NEED TO KNOW

• Ava Lahey of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders addressed in an Instagram Reel why she styles her hair straight, as opposed to the iconic curls her squad is known for wearing at games
• The Florida native explained that her hair would “fall flat” after approximately 20 minutes, ruining the curls she put in place
• Lahey acknowledged that her straightened hairstyle isn’t the “big and bouncy curls” the DCC is known for wearing; however, she confirmed she got the “reassurance” she needed

It’s all about the hair.

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!”

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been known for their strict rules and guidelines regarding their appearance as a franchise synonymous with its iconic image. Members of the squad have opened up about it in the past, in addition to it being highlighted in the Netflix series.

For hair specifically, it must be worn down. Even during rehearsals, the locks must be flowing.

“We not only have our hair styled and down the entire game, but our dances almost always have some form of ‘hairography,’ ” a third-year vet named Melissa told PEOPLE in 2016.

In fact, Cowboys cheerleader choreographer Judy Trammell previously told PEOPLE that the movement of the hair is more important than the length.

Whether short or long, hairstyles should be “current” and never hide one’s face. The girls must maintain the look they established with DCC officials, which is how they appear in their publicity photos.

All upkeep takes place year-round at the DCC’s official salon, Tangerine.

“That’s actually kind of exciting and that’s a real fun perk, especially for the girls that come from small towns and went to a little local beauty parlor and then you come to this Dallas salon with two stories, 20 stylists, and equipment that looks like you could fly to the moon in it,” Finglass said.

“It’s really quite glamorous,” she added.

In December 2024, DCC member Armani Latimer went viral for dancing without a wig for the first time since revealing her alopecia diagnosis — and was praised for doing so, leaving her teammates, coaches and fans inspired.

“Confidence takes center stage for Alopecia Awareness 💙#MyCauseMyBoots | #DCCheerleaders,” the caption read on the post.

Read the original article on People