On August 2nd, Simone Biles posted a “Get Ready with Me” for the Olympic All-Around Finals. She proclaims, “I've worked so hard mentally to get to this moment. I’m starting on the vault, the event I’m most nervous about.” She conveys how Rebecca is her toughest competitor, and how enthusiastic she is to be competing with another great gymnast.
Although this video is simply a “Get Ready with Me,” Simone’s resilience becomes undeniable to viewers here. Her affinity for rising to the occasion blazes through the camera. Her eyes charged with determination — she faces herself in the mirror as she blends in her contour. But then, suddenly — she opens up about the human experience of anxiety.
“I haven’t done much around the Olympic village. When I went to the cafeteria, my anxiety was so bad. I was so overwhelmed. When I sat down, I was shaking, and I couldn’t stop. I haven’t gone back. I just go to the store and stock up on food and stay here.”
@simonebilesowens get ready with meeee for all around finals @ the olympics 😱🥹 #olympics #gymnastics #usa #paris ♬ original sound - Simone Biles
Nevertheless — in the face of her apprehension, Simone will go on to win 1 silver and ultimately 3 Gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, including a gold in vault. Thus, continuing her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history. At 27, Simone has contributed so much to Women’s History and to the aspirations of young women.
For me — it was especially helpful to hear someone like her open up about pressure and image. There was something indelibly powerful about Simone Biles sharing a Get Ready with Me and discussing her beauty routine.
She tells us, “Since I turned 26, my scalp has been flaking so much. I’m either allergic to the coconut oil that I’m using because it regenerates overnight very quickly, or I have seborrheic dermatitis.” This was totally relatable. As for many women, including myself, coconut oil is a haircare staple.
But, the video begs the question - is coconut oil good for everyone's hair?
I actually love that Simone uses coconut oil because I oil my scalp with it too. Coconut oil works well for protecting hair when you're styling it, and it can even prevent protein loss since it penetrates the hair shaft.
While coconut oil is very moisturizing, it may not always help with dandruff though. Dandruff can have other causes apart from a dry scalp. On some scalps, coconut oil can facilitate malessezia growth. Malessezia is a yeast that naturally grows on skin, but when it grows in excess, it can cause seborrheic dermatitis, a condition known for flaking and irritation.
On the other hand, as Simone suggested, some people with sensitive skin can be irritated by coconut oil. But, as stated by triple board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Candrice Heath, “Sebborheic dermatitis can be exacerbated by stress - stress like being on stage in front of the world! While stress increases susceptibility to seborrheic dermatitis, there is an FDA-approved medication for it called ZORYVE. ZORYVE does not contain topical steroids, and it’s actually a foam mousse!”
So, when it comes to seborrheic dermatitis and also dandruff, there are many options. But, as Simone mentions, visiting a dermatologist can be super helpful for truly seeing what’s going on.
We love her authenticity about haircare. And throughout her “Get Ready with Me,” Simone also shares a few skincare products. Bonus — they are vegan and cruelty-free!
Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Primer 45ml - $23.50
With aloe juice, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin, this primer is super hydrating. This also has niacinamide, which controls oil, and it has maltose, a sugar that can hold moisture in the skin. The MiLK Makeup Primer grips foundation and makeup very well, and you can also wear it alone for a dewy glow!
LANEIGE Lip Glowy Balm 10g Berry 10g
This glowy lip balm combines shea butter and a variety of moisturizing oils. But, what's fabulous is that it's still lightweight!
Fenty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder - $37
Although we have more experience with their skincare, Fenty Beauty is a good brand, and like this one, they have products geared towards oily skin. This powder gives your face a very lifted look.
And speaking of lifting the skin, Simone mentions during her “Get Ready with Me” that she “got baby Botox for her 27th birthday.”
“I haven’t gotten it again though because I would be standing at practice, and my eyebrow would be slowly standing up, and it would go back down in 20 seconds,” she says.
Why? Well, Botox keeps the muscles from contracting so wrinkles don’t form. However, it can sometimes mix up your “frontalis muscle,” causing it to raise involuntarily. So, what Simone experienced is actually common. Fortunately, getting another treatment of Botox above the brow normally helps, but not required since it will resolve on its own.
We say it's not required because the amount of Botox or getting Botox at all is a personal choice, and women from all walks of life have the right to pursue their own journeys with image. Although skincare and treatments are known as “beauty products,” beauty naturally resides in all of us.
Our beauty actually empowers us, and we can choose how to accentuate it. Taking part in “beauty rituals" gives us a few moments to remember the resilience and power we all hold within ourselves. As we “get ready” for the day, we should always cherish our wins, remind ourselves of a chosen destiny, and honor how far we’ve come.
Written by Kerri Hardy
Kerri Hardy is an African-American writer who publishes on inclusion and identity.