Coco Gauff is entering spring with a fresh look and a winning strategy—both on the court and in her haircare routine. The tennis superstar and Carol’s Daughter brand ambassador is embracing styles that blend fashion, function, and hair health, proving that Black women don’t have to choose between beauty and practicality.
With insights from celebrity hairstylists Yojanse Jimenez and Dhairius Thomas, I Love Us got an exclusive look at how Gauff prepares her hair for both game days and glam nights—with the help of Carol’s Daughter products.
Game Day Ready: Coco’s Knotless Braids
For the start of her 2025 tournament season, Gauff switched up her signature intricate cornrows for loose, auburn-hued knotless braids, styled by Yojanse Jimenez. The style isn’t just a change—it’s a strategic choice for an athlete constantly on the move.
“Knotless braids are a game-changer for active individuals,” Jimenez told I Love Us. “They’re lightweight, reducing tension on the scalp, which helps prevent breakage and promotes hair growth. They also offer more flexibility, making it easier to style the hair in different ways without added stress on the roots. For someone like Coco Gauff, who is constantly on the move, knotless braids provide a seamless blend of style, durability, and comfort—allowing her to focus on her performance without worrying about her hair.”
Jimenez also predicts that protective styles will dominate 2025, especially for athletes and active individuals.
“In 2025, we’ll continue to see styles that prioritize both function and fashion. Braided looks—especially sleek cornrows, knotless braids, and intricate stitch braids—will remain popular for their durability and low maintenance,” he explained. “We’re also seeing a rise in custom lace front units and protective styles designed to withstand intense activity while maintaining a polished look. Additionally, expect more natural, textured styles that embrace individuality while offering versatility.”
Beyond aesthetics, Jimenez noted that hair health and maintenance are just as important as the style itself.
“There’s a growing focus on scalp health, with athletes and active individuals prioritizing hydration, scalp oils, and lightweight serums to prevent buildup and breakage,” he said. “My absolute go-to favorite is Carol’s Daughter 7 Blend Hair Oil. Silk-lined headbands and workout-friendly hair wraps are also trending to reduce friction and retain moisture. We’re also seeing an emphasis on protective styles that allow for easier cleansing and conditioning, ensuring hair remains strong and healthy beneath the style.”
Red Carpet Glow-Up: Coco’s Oscars Chignon
Just days after debuting her knotless braids, Gauff made a stunning statement at the 97th Annual Academy Awards, where celebrity hairstylist Dhairius Thomas created an elegant, textured chignon with braided details to complement her custom Miu Miu gown.
“I wanted to honor timeless beauty while adding a modern edge to Coco’s red carpet look,” Thomas shared. “A soft textured chignon with chic braid details felt both classic and fresh.”
To prep the look, Thomas used Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Shampoo and Conditioner, followed by the Goddess Strength Leave-in Cream to restore moisture before styling.
“For seamless braids, I used the Hairitage Comin’ in Hot Hair Dryer with comb attachment to stretch the hair,” he explained. “Then I applied a small amount of the Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Smooth and Shape Balm, which added moisture without reverting the hair back to its original texture.”
To create Coco’s signature Oscars moment, Thomas braided her hair into a sleek cornrow design, then gathered the braids into a low bun, incorporating BELLAMI Clip-Ins for extra volume. He finished the look with Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner to keep the curls soft and defined.
For the Vanity Fair After-Party, Thomas gave Coco a quick change, transforming the chignon into a textured ponytail.
“I simply gathered the braids into a low ponytail, holding them together and wrapping hair around them to create a hose-like illusion,” he explained. “I added extra BELLAMI Clip-Ins to the bottom of the braids. Then I wrapped the hair down to the desired length and created texture using curly ends at the bottom of the shape. I finished by adding Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Hold Jelly to lock and hold the curls and create lasting shine for the night.”
Carol’s Daughter: A New Chapter Begins
As Gauff continues to dominate both in sports and style, the brand behind her go-to haircare products is also making waves. On March 3, L’Oréal USA announced the sale of Carol’s Daughter, returning ownership to its founder, Lisa Price.
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For more than 30 years, Carol’s Daughter has been at the forefront of Black haircare, offering trusted products that nourish and protect textured hair and protective styles. Now, under Lisa Price’s leadership and a new business partnership, the brand is poised to continue innovating for the community it has always served.
“We are proud of Carol’s Daughter’s long legacy and the transformative impact it has had on the beauty industry,” said David Greenberg, CEO of L’Oréal USA. “At the heart of this legacy is Lisa Price, an entrepreneur who has always been ahead of her time and has built Carol’s Daughter into a beloved brand that has honored and celebrated women of color for decades. We are confident that, with Lisa Price as President and the support of its new partner, Carol’s Daughter will continue to thrive for years to come.”
Spring Haircare Tips From Coco’s Stylists
With spring in full swing, both Jimenez and Thomas emphasize the importance of hydration, scalp care, and lightweight products to keep hair healthy and strong—especially for those wearing protective styles.
Jimenez’s must-haves:
- Carol’s Daughter 7 Blend Hair & Scalp Oil
- Silk-lined headbands and workout-friendly wraps
Thomas’ go-to products:
- Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Leave-In Cream
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
- Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture and Hold Jelly
As Gauff continues to set trends in both sports and beauty, one thing is certain: Black haircare is thriving, and Carol’s Daughter remains at the center of it all.
With protective styles, expert styling, and the right products, Coco Gauff is winning spring—one flawless look at a time.
Cover photo: Spring Hairstyles for Coco Gauff with Carol’s Daughter / Credit: Carol’s Daughter
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