The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are synonymous with their long, bouncy locks that whip and flip on the field as they perform their famed choreography during each game; however, Ava Lahey’s ‘do is an exception.
In a recent Instagram Reel, Lahey — who also stars in Netflix’s hit America’s Sweethearts series — addressed why she’s allowed to wear her hair straight as opposed to the iconic curly, like the rest of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on the team.
“The number one question I get asked as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is ‘Why do I get to wear my hair straight?'” she said in a voiceover shared on Saturday, June 28. “Well, here’s the real story,” she began in the clip.
When I made it to training camp for the first time, I tried curling my hair, but it never really held,” the Florida native explained while demonstrating how she styles her hair. “It would just fall flat after 20 minutes and look really stringy.”
“My hair is naturally really soft and fine,” she added. “During rookie makeovers, they told me to try wearing it straight, and I’ll never forget it. When I went back to rehearsal, one of the comments was, ‘It dances better’.”
“I did end up getting cut from training camp that year, but when I made it back to training camp again, I wore it straight right off the bat,” Lahey continued. “Now fast forward to makeovers again, they said they loved it straight, sleek and blonde, and I was so happy!”
It just feels so me,” she admitted, adding, “And now, it’s my signature look.”
Lahey noted that she’s asked for “reassurance” about her straight hair a few times, but confirmed that her unique look is “still the vibe” for her, despite the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders being “typically known for their big and bouncy curls.”
Fortunately, Lahey’s outward appearance effortlessly aligned with her internal spirit, which is what resonates with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ motto.
“It’s all about looking your best and standing out while still fitting the DCC image,” she shared, concluding, “Wearing my hair straight is what makes me feel and look my best!”
