Savannah Guthrie defends hairstyle after viewer calls it 'distracting'

Today anchor is working from home amid coronavirus pandemic

Savannah Guthrie defends on-air hair style after criticism from viewer (Today)

Savannah Guthrie has defended herself from a viewer who criticised her on-air hairstyle.

On Tuesday, the Today show host responded to a comment on Twitter from a viewer who'd called her hair "unkempt and “distracting”.

“With what they pay you, can't you afford a hair stylist? I love the natural unkempt look but it's distracting on @NBCNews national news,” the woman wrote in a tweet directed at Guthrie.

In response, Guthrie, who has been working remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic, explained that the show’s anchors have been doing their own hair and makeup.

“We are all doing our own hair and makeup during the pandemic. And yes it shows!” Guthrie wrote.

The news anchor’s response was met with support on Twitter, where other viewers praised Guthrie for her continued professionalism while working from home.

“Savannah, you are beautiful and always look fabulous...and more importantly, you’re a powerful woman doing a phenomenal job every day,” WNBC anchor Darlene Rodriguez wrote.

Another person said: “I think you all look great and more importantly, you are continuing to serve the public under what has to be exceptionally difficult circumstances. Thank you!”

Guthrie’s response prompted the woman who originally criticised the anchor’s hairstyle to apologise.

“I didn't mean to be mean. I worked in television for 32 years,” she wrote. “I was just surprised that the makeup artists would let the hair slide on national TV for two days. You do look great. It's the hair that needs a little love. We love you in Puerto Rico!”

In another tweet, the woman added: "Alright! You win @SavannahGuthrie. I'm sorry I criticised your hair. I really thought it was part of our job to keep up appearances, especially on the evening news. Times, they are a-changing. From now on I will not write about what I think. Lesson learned."

The NBC host has been open about the struggles of keeping up with TV appearances while social distancing at home.

Earlier this month, the 48-year-old shared an Instagram photo of a multi-coloured manicure she’d given herself, writing: “Tryin’ to nail the home manicure.”