If you’ve watched America’s Sweethearts on Netflix, you’ll know there are a lot of rules the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders must follow. However, one cheerleader has been bucking trends in more ways than one. Faith Ward is not only the squad’s sole Australian representative, she’s also the only DCC allowed to wear a ponytail.
While strangers to the Dallas Cowboys’ universe may not find it strange for a cheerleader to sport a high pony, fans of the squad and the America’s Sweethearts series know DC cheerleaders are bound by a strict dress code. So, when Faith walked on to screens in season three wearing a high ponytail, some were scratching their heads in confusion.
Why does Faith Ward wear a ponytail?
Faith has said that DCC director Kelli Finglass was the first person to suggest she wear her hair up. Speaking to ABC Perth, Faith explained: “I’m in rehearsal one of the days with my hair out and I am, you know, sweating after doing ‘Thunderstruck’. She’s looking at me and she’s like, ‘You know what? I really want to see what your hair would look like tied up’.”
In season three of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders it’s confirmed that Kelli noticed Faith was struggling with the hair in her face during the demanding routine.
Traditionally, DCC members are required to wear their hair out with voluminous curls. Faith is the only Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader with a ponytail. (Credit: Instagram @flexi_faith)
Faith herself was happy with the change. ““I go into uniform fittings and kept my hair up in hopes that she would like it still, and I walk in and she goes, ‘You’re giving Ariana Grande! We need an Ariana Grande moment on the team’.” From here, Kelli requested Faith’s ponytail become “longer and blonder”. It provided the dancer with a unique look, which is increasingly embraced by the DCC for commercial reasons.
“We need an Ariana Grande moment on the team!”
— DCC Director, Kelli Finglass, on Faith Ward’s ponytail
The request stuck and now Flexi Faith’s iconic ponytail is her signature look.
What are the DCC rules around hairstyles?
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are traditionally required to have big, loosely curled hair. Per custom, the hair must be worn out and long to synchronise with the ‘hairography’ (that’s “hair choreography”) in the routines.
Their voluminous hairstyles must be donned even during rehearsals, where they’re also required to wear a full face of makeup. The choice is controversial given the nature of the job being inherently sweaty and physically demanding.
Kayla, Reece and Anna showing off the glamorous DCC hair standards. (Credit: Netflix)
However, despite these strict hair rules, Faith isn’t the only exception. Ava Lahey, who is currently in her second season with the squad, has been allowed to wear her hair long and straight. Meanwhile, rookie Parker wears her natural curls cropped into a bob-length style.
Parker, a black woman, is a rare example of a black Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader wearing their natural hair. Other black members of squad sometimes wear wigs, weaves or braids to maintain the common DCC hair standard. For example, DCC veteran Kelee Norris dons a wig with a centre part and highlights, and Kayla Hayes wears braids with her natural hair.
Hair extensions are common approach among almost all the girls — anything to give their hair more length and volume!
The long wavy locks have been a staple of DCC tradition since the 1950s, according to marie claire‘s visual history. However, there have been exceptions throughout the years, and it’s clear the squad has further embraced diversity and flexibility over time.
Hair is only one element of the strict aesthetic guidelines to which the DCC squad must adhere. In addition, make-up must be relatively natural, with the squad telling prospective dancers that they attend DCC auditions with “shades that complement your natural beauty.” This means nothing too vibrant, and no statement products, like false eyelashes or obvious spray tans.
Similarly, uniformity is encouraged as much as possible, right down to the uniforms which each have the exact same number of stars.
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