Binibining Pilipinas 2022 contestant Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol drew flak on social media after she did a “fro” hairstyle for a photoshoot.

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A post shared by Herlene Nicole Budol (@herlene_budol)

Afros have cultural significance among the African-American community, bringing a renewed sense of identity during the ‘60s when they suffered from oppression. It has since become a movement.

In a Facebook post, Herlene shared a photo of herself wearing a black outfit while sporting a fro hairstyle.

“I love my Fro' - it's not just a hairstyle; it's a statement,” she wrote in the caption of her post.

But her post did not sit well with some netizens.

One netizen explained named Milbrae Khen left a comment in her photo, telling Herlene to reevaluate her choices.

“It's not just a hairstyle; it's a statement.’ Yeah, if you're black or a native-born with natural afros, which apparently either of that isn't the case. Miss ma'am needs to reevaluate her choices and deserves better handling from the management,” the netizen said.

READ: Herlene Budol on becoming a beauty pageant contestant: ‘Masaya na may halong kabado ang Hipon Girl nyo!’

One netizen named Ari Nola defended Herlene, saying: “OA mo! So ibig sabihin pag black, tapos nagpastraight hair which is natural ibang race esp Asians, bawal na din? Saka what's wrong with her caption? Afro naman talaga tawag dyan sa ganyang buhok.”

This prompted another netizen named James Marvin Tomes to explain why it’s important to understand why the use of afros as a hairstyle is not for everyone.

“Wala namang cultural significance yung straight hair eh. Unlike sa hair ng black people na nakakaranas ng oppression on daily basis,” James Marvin said.

READ: Herlene Budol idolizes Pia Wurtzbach: ‘Saludo po ako sa husay at galing mo!’

“As much as I love this look please take this down and learn what Cultural Appropriation means. Black people are constantly being culturally appropriated so don't add onto it na po please. Good luck Madam!” another netizen named Kulove Ampatuan Panalunsong commented.

See her photo below:

Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol is one of the contestants of Binibining Pilipinas this year.