The Mielle Pop-Up Salon in the Olympic Village is the first of its kind for textured hair – Essence

Even as the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an in depth, the world’s biggest Black athletes are still winning gold. But in between the history they’ve made — the first all-Black podium in women’s gymnastics and the all-Black mixed U.S. 4x100m team breaking a world record — the business of Black beauty has also broken its own barrier.

For the first time at the Olympic Games, Mielle organic products has been named the official textured hair care partner of this 12 months’s Games. “This is the first time a textured hair care brand has offered products and high-quality ingredients at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” founder Monique Rodriguez tells ESSENCE. The beauty and hair care salon in the Olympic Village, run by French stylist Raphael Perrieremploys a number of stylists who specialize in textured hair, giving athletes greater access to hair services.

“It’s important for Black female athletes to have access to textured hair products because there’s been an underrepresentation,” Rodriguez says. “Historically, Black female athletes have always been subject to a lot of scrutiny and criticism for how they wear their hair on the court, on the court, no matter what they do at the Olympics.” The most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, struggled with unsolicited opinions in connection along with her escapes, in the meantime Venus Williams has been historically punished over her famous beaded braids.

WITH hair discrimination forcing black athletes to evolve to Eurocentric beauty standards resembling former ban on swimming caps for natural hair, Mielle helps break down racist, unfair expectations at the Games. “Access to high-quality products can directly affect their level of self-confidence“which impacts their overall performance,” he says.

To do that, Olympic athletes can review Salon Lookbook select their service, which incorporates curly, textured hair, facial and nail care. For example, “there’s a styling option called ‘Smooth Start,’ which is a smooth style for anyone with relaxed hair,” she explains. “It’s a one-hour service that features a shampoo and conditioner, and [then] our serums and Mielle thermal protection products for every styling.”

Another service called “Champion Curl” is for athletes with textured afro hair that is washed after which styled with Mielle Avocado and Tamanu Curl Protector, Curl defining mousseAND Super Hold Edge Gel“I got to experience it myself and have curls without the frizz,” she says. Curling athletes, resembling track stars Vashti Cunninghamheptathlon Taliyah Brooksand WNBA Ambassador Mielle Aja Wilson all visited the salon during the competition.

Given their performances and appearances around the world, “one of the biggest concerns about hair is of course maintaining it to keep it looking its best,” says Rodriguez. “Being on some of the biggest stages in the world is a major concern for athletes, and the lack of access to the right products and the right stylists is a huge issue,” she continues. “We wanted to be a brand that understood the need and filled that gap.”

Now, as the 2024 Olympics wrap up next week, athletes can leave the Olympic Village feeling more included. “Being the first textured hair care brand to be there is a really huge milestone,” she says. “It’s a really exciting moment because I know my brand is going to reach so many people and make them feel confident and excited to perform at their best.”