Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Faith Ward has responded to backlash about her hair after one detail set the internet alight.
The 22-year-old, who was born in New Zealand but grew up in Western Australia, has become the first Kiwi to make the crew.
Faith shared a social media post to celebrate the news on Sunday, proudly holding up her fresh DCC uniform with her blonde hair pulled back into a high ponytail.
As hundreds of well-wishers and teammates flooded the comments section, Faith’s hairstyle prompted a massive response from fans of the team.
‘Congrats! But wondering why do you wear your hair in a ponytail, not down like everyone else?’ one social media user asked.
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Perth-based dancer Faith Ward, who scored her ‘dream job’ on the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader roster last week, has responded to backlash about her hair after one detail set the internet alight
‘Is no one inquiring about the ponytail moment?!?!?’ a second fan commented.
‘It looks weird that she’s the only one with a ponytail,’ another said.
‘We all want to know about the ponytail please,’ yet another wrote, with one viewer requesting the ‘backstory.’
‘Does anyone know if they made an exception with her hair? DCC has strict hair regulations,’ another pointed out.
One supporter even remarked that Faith’s slick-back hair was ‘so Aussie coded.’
Faith was named as one of just six rookies to join the cheerleading team of 36 to perform during the upcoming season of the NFL.
She stars in series two of Netflix’s hit reality TV series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which hit screens on June 20 after its debut run won over legions of fans.
To make the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, all rookies must undergo makeovers during training camp, which can involve dramatic changes to their hair, makeup, and sometimes even teeth to help them achieve the ‘DCC look’.
She stars in series two of Netflix ‘s hit reality TV series America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which hit screens on June 20
These makeovers are a crucial part of assessing a candidate’s potential and ensuring they meet the team’s strict aesthetic standards.
Back in 2016, DCC director Kelli Finglass told People that all cheerleaders ‘wear their hair down, even in rehearsal.’
‘It’s about the girls being as glamorous as they can,’ she said, adding that a ‘DCC hairstyle’ absolutely must ‘dance well’.
Faith confirmed she is the first DCC to be allowed an up-do in an interview with ABC Perth on Monday.
‘It’s crazy because obviously the DCC hairstyle is out, fluffy, voluminous, luscious, long locks. I’ve broken that stereotype,’ she said.
Strangely enough, it was a rehearsal to Thunderstruck by Australian rock legends AC/DC that Kelli suggested Faith put her hair up.
‘So, I’m in rehearsal one of the days with my hair out and I am, you know, sweating after doing “Thunderstruck”,’ she explained.
‘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”.’
Kelli saw that Faith was sweating profusely and suggested she pull her hair back for the number – catching the attention of the coaching team
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Faith did as she was told and the departure from team regulation made her a standout.
‘I go into uniform fittings and keep my hair up in hopes that she would like it still, and I walk in and she goes, “You’re giving Ariana Grande! Like, we need an Ariana Grande moment on the team”,’ she said.
‘I said, are you serious right now, Kelli? This is so exciting!’
The famously strict director told the Aussie newcomer: ‘Yeah, but I want your ponytail longer, I want it blonder and then I want to see a cameo day where I prefer you be with your hair out.’
Faith said the reason she hasn’t addressed online speculation is because she’s awaiting Kelli’s final verdict on her look.
‘But right now, it’s looking very hopeful that I will be a DCC with a ponytail,’ she enthused.
In her Instagram post, Faith said making the team was, ‘The best day of my life.’
‘This journey has been incredibly challenging, both physically and mentally, but I wouldn’t change a thing,’ she wrote.
‘I’ve been pushed in ways I never imagined, I’ve learned and grown so much already.’
Faith started dancing professionally at 18 on cruise ships, but now will perform in front of much larger crowds, with at least 90,000 people attending Cowboys games
