Recounting Sha’Carri Richardson’s Gold-Winning Hairstyles

From floor-length braids and multi-colored installs to embracing her natural curls, there isn’t a hairdo Sha’Carri Richardson can’t pull off.
Sha’Carri Richardson: Fastest woman in the world, and queen of the beauty switch up. Whether it’s a 40-inch bussdown or her natural curls coiled to perfection, the hairstyles Richardson sports are always ten out of ten.

In the aftermath of the 2021 Olympic trials, Richardson faced harsh, global scrutiny brought on by a misogynoir-fueled controversy and a one-month suspension. Today, for her Paris Olympics debut, she came back, in better spirits, and clad in a slicked-back pony, to win the women’s 100m opening round.

Richardson is known to blaze down the track in a variety of styles, making her stand out on the track for both talent and flair. For the average person, one may question whether the long tresses pose as an extra element against performance, but to a pro like Richardson, her hair is a staple to her signature style.

As if being the current fastest woman in the world wasn’t impressive enough, Richardson manages to compete at peak-performance with nary a hair out of place. From a plethora of braid styles with intricate patterns, and natural hairdos to ever-changing wig colors, you can count on the 24-year old track star to keep it exciting.

Notably, Richardson turned heads during the 2023 Track & Field Championships, by tossing her wig off right before winning the 100m dash. With this stunt, she sent a message that not only does she stay ready, but she presents confidently no matter what’s on her head.

Ahead of track and field’s debut, the first-time olympian has already graced our screens between Olympic events with her Olay campaign, which features the skincare brand’s newest ambassador rocking a scene-stealing wash n go.

Another standout beauty moment for Richardson includes her Nike and Jacquemus campaign. The athletic beauty rocked a Rapunzel-esque ‘do complete with artfully-crafted edges. Her floor-length braids were wittily fashioned as battling ropes, demonstrating the intersection between beauty and sport.

Below, in honor of Richardson hitting the 2024 Olympic track today, we’re recounting some of her head-turning hair looks.

Despite her mixed season and two major losses, track legend Justin Gatlin and co-host Rodney Green on the Ready Set Go podcast believe Richardson still has potential for improvement.

“With a coach like Flo (Edrick Floreal, Alfred’s coach), Flo don’t like to lose but the same thing over there in the Claremont camp at Star Athletics, you got the silver medalist (Richardson) and the bronze medalist (Melissa Jefferson) who train together so now whatever things they left on the table in the 2024 season now they have the opportunity to get back out there and make things happen,” said Gatlin.