Honestly, if you follow the WTA tour, you’re used to seeing Jasmine Paolini one specific way. She is usually a blur of neon fabric and grit, her hair pulled back into that practical, high-tension ponytail that survives three-set marathons in the humidity of Rome or the wind of New York. It is the hairstyle of a woman who just won Olympic gold and back-to-back Billie Jean King Cups. It’s functional. It’s iconic.
But then, the Jasmine Paolini hair down moments happen, and the internet basically loses its collective mind.
It’s a weird phenomenon. We spend hundreds of hours watching these athletes at their most physically stressed—sweaty, focused, hair tucked away. So when a player like Paolini shows up to a gala or a magazine shoot with her natural curls grazing her shoulders, it’s like seeing a completely different person. It’s not just about "glamour," though. For fans of the Italian star, seeing her with her hair down feels like a glimpse into the person behind the stats.
The Vanity Fair Italia Shift
In May 2025, fresh off her historic victory at the Italian Open, Paolini landed the cover of Vanity Fair Italia. If you haven't seen the shots by Ilaria Magliocchetti Lombi, you're missing out. While the cover itself leaned into a "casual chic" vibe with a ponytail and a leather jacket, the internal spread was a different story.
Seeing Jasmine Paolini hair down in high-fashion photography highlights something her tennis visor usually hides: her heritage. Jasmine is famously proud of her multicultural roots—her mother is of Ghanaian and Polish descent, and her father is Italian. That mix gives her hair a beautiful, tight curl pattern that usually gets compressed under a headband.
When she lets it breathe? It’s a statement.
📖 Related: How to watch vikings game online free without the usual headache
On social media, particularly on r/tennis, the reaction to these rare looks is always a mix of "wait, is that her?" and "she needs to do this more often." There’s a specific kind of cognitive dissonance that happens when you've watched her slide across clay for two hours, only to see her three hours later at a WTA Style Suite looking like a Milanese runway model.
Why the "Hair Down" Look Matters to Fans
Let’s be real. Tennis is a sport of personality now more than ever. We love the "pocket rocket" energy Jasmine brings to the court—standing at 5'4", she’s often the underdog physically but the giant mentally. Her hair-down appearances at events like the 2024 and 2025 WTA Finals in Riyadh and Ningbo act as a visual shorthand for her transition from a "top 50 grinder" to a global superstar.
Think about the 2024 WTA Style Suite in Riyadh.
Photographers caught her getting her hair and makeup done, and the transformation was wild. When she’s on court, she looks like a warrior. When that hair is down, she looks like the woman who speaks three languages (Italian, English, and Polish) and idolizes Roger Federer. It adds layers.
The Contrast of the "Mask"
Interestingly, one of the most famous photos of her isn't a "hair down" shot at all. It’s the viral Ray Giubilo photo from the 2025 US Open, where her face is perfectly framed by her racket strings like a mask. People called it the "photo of the year."
👉 See also: Liechtenstein National Football Team: Why Their Struggles are Different Than You Think
That photo represents the "on-court" Jasmine: contained, technical, and slightly obscured by the tools of her trade. The hair-down looks are the opposite. They are unmasked. They are "Jasmine from Bagni di Lucca" rather than "Paolini the World No. 4."
The Science of the On-Court Ponytail
You might wonder why she never plays with her hair down. It’s not just style; it’s physics. Paolini’s game is built on movement. She’s one of the fastest players on tour, often hitting heart rates of 170 bpm during intense rallies (shoutout to her Amazfit data for proving that).
- Aerodynamics: Loose hair creates drag. Small, but real.
- Vision: A stray curl in the eye during a 110-mph serve from Aryna Sabalenka is a disaster.
- Heat Management: When your heart is hammering at 150 bpm in the Rome heat, you need your neck clear.
Basically, the ponytail is her "battle mode." The hair-down look is her "victory lap."
How to Get the Look (The "Paolini Glow")
If you’re looking to replicate the Jasmine Paolini hair down vibe, you’re basically looking for "healthy, natural volume."
- Embrace the Texture: Don't fight the curls. Jasmine’s look works because it isn't over-straightened. It looks authentic to her Ghanaian-Polish-Italian roots.
- Hydration is Key: Tennis players deal with massive amounts of salt and sun damage. If you’re active like her, use a deep conditioner to keep that shine.
- The "Off-Duty" Vibe: Pair the loose hair with something structured, like the black leather jacket she wore for Vanity Fair. It balances the softness of the curls with a bit of edge.
It’s honestly refreshing to see an athlete who doesn't feel the need to look "perfect" every second. Whether she’s struggling with a champagne bottle cork after winning Rome (which was hilarious, by the way) or walking a red carpet, Jasmine feels real.
✨ Don't miss: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
What to Watch for Next
As we move through the 2026 season, expect to see more of these style pivots. With her ranking sitting comfortably in the top tier and her doubles partnership with Sara Errani remaining legendary, she’s going to be at every major gala and awards ceremony.
Keep an eye on the pre-tournament galas for the upcoming "Sunshine Double" in Indian Wells and Miami. Those are the prime spots where the Jasmine Paolini hair down look makes its comeback. It’s a fun reminder that these athletes contain multitudes. They are more than just a win-loss record or a set of stats.
Next time you see her on TV, check the headband. If it’s on, she’s there to work. If it’s off and the curls are out? She’s likely celebrating another trophy.
Actionable Insights for Fans & Style Watchers:
- Follow the Photographers: If you want the best "off-court" shots, follow Ray Giubilo or Ilaria Magliocchetti Lombi on social media. They capture the transition better than anyone.
- Check the Style Suites: The WTA often posts "behind the scenes" at the Style Suites during the 1000-level tournaments. This is where the hair-down transformations happen.
- Support the Natural Look: Jasmine is a great example of embracing natural hair texture in a high-pressure, high-visibility world. It's a vibe worth celebrating.