One of the benefits of having so many female contestants outwit, outplay, and outlast their male tribemates on Survivor 47? Well, aside from showcasing some serious #GirlPower, there’s also the bonus of more people to braid hair (naturally!).
As the show heads into its two-part finale, airing tonight, December 18, on CBS, the competition is fierce. The finalists—Rachel LaMont, Sam Phalen, Sue Smey, and Teeny Chirichillo—are all vying for the title of “Sole Survivor” and the million-dollar prize. To win, a player typically needs to excel in social, strategic, and physical gameplay. Fortunately for Rachel, her game has been impressively balanced across all these aspects.
Rachel’s ability to play a strong strategic and physical game has been well-documented, but it’s her exceptional social skills that have really set her apart. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rachel was asked about her favorite non-game-related interaction during the first 24 days of the competition. Her response revealed just how much her social game helped her get to the finale—and it all revolved around hair braiding.
Rachel reminisced about her time in the Gata tribe, where mornings would begin with her and Anika Dhar braiding each other’s hair along with fellow tribemates, including Sierra Wright. They’d relax together, enjoying the sunrises and having heartfelt conversations. It wasn’t just about the game—it was about connecting with others in a small, comforting way.
Even after the merge, Rachel continued this bonding ritual with other women in her tribe, including Tiyana Hallums, Caroline Vidmar, and Genevieve Mushaluk. Braiding hair became their way of escaping the pressures of the game, offering each other moments of care and connection, even when they were physically and mentally drained. Rachel found that these small acts of kindness provided much-needed emotional support in a tough environment.
Ironically, some of Rachel’s most meaningful moments involved her feuds with Genevieve, another frontrunner for the game. Despite competing against each other at challenges, they would return to camp and braid each other’s hair, a poetic symbol of the complicated but respectful relationship they had.
With several members of the “hair braiding squad” now sitting on the jury, including Sierra, Caroline, and Genevieve, it’s possible that these moments of connection could influence their votes when it comes time to crown the “Sole Survivor.”
The two-part finale promises a thrilling conclusion, so make sure to catch it tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, or stream it on Paramount Plus the following day. It’s sure to be a dramatic and emotional end to what has been an unforgettable season.