Little Mix member Jesy Nelson has been criticised after she shared a photograph of herself wearing her hair in dreadlocks.

The singer, 26, posted a snap of her sporting the hair style on Monday with the caption: “shootin”, and tagged herself at London’s Dorset City hotel.

She was accused of “cultural appropriation” by several commenters, although a large proportion of users offered their support.

Shootin’📸🎯 @dorsettcity

A post shared by @ jesynelson on

Instagram user LivTalley commented she was a huge fan but called the post “outrageously disappointing”, adding it was appropriation.

Angela_Patera commented: “Some people find this offensive, pls delete this.”

But SlothMarey wrote: “@You’re rocking the dreads. I wish I had the courage and could look as good as you do in them. You look amazing, don’t let anyone dictate how you wear your hair. People need to stop judging an allow others to live their life the way they want to without negativity.”

Blessbabe commented: “If we are practicing equality then we should be free to do what we like and that includes a hairstyle that is typically known to be worn in black culture.”

There was also support for Nelson on Twitter with @Freedomlynn123 posting: “Personally I think Jesy Nelson’s hair looks great. I hope she has the courage to keep it. No point missed, it’s fashion it’s just hair let it be. Why does everything have to be PC.”