Ja Morant doesn't just play fast. He looks the part. If you’ve watched a single Memphis Grizzlies game over the last few seasons, you’ve seen it: that explosive first step, the gravity-defying dunks, and the unmistakable silhouette of his locs flying behind him. But lately, the conversation has shifted. It’s not just about the length anymore. People are obsessed with the ja morant hair up look—the practical, high-tension styles he uses to keep those long locs out of his eyes while he’s dismantling defenses.
Honestly, it’s a vibe.
Most NBA players with long hair eventually hit a crossroads. You either trim it to stay aerodynamic, or you figure out how to tie it back without losing your "swag." Ja chose the latter. He’s turned the "hair up" look into a tactical advantage. When you're hitting a contested floater in the lane, the last thing you need is a stray loc hitting you in the eye.
The Evolution: From Two-Strand Twists to Signature Locs
Before we get into the specifics of the ja morant hair up style, we have to look at how he got here. Back in his Murray State days, Ja was rocking shorter, more controlled two-strand twists. It was clean. It was functional. But as his NBA career exploded, so did the hair.
Ja’s hair is technically "locs," specifically grown from those initial twists. Over the years, they’ve matured and lengthened significantly. Some fans on Reddit and TikTok debate if they're "freeform," but they’re actually quite maintained. He frequently gets retwists to keep the parts sharp, though he often lets the mid-lengths stay thick and textured. This combination gives him that "wild but intentional" look that’s become one of the most recognizable brands in the league.
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Why the Ja Morant Hair Up Style is Dominating the Court
There are three main ways Ja styles his hair when he's going for the "up" look. Each serves a different purpose, whether he's at a presser, in the gym, or flying through the air at the FedExForum.
1. The Classic Half-Up, Half-Down
This is arguably his most iconic look. He gathers the top half of his locs into a high ponytail or a loose bun, letting the back half hang free. It’s the best of both worlds. You get the length and the movement that looks great on highlights, but the hair is pulled away from the forehead. It’s a "best of both worlds" situation.
2. The High-Tension Bun
When business gets serious—usually in the fourth quarter or during high-intensity training—everything goes up. This is the "ja morant hair up" style in its purest form. He uses high-quality elastic bands to secure the bulk of his weight at the crown of his head. This prevents "hair-whip," which can actually be a distraction when you're rotating your head quickly to find an open shooter.
3. Tactical Barrel Twists
If you see Ja with his hair in thick, braided-looking rows that end in a bunch, those are barrel twists. This isn't just a style; it's a protective measure. Barrel twists keep the locs compressed and reduce frizz. It’s a common choice for him when he’s between fresh retwists or needs his hair to stay completely immobile for a few days.
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The Secret Sauce: Tapers and Maintenance
You can't talk about the hair without talking about the fade. Ja almost always sports a low taper fade. This is what makes the ja morant hair up look so sharp. By keeping the sideburns and the nape of the neck clean, the "up" style looks intentional and groomed rather than messy.
If you're trying to replicate this, you need a barber who understands "front tapers." This is the small area of hair at the forehead that is kept short and lined up, even while the rest of the hair is in locs. It frames the face. Without it, pulling your hair up can sometimes look a bit too "severe."
Maintenance Routine (The Reality Check)
Locs of this length aren't "low maintenance." They're "different maintenance."
- Moisture is king: High-level athletes sweat. A lot. This salt can dry out locs, making them brittle. Ja likely uses lightweight oils (like jojoba or peppermint) to keep the scalp healthy.
- The Weight Factor: Heavy hair can cause tension headaches. When Ja wears his hair up, it has to be secure but not so tight that it pulls on the follicles.
- Detoxing: Long locs can trap lint and product. Regular "ACV rinses" (Apple Cider Vinegar) are standard for keeping hair of this caliber looking clean on camera.
Addressing the "Distraction" Myth
Some old-school scouts used to claim that long hair or "up" styles were a distraction. They said it added weight or messed with a player's shot mechanics. That's basically nonsense. If anything, the ja morant hair up evolution proves that a player’s identity and comfort are more important than some outdated "clean-cut" standard.
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When Ja pulls his hair up, it’s a signal. It’s like a pitcher adjusting his cap or a hitter tightening his gloves. It’s a pre-game ritual that says he’s ready to work.
How to Get the Look Yourself
If you’re growing out your hair and want to emulate the Ja Morant style, patience is your only friend. You can't rush locs.
- Start with Twists: Begin with small-to-medium two-strand twists.
- Sectioning Matters: Tell your loctician you want "skinny to medium" sections. Too thick, and you won't be able to do the intricate "up" styles Ja wears.
- Don't Over-Twist: Retwisting every week will thin your hair out. Ja's hair looks healthy because it has volume.
- Invest in "Grip" Ties: Standard hair ties will snap under the weight of thick locs. Look for "athleisure" grade hair bands that won't snag.
Practical Steps for Long-Term Loc Health
If you've reached the length where you can finally pull your hair up like Ja, keep these tips in mind to avoid damage:
- Avoid "Traction Alopecia": Don't pull the ponytail too tight. If your eyebrows are lifting, it’s too tight.
- Dry Completely: Never put your hair up while it's still damp. This leads to "loc mold" (yes, it's a real thing), where moisture gets trapped in the center of the loc.
- Silk or Satin: When you aren't on the court, use a silk scrunchie instead of a rubber band. It prevents the "pinched" look in the middle of your locs.
Ja Morant’s hair is part of his legend. Whether it's flying free during a fast break or tied up tight for a game-winning drive, it represents the new era of the NBA: authentic, stylish, and unapologetic.
Next Steps for Your Hair Journey
To maintain a healthy scalp while wearing high-tension styles, start by incorporating a weekly scalp massage with a light carrier oil to stimulate blood flow. If you are in the "starter" phase of your locs, avoid pulling them up for the first 3-6 months to ensure the roots set properly without unnecessary stress on the follicles. For those with established locs, switch to "hair sticks" or extra-large spiral ties to distribute weight more evenly than traditional elastics.