Simone Biles spent years assuming the flakes on her scalp were dandruff. “I was kind of in denial,” she says. “I’d done all of the research and [tried] all the home remedies and over-the-counter medicines.” The most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time was already dealing with atopic dermatitis (eczema), which caused occasional redness, itching, and flaking. Those flare-ups happened occasionally, and her long-sleeved competition leotards kept them mostly hidden.
“But on my head, it got really, really uncomfortable,” Biles says. By the Paris Olympics, the flakes had become visible. “Sometimes in training I could hide [it]. But in competition, I like to do my braids or a little part. That's when it became really visible.”
Despite leading Team USA to the top of the podium (and taking home gold in all-around and vault, and winning silver on floor) Biles knew headlines about her skin could become the main story. So she got ahead of it. On TikTok. “[I said,] ‘I need to go see a dermatologist, but if you guys see flakes, that's what it is,’” she says. “I know how close the camera gets and I know that people can be really, really judgmental. I wanted to out myself before somebody saw it on TV and that became a viral sensation.”
She made it to the dermatologist after the itching and redness became so intense that she scratched until she bled. There, Biles pulled out her phone. “I was like, ‘Hey, I've done a lot of research. Here are some pictures. Can you please look at my scalp?’” she says. Her derm knew exactly what was going on: seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that creates dry, itchy flakes, most commonly on someone’s scalp or face. It’s not contagious, and can be managed with prescription medication, which is how her provider treated her condition.
Now Biles has partnered with Zoryve on its Skin to Believe In awareness campaign to encourage people with chronic inflammatory skin conditions to talk to a healthcare provider about their symptoms.
We caught up with the GOAT on how she’s learning to advocate for herself, what a return to the gym could mean for LA 2028, and the Lamborghini purchase her dad detected in approximately five minutes.
It took you some time before you brought up your symptoms with a doctor. What helped you get there?
“My concern [was seeing someone who hadn’t] dealt with the same type of hair texture that I have or melanin skin. I was really nervous about that. But I went and it was super easy. It also helps to document. I had pictures that I could show because you can't necessarily control the flareups. My big thing was, ‘What if I go to her when I'm not having flare a up and then she can't see it and then I don't get the proper help or they don't believe me?’”
How did you learn to trust what your own body was telling you?
“It took a lot of maturing, and raising awareness about mental health and what I was going through. Seeing Naomi Osaka and Kevin Love speak up about their experiences [with anxiety] helped me realize I'm not the only one who has gone through these things or felt this way.
Now, it’s a global conversation. I hear so many kids talking about it, even at a young age. ‘I have to listen to my body. I don't feel comfortable. Can I take some time off of the summer away from soccer league and from this?’ I feel really proud that they know that they're allowed to do that and they don't have to push themselves. They can go see a mental health specialist or talk to their parents or coaches and say, ‘You know what? I think I just want to be a kid. I don't want to compete this season. I'm going to go play with my friends just recreationally.’”
What do you want the next generation of athletes to have that yours didn’t?
“Trust your body, trust your mind, and be confident in your decisions when something feels off. I think younger athletes are a lot more in tune with their bodies and they're really good about talking to people [about that]. That's what I wish I had.”
Jordan Chiles recently announced she wanted to compete in the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Have you made any decisions?
“Not yet. [Ed note: Jordan Chiles announced her 2028 Olympics bid in September.] I was playing around in the gym and it surprised me that it wasn't as hard as I [thought] it was going to be. I haven't flipped since the Olympics tour.
I went home and my dad was like, ‘I saw that video and all of it was so flat and so low.’ And I was like, ‘Thanks, Dad. I haven't been on a trampoline in two years, but you have to start somewhere.’ It felt freeing to be back in the gym and unafraid to flip and twist because that was always my safe space.
So no decisions yet, but I think the time is coming where I am finally leaning towards one. There are a lot of sacrifices [that go into the] decision [as well].”
What’s a compliment that means more to you than being called the GOAT?
“When I'm out and about and people recognize the advocacy work that I've done for foster children or for survivors or for ADHD, that's really exciting. I talk about so much more than gymnastics, so that means a lot when I’m recognized for that.”
What have you gotten better at saying no to?
“I'm at a point in life where I can comfortably tell my agent, ‘No, I feel comfortable skipping this. I need some rest with my husband [Ed note: Biles is married to Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens.] or I need my girls' vacation.’ Or I can say, ‘Yes, I really feel comfortable doing this, but could I not do this [part]?’ It's really about balance. I feel like I'm in a really great position to comfortably say no to things.”
What’s something you want to learn how to do?
“I've never mastered or even tried [cooking on] the grill yet, so I'm excited to try that. It will be new territory for me.”
What’s an unglamorous self-care habit you love?
“I really love a lymphatic [massage]. I also love foot massages at foot spas. Not a lot of places have it, but it’s a big thing in Texas. First they put your feet in water and then they massage you. You can fall asleep.”
What’s one skill your husband has that you wish you could steal?
“He’s kind of good at everything. He prides himself on that. But if he doesn't know how to do something, he'll look up a YouTube video and can figure it out, which really amazes me. We recently got an electric golf cart that goes to sleep if you don't use it for a while. He figured out how to wake up a sleeping golf cart. I'm the type of person, if there's too many instructions, or it looks too difficult, I'm like, ‘Oh, let's hire someone.’ But he'll figure it out.”
Who’s more competitive, you or him?
“Jonathan, 100%. As long as we're having a good time, but laughing and [having] a blast, I could care less if I lose, but he's very competitive.”
Is there a money habit from before you were famous that you’ve held onto?
“I actually brought a book [with me]. It's [called] Financial Literacy for Dummies. I'm going to crack that open today because I want to learn a little bit more.
Maybe it stems from my foster care childhood, but I’ve always had a fear of being broke or poor. I feel like I'm really good with my money, and my parents have always been really good as well. My dad oversees everything. So I would say, ‘If you can't buy it two or three times, probably don't purchase it.’ I'm always consulting my parents about my purchases.”
Have they had any thoughts about your recent purchases?
“Well, I just bought a Lamborghini Urus. I did kind of hide that one from my dad.
Me and [Jonathan left] the dealership and literally five minutes [later], my dad's like, ‘What's this purchase on your card from Lamborghini?’ It was like $5,000-something for a down payment. Jonathan [was] like, ‘Dang, he's on it.’ And I was like, ‘I told you he sees everything.’
I was trying to be really sneaky about it because I had already called him earlier that day and I was like, ‘Dad, do you have the title for the Porsche?’ He said, ‘Of course I do.’ So I think he probably figured it out. But when I [asked him to send me a picture of the title] on the phone, Jonathan was like, ‘Good. It didn't sound suspicious.’ I asked him about my insurance too, because he keeps the files for everything. I think he had an inkling once he saw the hold.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.