Zozi Tunzi Criticized for Wearing a Weave: Fans React Strongly

When you think of Zozibini “Zozi” Tunzi, the former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, images of her stunning natural beauty and iconic short hair come to mind. Zozi has always been a beacon of empowerment, championing women and their individuality. So, it’s no surprise that when she recently made headlines for sporting a long, flowing weave as a guest judge at the Miss Universe Vietnam finale, the reactions were mixed—some loving her fresh look while others were not too thrilled.

For those who may have missed it, Zozi touched down in Vietnam and immediately turned heads not just for her grace and poise but also for her new hairstyle. During her stay, she expressed her excitement about being part of the event: “Everybody who knows me knows I am a champion of women, a huge fan of women who have a voice and like to introduce us to their countries and everything that they stand for.” That’s classic Zozi—supportive, uplifting, and always ready to celebrate strong women everywhere.

However, that celebration took a slight detour when fans began to voice their opinions on social media. While many were excited to see her at the international pageant, a wave of disapproval followed her decision to switch up her beloved natural locks for a sleek weave. Comments started pouring in, and not all of them were warm and fuzzy. One fan tweeted, “She is more beautiful with her original African hair,” echoing the thoughts of a segment of her fanbase.

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A post shared by Zozibini Tunzi (@zozitunzi)

Others chimed in, criticizing the look with comments like, “That hair doesn’t look nice” and “That hair is so not it! They did her dirty.” Ouch! It’s a stark reminder that, even in the world of glamour, changes in style can draw passionate reactions.

So, what do we make of all this? It seems that Zozi’s hair has become a symbol of her identity and the broader conversation about natural beauty within the African and global context. Many have admired her for embracing her natural curls, which carry cultural significance and reflect a growing movement towards self-acceptance and pride in African heritage.

At the end of the day, Zozi is an accomplished woman who has every right to experiment with her look. Hair can be a fun way to express oneself, but it’s also tied deeply to who we are. While it’s unfortunate that she faced backlash, perhaps this entire situation opens up a larger dialogue about beauty standards and the expectations placed on public figures—especially those with a platform like hers.

So, here’s to Zozi! A woman who continues to inspire, regardless of her hairstyle. Let’s celebrate her passion for empowering women and remember that beauty comes in so many forms—whether it’s natural curls or a glamorous weave. After all, it’s what’s inside that truly makes a queen shine.

Miss Universe Zozi is much prettier without the weave.

But South Africa is proud of her. https://t.co/D33nx7RlDl

— tsalach83 (@tsalach83) September 15, 2024