Coco Gauff knows exactly how much power comes with being seen. She continues to use her massive platform to stand up for representation, one look at a time.

For Gauff, changing up her hair is about a lot more than just looking good on court or showing off her love for fashion. It is about making sure young Black girls watching her on television see themselves represented in a sport that has historically been very conservative.

"I’ve said this before, I pride myself in showcasing different black hair on tour," Gauff shared during a press conference. "Just so almost every girl can feel represented. The Williams sisters did that for me, so I try to do that for someone else."

This latest transformation comes just weeks after Gauff had to defend her choice to showcase her authentic texture off the court. In April, the 22-year-old athlete starred in a promotional campaign for high-fashion brand Miu Miu, posing in her parents' backyard with the brand's new Vivant bag. While the shoot was meant to show the bag in an everyday setting, it drew negative comments from social media critics who targeted Gauff for wearing minimal makeup and leaving her hair in its natural state.

Gauff did not let the critics slide. She quickly shut down the critics by explaining the creative direction of the shoot and reinforcing the beauty of un-styled Black hair.

"I did my everyday hair and makeup because that was personally the point," Gauff said, noting that she avoids sleek, slicked-back styles to protect her hair from damage. "My 4C hair is good enough for a high-fashion brand like Miu Miu to promote one of their newest launches. So if my hair is good enough for that, then yours is good enough to do whatever you need it to do."

Whether she is embracing her natural 4C texture for a luxury fashion brand or experimenting with protective styles on the court, Gauff has embraced the versatility of Black hair throughout her career. Fans have seen her rock everything from blonde and brown to bright red braids during tournaments.

That passion for representation and activism started early for Gauff. When she was only 16 years old, she stood before a crowd in her hometown of Delray Beach, Florida, during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest and delivered a powerful speech about using your voice. She has always been open about fighting for a better future for her brothers and future children, wanting to make sure they do not have to face the same injustices her grandmother fought against more than 50 years ago.