He actually did it. For years, the sight of a massive, 247-pound human being barreling through a defensive line was punctuated by one specific detail: a thick, rope-like braid swinging wildly behind a purple or navy helmet.
Derrick Henry’s hair wasn't just hair. It was a brand. It was a secondary mascot. But during the Baltimore Ravens' 2024 bye week in December, the unthinkable happened.
The "King" chopped it off.
Honestly, if you grew up watching Henry dismantle high school defenses at Yulee or trampling through the SEC at Alabama, you probably assumed those locs were permanent. They had been with him since at least 2013. Seeing him without that signature "fishtail" braid sticking out of his helmet is, frankly, jarring. It’s like seeing a skyscraper without its spire.
The Big Reveal: Why Did Derrick Henry Cut His Hair?
It wasn't a secret for long. In early December 2024, celebrity hair stylist TimaaSlayz posted a video to Instagram that sent NFL Twitter into a total tailspin. In the clip, Henry is seen holding a massive clump of his own severed dreadlocks. He’s smiling, looking a bit lighter, and rocking a fresh set of tight cornrows instead.
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"I just wanted to change something," Henry told reporters shortly after the bye week. "I've been wanting to do it, and I finally did it."
Basically, it was a "new team, new look" vibe. After eight legendary seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Henry moved to Baltimore and looked completely rejuvenated. He was already leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns before the haircut. Sometimes, when a guy is 30 years old and playing the best football of his life, he just wants to shed the old skin—or in this case, the old hair.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Haircut
There is a common misconception that he went for a buzz cut or a "normal" short style. That is not the case. While he did cut off a significant amount of the length and weight of his traditional locs, he transitioned into a cornrow style that is much closer to his scalp.
You’ve probably seen the "stiff braid" look he sported for a decade. That look was actually several locs wrapped together into one singular, rigid unit. It looked heavy. It looked like it could be used as a weapon (and probably was).
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By switching to cornrows, Henry mentioned that he feels "lighter." Think about it. When you’re sprinting at 21 miles per hour, every ounce counts. If you've ever had long braids or locs, you know that the weight is real, especially when you add a heavy NFL helmet and sweat into the mix.
The Fan Reaction (It Was... Mixed)
Fans are a weird bunch. Some people on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were genuinely upset, claiming Henry had "lost his aura." There’s this superstitious belief in sports—the Samson effect—where people think a player’s strength is tied to their hair.
- The "Pro-Cut" Crowd: Praised the clean look and suggested it would make him even faster.
- The "Nostalgia" Crowd: Missed the iconic silhouette of the braid trailing him during a 70-yard touchdown run.
- The Meme Makers: Comparison photos of his new style to "GTA 5 hairstyles" started circulating almost immediately.
The Maintenance of a Legend
Let’s be real: maintaining that level of hair for 10+ years is an Olympic sport in itself. Henry’s previous look required intense tension to keep it wrapped so tightly. Over time, that kind of weight and pulling can lead to thinning or scalp issues, which is something many long-term loc wearers face.
Moving to a more manageable style in Baltimore wasn't just a fashion choice; it was likely a practical move for his scalp health. He’s a millionaire, so he has access to the best stylists in the world, but even the best stylist can't fight gravity forever.
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Does the Haircut Affect His Performance?
The short answer? Not at all.
Since the "big chop," Henry has continued to be the same bruising, unstoppable force that terrorizes linebackers. If anything, the "aerodynamic" jokes might have a grain of truth. Without that heavy braid bouncing against his back, his head movement is arguably more fluid.
He didn't lose his "aura." He just updated the aesthetic for the Baltimore chapter of his Hall of Fame career.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Watchers
If you're still looking for that signature braid on Sundays, you’re going to be looking for a while. Here is what to expect moving forward:
- Check the Helmet: Look for the flat, sleek back of the helmet. You’ll see the cornrows peeking out near the neck, but the "tail" is gone.
- Follow the Stylists: If you want to see the next evolution of his look, keep an eye on stylists like TimaaSlayz. Henry seems to be more open to experimenting with his style now that the decade-long era of the locs is over.
- Ignore the "Superstition": Don't drop him in fantasy football just because he changed his hair. The power is in the legs, not the locs.
The King is still the King. He just has a little less weight to carry on his shoulders now. If you're looking to replicate the look, just remember that the transition from long locs to cornrows usually requires a significant "big chop," so make sure you're ready for the commitment before you head to the barber.