Ever since the Dallas Wings selected Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the rookie sensation has been making headlines both on and off the court.
But among all the buzz, one of the most noticeable changes isn’t in her gameplay. It’s her hair.
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Fans who followed Bueckers during her time at UConn were familiar with her signature look: a two-braided ponytail. That iconic style became part of her identity. Now, she’s sporting a new look, the slicked-back ponytail or bun, and it’s signaling the start of a new chapter.
“Had to give my scalp a break from the braids,” Bueckers said, candidly addressing the switch. She also admitted hairstyling isn’t exactly in her wheelhouse, “So it was either like slick back pony—slick back bun.”
With WNBA legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, both known for their own sleek hairstyles, now retired, Bueckers finds herself stepping into a new role, both stylistically and symbolically.
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“They sort of passed the torch,” Bueckers said, referring to Bird and Taurasi. She even shared a playful moment with Bird, asking her what product she uses for the slicked-back look. “Maybe she’s gatekeeping, but she said she just waters it down,” Bueckers joked.
Despite the buzz around her hair transformation, Bueckers isn’t locking herself into one style just yet. The rookie star says she’s keeping her options open, so fans might see even more changes soon.