone-encrusted French manicure, and extra-long boho braids. Her curly braided hairstyle landed right below her chest, and it was a fun change of pace from her usual medium length.

04 of 16

Double Braided Bun

Simone Biles at the 2023 US Gymnastics Championships — Getty Images

At the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Biles updated her classic loose bun with two tight braids, one on each side of her part. A silver bow added even more flair to her competition hairstyle.

05 of 16

Mermaid Waves

Simone Biles with a wavy hairstyle. — @simonebiles/Instagram

When Biles isn't on the mat rocking a braided updo, she's likely wearing her hair down and in soft waves. In the summer of 2022, she posted a slideshow of casual selfies on Instagram, wearing her hair parted in the middle with loose waves framing her face.

06 of 16

Double Braided Pony

Simone Biles at the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials — Getty Images

At the 2021 U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials, Biles switched up her usual competition look. Instead of a classic pony or bun, she opted for a raised braid on each side of her head before connecting into a low pony. A white bow added a sweet touch to the sporty look.

07 of 16

Cute Pigtails

Simone Biles wearing a pigtail hairstyle. — @simonebiles/Instagram

Before Rihanna wore some edgy pigtails for her latest campaign, Biles was ahead of the game in 2022. She shared snaps of the sporty hairstyle on Instagram, putting a glam twist on the look with a half-updo by tying up two of her back pieces of hair and leaving the rest down. A soft curl added a bit of flirty bounce to the style.

08 of 16

Slicked-Back Pony

Simone Biles wearing a ponytail. — @simonebiles/Instagram

Biles' competition checklist is minimal: It includes some sort of easygoing updo, winged liner, and a gemstone-covered leotard. At the 2024 Xfinity Gymnastics Championship, the gold-medal winner styled a slicked-back ponytail with bronzy makeup.

09 of 16

Met Gala Pony

In 2021, Biles attended the Met Gala wearing a 3-piece Area x Athleta sparkly set paired with a voluminous low ponytail. The sophisticated style included a slicked-back middle part, and was adorned with sparkling floral barrettes.

10 of 16

Classic Bun

Simone Biles touching up her makeup at the Paris Olympics — Getty Images

This is the classic Simone Biles look. At the Paris Olympics, she swept her hair into a simple looped bun. It's the perfect look for hitting the mat or for touching-up her makeup between events (she's using the NYX Slim Lip Pencil and Fenty Invisimatte Setting and Blotting Powder, FYI).

11 of 16

Bouncy Blowout

Simone Biles at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. — Getty Images

Even Simone Biles can't resist a fresh bouncy blowout. At the 2021 MTV Music Awards, the gymnast arrived wearing a one-shoulder pale pink gown with a long silky blowout that curled slightly at the ends.

12 of 16

Red, White, and Blue Bow

SImone Biles at the 2016 Olympic Games — Getty Images

Biles always reps her team in the form of a hair bow, but at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, her ribbon was particularly patriotic. This simple but festive pony is a cute option for any viewing parties you may be attending for this year's games.

13 of 16

Half-Up Braids

Simone Biles wearing a half-braided updo. — Getty Images

Braids, curls, and soft glam are all Biles signatures. At a football game in Los Angeles, the 27-year-old repped her hometown of Huston and wore middle-parted braids and soft curls. She swept back the front sections of her hair into braids and curled the rest.

14 of 16

Honey Blonde Braids

Simone Biles with blonde braids. — @simonebiles/Instagram

For a trip to New York, Biles went lighter with honey blonde highlighted braids in one of her longest hairstyles to date. Her brown hair was tied in braids which blended into a lived-in blonde color at the ends, which grazed her hips.

15 of 16

Fluffy Bun

Simone Biles in pink — @simonebiles/Instagram

For a competition this May, Biles opted for a super voluminous bun. Paired with her hot pink leotard, it gave balletcore in the best way.

16 of 16

Pouf Ponytail

Simone Biles at the 2014 P&G Gymnastics Championships — Getty Images

At the 2014 P&G Gymnastics Championships, Biles went with a very mid-2010s hairstyle. She tied her hair back into a classic ponytail, but pinned her side bangs (like I said, very of the times) into a small pouf in the front. Of course, she finished off the look with a bow.