Perth dancer explains why she’s the first Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader to wear a ponytail after copping wild backlash for ‘Aussie Coded’ look
Faith Ward, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, has addressed criticism concerning her hairstyle following an aspect that sparked online controversy.
Originating from New Zealand but raised in Western Australia, the 22-year-old is now the inaugural Kiwis to join the team.
On Sunday, Faith posted on social media, beaming as she displayed her new DCC uniform while sporting a sleek high ponytail with her hair neatly tied back in a blonde style.
Amidst numerous messages of support and camaraderie, Faith’s unique hairstyle sparked a significant reaction among her team’s supporters.
‘Kudos! However, I’m curious as to why you prefer keeping your hair in a ponytail rather than letting it loose like most others?’ This user questioned on social media.
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‘Is no one inquiring about the ponytail moment?!?!?’ a second fan commented.
‘It looks weird that she’s the only one with a ponytail,’ another said.
As a curious fan, I can’t help but wonder about the story behind that stunning ponytail.
Is it known if any exceptions were granted regarding her hairstyle, as DCC has very stringent hair policies? This was noted by someone else.
One supporter even remarked that Faith’s slick-back hair was ‘so Aussie coded.’
Faith is among six newcomers chosen for the NFL’s cheerleading squad, which consists of 36 members, to perform during the forthcoming football season.
She appears as the main character in the second season of Netflix’s popular reality TV show “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” which premiered on June 20 following a successful initial airing that captivated many viewers.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as: During Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders training camp, rookies might experience transformative adjustments in their appearance, encompassing hairstyles, makeup, and occasionally dental work. These modifications aim to help them embody the distinctive ‘DCC’ aesthetic.

Revising the appearance is essential for evaluating a candidate’s potential and making sure they adhere to the stringent style guidelines upheld by our team.
2016 saw DCC director Kelli Finglass inform People that all cheerleaders keep their hair loose, even during practice sessions.
She stated that the girls should make themselves as stylishly elegant as possible. Furthermore, she emphasized that a DCC hairstyle should not only look good, but also move gracefully during dance performances.
Confirmed on Monday during her interview with ABC Perth, Faith was the first DCC to sport an up-do hairstyle in the interview.
She mentioned that it’s surprising because the popular DCC hairstyle is no longer in fashion, characterized by its fluffiness, volume, luxuriousness, and length. However, she has chosen to defy this stereotype.
Instead, Kelli proposed that Faith tie her hair up during the practice session for the song Thunderstruck by renowned Australian rock band AC/DC.
She shared that on one of the days, I was in rehearsal while my hair was loose, and afterward, I was sweating from performing “Thunderstruck”.
She’s gazing at me and seems to suggest, “You know, I’m curious about how you’d look with your hair tied up.

Faith did as she was told and the departure from team regulation made her a standout.
In an attempt to maintain her approval, I visit uniform fittings while keeping my hair styled neatly. Upon entering, she exclaims, “You resemble Ariana Grande! We could really use an Ariana Grande-like moment for our team,” she noted.
‘I said, are you serious right now, Kelli? This is so exciting!’
The well-known director, known for his stringent rules, advised the new Australian cast member: “Indeed, make your ponytail longer, lighter in color, and on a day designated as a cameo, please appear without it.
Faith has chosen not to comment on the online conjecture as she’s still waiting for Kelli’s final decision regarding her appearance.
‘But right now, it’s looking very hopeful that I will be a DCC with a ponytail,’ she enthused.
In her Instagram post, Faith said making the team was, ‘The best day of my life.’
She penned that this trip, though extremely demanding on her body and mind, was something she wouldn’t alter in the slightest.
‘I’ve been pushed in ways I never imagined, I’ve learned and grown so much already.’
At the age of 18, Faith embarked on a professional dance career aboard cruise ships. However, her performances are about to be witnessed by significantly larger audiences, with at least 90,000 spectators anticipated at Dallas Cowboys games.
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2025-07-24 04:06