Simone Biles has officially called it quits on red carpet glamour — at least until someone finds her a more affordable stylist. The gymnastics superstar took to TikTok to vent about a jaw-dropping $22,000 bill for hair, makeup, and styling services she used for a recent event. And she’s not happy about it.
“My grand total, any guesses? I’ll wait. Probably higher than what you’re thinking. Keep going,” Biles said in the video, before dropping the six-figure bomb. “I just need to know if this is normal.”
Her frustration was palpable as she declared, “If that’s the new norm, y’all can have it. Y’all will never see me at another event. I see a lot of y’all at events and there’s no way you guys are paying these prices each and every time because some of y’all be outside for real. But there’s just no way.”
Biles, who has long been an advocate for mental health and authenticity, made it clear she’s not willing to shell out that kind of cash just to walk a red carpet. “I just need to know if this is normal. That’s really it. Because if it is, I’m staying inside.”
The 11-time Olympic medalist is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’s drawing a line when it comes to the cost of looking camera-ready. Fellow Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin chimed in, confirming she’s faced similar sticker shock. But not everyone is sympathetic. Social media users offered a range of suggestions, from DIY tutorials to asking a friend for help.
“We (average women) have been complaining about the rising costs for hair, makeup, nails for years now. Now that rich people have entered the conversation, it is confirmed our concerns are valid,” one X user wrote. Another added, “She can have a friend do her hair and makeup and it will look just as nice. She is beautiful.”
Others were more blunt: “All she had to do was watch a TikTok video and do that makeup herself.” And, “No one is forcing her or anyone else to do all this. She could rent a dress & do her own hair & makeup.”
While Biles might be stepping back from red carpets for now, don’t count her out permanently. There are plenty of ways to cut costs — and she’s got a whole fanbase ready to help. For now, though, she’s perfectly happy staying home.
