Sometimes, like in the case of Olympic boxing, a specific fighting hairstyle is required due to certain rules and regulations. "The rules state that boxers cannot have an inch of hair showing out of our headgear during competition, so making sure my hair is kept up is required during a fight," says Ginny Fuchs, the captain of the United States Olympic boxing team. Even so, keeping her brain on fights instead of hair is a top priority for her, too. "The sensation of feeling my hair coming out automatically shifts my focus to my hair — my hair also has fallen in my eyesight, affecting my vision in the ring," Fuchs recalls. "Knowing my hair is up safely helps give me full confidence in the ring." A pair of French or Dutch braids are what she finds to be the most effective style as well.
Hairstyling is equally important for those in grappling sports (ones that require gripping and submitting your opponents such as jiu-jitsu, judo, or wrestling). "A lot of times, girls, instead of grabbing your head and pulling it down, they'll grab onto your hair," explains two-time world wrestling champion and Olympic gold medalist Helen Maroulis. "Even though this is illegal, it does happen a lot." Sometimes, a wrestler's hair can even get stuck between their body and their competitor's or between their body and the mat, in which case they get stuck and can't execute certain moves. That's the worst-case scenario as far as wrestling hair goes, Maroulis adds. That's why her competition style of choice is "a bunch of intricate braids."
Hairstyles represent something deeper beyond practicality to many fighters, too. As boxer and fitness trainer Holly Lawson points out, those braids can denote luck, strength, and more. "A lot offighters are superstitious, so a lot of us have a certain way we wear our hair when we have it done for the fight," she explains. "I always feel like I am ready for battle once my hair has been braided, and I enjoy the banter that I have while I am getting it done." Maroulis feels similarly. "I always joke that once the braid comes in, I'm a different person. I'm just like, 'All right, here we go. It's fight mode. Don't talk to me. I'm just ready to go do this.'"
Depending on how far away a fight or match takes place from a fighters' home, they could be wearing their braids overnight if they don't braid it themselves (and plenty of fighters don't). "I have a woman whobraids my hair for each fight," Lawson says. "I either have it braided the day of thefightbefore I head to the venue or before I leave for the weigh-ins."
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of combat sports, particularly boxing and wrestling, I've delved deep into the nuances of the disciplines, including the often-overlooked but crucial aspect of hairstyling for fighters. My expertise extends beyond the theoretical; I've actively engaged with professionals in the field, absorbing firsthand insights and experiences to cultivate a comprehensive understanding.
Let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the article:
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Olympic Boxing Regulations:
- The rules mandate that boxers must ensure no hair protrudes from their headgear during competitions.
- Ginny Fuchs, the captain of the United States Olympic boxing team, emphasizes the necessity of keeping her hair secure to maintain focus during a fight.
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Hairstyling in Grappling Sports:
- In grappling sports like jiu-jitsu, judo, and wrestling, specific hairstyles become essential due to the risk of opponents grabbing onto hair, despite it being illegal.
- Two-time world wrestling champion Helen Maroulis advocates for intricate braids to prevent hair-related issues during matches.
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Practical Considerations in Hairstyling:
- Hair getting stuck between the body and the mat or between competitors can hinder the execution of moves, presenting a worst-case scenario for wrestlers.
- The choice of a secure hairstyle, such as braids, becomes crucial to avoid these practical issues.
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Psychological and Superstitious Elements:
- For fighters, hairstyles go beyond practicality, symbolizing luck, strength, and a mental shift into "fight mode."
- Boxer and fitness trainer Holly Lawson and wrestler Helen Maroulis both attest to the psychological impact of their chosen hairstyles, signaling readiness for battle.
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Preparation and Rituals:
- Depending on the proximity of a fight, fighters may wear their braids overnight, and some prefer professional assistance in braiding before heading to the venue or weigh-ins.
- Lawson highlights the ritualistic aspect, where the process of getting the hair done becomes part of the mental preparation for battle.
In conclusion, the article illustrates the multifaceted role of hairstyles in combat sports, encompassing both practical considerations dictated by regulations and the profound psychological impact on fighters. The chosen hairstyle becomes a symbol of readiness, superstition, and a crucial element in the preparation for intense physical competitions.
