When cheerleaders are at the games, they’re supposed to look their absolute best. To ensure their most fabulous appearance, cheerleading handbooks state that cheerleaders’ hair must be worn in a glamorous style. However, their hair also can’t use clips or tie backs to achieve this style.
The Buffalo Bills’ cheerleading handbook goes on to cover every aspect of a cheerleader’s hair, including the types of curls they should sport. Apparently, ringlets are not considered a “glamorous” style.
They Can’t Touch-Up Their Makeup in Public
Part of the appeal of cheerleaders is their seemingly unattainable beauty, and it looks like the NFL knows it. Some NFL guidelines tell cheerleaders that they’re not supposed to touch-up their makeup, adjust their clothing, or fix anything about their physical appearance while they’re in public.
This rule revolves around the idea that cheerleaders are supposed to be perfect. If they have to fix something about their physical appearance in public, they’re admitting they’re not perfect. We wonder if the NFL knows that no one is truly perfect and mishaps sometimes happen.
They Can Only Post ‘Appropriate’ Photos Online
The NFL claims that cheerleaders are representing the team both on and off the field. That idea also lends itself to some pretty strict rules regarding their social media. Handbooks stipulate that cheerleaders are only allowed to post photos deemed “appropriate” by the NFL.
To make sure that all cheerleaders are following this rule, their social media is checked regularly. More than one cheerleader has lost her job for posting a photo the NFL didn’t like, though the actual guidelines are a bit vague and difficult to follow.
They Must Mimic the Appearance of a Celebrity
Sometimes a “glamorous” appearance just isn’t specific enough. Rather than outlining what cheerleaders can and can’t wear, some teams simply give the cheerleaders a picture of a celebrity and demand that they mimic that look.
Depending on what the celebrity looks like, the cheerleaders may have to undergo intense transformations to their appearance, including hair extensions and stage makeup. What’s more, they have to pay for all these physical alterations out of their own pocket.
Their Nails Must Be Professionally Maintained
NFL teams control a cheerleader’s appearance in all aspects, all the way down to their nails. Many teams require that the women’s nails be professionally maintained. Once again, cheerleaders must pay for this expense on their own.
Maintaining your nails at a professional salon isn’t cheap, especially if you’re going every few weeks to get them redone. Since fans can hardly see cheerleaders’ nails, this rule feels like an unnecessary financial burden on the women.