Ja Morant's signature dreadlocks have become as much a part of his explosive on-court identity as his high-flying dunks and fearless drives for the Memphis Grizzlies. Basketball fans and style enthusiasts frequently track how the All-Star guard's hair has evolved from a basic short afro and starter twists into long, versatile traditional locs. Whether he's pulling them back into a high-intensity game bun or letting them flow with vibrant color highlights, his hair reflects a modern blend of athletic functionality and personal expression.
Understanding the appeal of this iconic look requires looking closely at how his hair journey progressed, the specific texture and maintenance style behind the locs, and how fans can adapt similar grooming choices without damaging their hair.
The Evolution of Ja Morant Hair
When Ja Morant first entered the national spotlight during his college days at Murray State and his early NBA rookie campaign, his look was much simpler. He primarily sported a clean fade paired with a short afro or neat, defined short twists.
- The Afro and Fade Phase: Early in his basketball journey, short, low-maintenance cuts kept things practical while he built his reputation as an elite playmaker.
- Two-Strand Twists: As his rookie season progressed, he transitioned into two-strand twists. This acted as a protective style and laid the fundamental foundation for his hair to lock naturally over time.
- Maturing and Growing Locs: By his third and fourth seasons, those initial twists budded, plumping up into traditional dreadlocks that eventually reached shoulder length.
This gradual progression shows that his signature aesthetic wasn't achieved overnight. It required months of commitment, patience, and a willingness to let the hair texture mature naturally.
Defining Characteristics of the Style
Unlike strict, uniform salon dreads that remain rigid, Morant’s hair showcases a mix of traditional maintenance and semi-freeform movement. This gives his locs a bouncy, dynamic feel when he runs the floor.
Several distinct elements define his current look:
- Traditional Loc Structure: The locs are formed from individual sections that have fully matured, giving them thickness and strength.
- Color Accents: Morant has frequently experimented with bleached, blonde, or colorful tips on his front locs. This adds a sharp contrast against his natural dark hair color.
- Game-Day Versatility: During games, he often secures his locs in a bun or ponytail. This keeps sweat and loose strands out of his eyes while he attacks the paint, transitioning effortlessly to a free-flowing look off the court.
For more context on athlete culture and style evolution, you can explore updates from the NBA Official Site.
How to Build and Maintain a Similar Look
If you want to replicate this hairstyle, you can't rush the biological locking process. Hair texture plays a major role; coily and curly hair types naturally form locs much faster than straight hair.
- Start with the Right Foundation: Begin with two-strand twists or comb coils once your natural hair reaches a few inches of length.
- Commit to the Budding Phase: During the first several months, expect some frizz and puffiness as the hair fibers begin to tangle and interlock internally. Avoid over-washing or heavy manipulation during this stage.
- Establish a Maintenance Schedule: Decide whether you want a neat, retwisted look every four to six weeks or a semi-freeform look that allows more natural texture. Regular cleansing with residue-free clarifying shampoo keeps the scalp healthy.
- Incorporate Styling Options: Once your locs have length, you can tie them up or experiment with temporary tints on the ends just like the Grizzlies star.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people trying to grow locs make critical errors that stunt their hair growth or damage their scalp.
- Over-Retwisting: Twisting your locs too frequently or too tightly puts excessive tension on the roots, which can lead to traction alopecia and thinning edges.
- Using Heavy Waxes: Heavy commercial styling waxes build up inside the core of the locs, trapping dirt and moisture and making them difficult to clean thoroughly. Stick to lightweight, water-soluble gels or natural oils.
- Neglecting Scalp Hydration: Just because you have locs doesn't mean your scalp doesn't need care. Keep it moisturized with light oils like jojoba or argan oil to prevent dryness and flaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of hair does Ja Morant have?
His hair type falls into the coily, textured category (typically 4B/4C), which provides the natural density and structure needed to form thick, resilient traditional locs without excessive artificial intervention.
How long did it take for his dreads to grow?
His hair journey spans several years. He transitioned from short twists early in his career to fully mature, shoulder-length locs over multiple seasons of consistent growth.
Why does he tie his hair up during games?
Tying his locs into a high ponytail or bun is a practical choice for professional athletes. It keeps heavy hair out of his face, reduces distractions, and manages sweat during high-intensity minutes on the court.
Can anyone get this exact hairstyle?
While anyone with textured hair can grow traditional locs, the exact look depends on your individual hair growth rate, density, and natural curl pattern. Consulting a professional loctician can help tailor the starter method to your specific hair type.
