From rookie sensation to iconic trendsetter, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Faith Ward has transformed a debated hairstyle into her signature look, gaining official approval and sparking a new era of individuality within the squad, alongside a surprising partnership with Wingstop.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are synonymous with iconic blue-and-white uniforms, dazzling smiles, and, perhaps most notably, a cascade of voluminous, bouncy curls. This long-standing tradition has defined the squad’s look for decades, but a new rookie has emerged, challenging the norm and carving out her own distinctive style. Faith Ward, a history-making cheerleader as the first New Zealander to join the team, quickly captured attention not only for her performance but for her slicked-back ponytail—a stark contrast to the expected ‘do.
Breaking Tradition: The Story Behind the Signature Ponytail
When Faith Ward debuted her unique ponytail during training camp, fans immediately noticed the deviation from the squad’s signature look. Social media, particularly TikTok, buzzed with questions about why Ward was “allowed” to break tradition. Ward herself acknowledged the “controversy,” stating, “It’s crazy because obviously the DCC hairstyle is out, fluffy, voluminous, luscious, long locks. I’ve broken that stereotype.”
The origin of her signature style traces back to a pivotal moment during rehearsals. Ward recalled to Yahoo Entertainment that Kelli Finglass, the director of the DCC, observed her during an intense “Thunderstruck” routine. “So, I’m in rehearsal one of the days with my hair out and I am, you know, sweating after doing ‘thunderstruck’,” Ward explained. Finglass then suggested, “You know what? I really want to see what your hair would look like tied up.”
After Ward put her hair up, Finglass was impressed, noting how well her hair “danced” with the updo. This positive feedback was a relief for Ward, who admitted she didn’t want “her hair out, sweaty in her face [while] dancing.” The moment of truth came during uniform fittings when Ward kept her hair up, hoping for continued approval. Finglass’s reaction was memorable: “You’re giving Ariana Grande! Like, we need an Ariana Grande moment on the team,” she exclaimed, solidifying the idea of Ward’s unique ponytail.
More Than Just a Hairstyle: Performance and Individuality
What began as a practical suggestion quickly evolved into Faith Ward’s signature look. While initially told there might be a “cameo day” where her hair would need to be down, the ponytail ultimately received full, permanent approval from leadership. Ward expressed her gratitude, telling AOL.com, “I got so excited. I was like, ‘Yes, this is like a moment for difference, a moment for me to express myself.'”
Maintaining the voluminous, sky-high ponytail for game day is no small feat. Ward jokingly revealed the extensive process: “We’ve finally nailed it with a million and one hair ties, bobby pins, hair spray [and] hair gel.” The effort is worth it for the look, though she admits, “I’m not gonna lie, at the end of a game day, you have a bit of a headache.” Despite the hard work, Ward feels “very honored to be up there with some other very inspiring women who have had different hairstyles over the years as well,” recognizing her place in a lineage of evolving DCC styles.
A Wider Shift: Other Cheerleaders Embracing Unique Styles
Faith Ward isn’t the only DCC member to step away from the traditional curls. Veteran cheerleader Ava Lahey also sports a non-traditional hairstyle—straight hair. Lahey shared her own story, explaining that when she first tried curling her hair for training camp, “it never really held.” After just 20 minutes, her fine, soft hair would fall flat. During rookie makeovers, she was encouraged to try wearing it straight. The feedback was positive and practical: “It dances better.” This suggests a pragmatic approach by DCC leadership, prioritizing performance and comfort while allowing for individual hair types.
The increasing visibility of the squad, especially with the release of Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts” season 2, has brought more attention to these individual stories. The series offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous journey from auditions to game day, highlighting both the strict adherence to guidelines and the surprising moments of personal expression allowed within the iconic brand.
From Fan to Partner: Faith Ward’s Wingstop Collaboration
Beyond the field, Faith Ward’s individuality has also translated into exciting opportunities. Her love for chicken wings, particularly from Wingstop, inadvertently led to a partnership with the popular chain. Ward revealed that she “naturally filmed a review without it even being a collaboration,” which caught the attention of Wingstop’s PR team in Dallas. “I was like, ‘This is a pinch me moment,'” she shared about the dream collaboration.
Ward, who often uses Wingstop to “pre-carb load” before games due to the intense energy expenditure, has specific favorites. She gravitates towards the Hot Honey Rub or the Hickory Smoked Barbecue, always “drowned in ranch,” which she deems “chef’s kiss.” This partnership not only showcases her authentic personality but also highlights the modern cheerleader’s ability to connect with fans beyond the stadium.
The Impact of Authenticity
Faith Ward’s journey with her “controversial” ponytail underscores a broader message of authenticity and confidence. Despite initial chatter, she embraces her distinct style, reminding herself, “at the end of the day, I like wearing it, and I think it looks good.” Her “Ariana Grande” inspired game-day glam, featuring bold lashes, cheekbone shimmer, and a fierce lip, complements her updo, making her feel like she’s “got a serve face card.”
Her ability to maintain individuality within the highly regimented world of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders serves as an inspiration. Both Ward and Lahey demonstrate that while tradition is important, the squad is also evolving, making space for cheerleaders to express themselves in ways that are both authentic to them and beneficial for their performance. These changes reflect a nuanced understanding that individuality, when approved by leadership and enhancing performance, can enrich the iconic DCC brand.
