JuJu Watkins With Hair Down: The Mystery of the Missing Bun
If you’ve watched a single USC Trojans game over the last two years, you know the drill. JuJu Watkins steps onto the floor, and the first thing you see—besides that smooth-as-silk jumper—is the bun. It’s perfectly spherical. It’s high on her head. It’s essentially a part of her uniform.
But lately, the internet has been losing its collective mind over something else. JuJu Watkins with hair down.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a shock to the system. USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has even admitted to doing a double-take during practices when JuJu shows up without her signature look. It’s like seeing a superhero without their cape. Or a turtle without its shell. Basically, it’s rare.
When JuJu posted a "Get Ready With Me" video on Instagram recently, showing off her natural length and a glam look for a NYX Cosmetics partnership, the comments went nuclear. Fans weren't just surprised; they were obsessed. Why does a simple hairstyle change feel like breaking news? Because for JuJu, that bun isn't just hair. It's her armor.
The Superstition Behind the Bun
Let’s get one thing straight: JuJu is incredibly superstitious about her hair. She’s gone on record saying that her hair is her "number one thing" when it comes to her appearance. She lives by the "look good, play good" philosophy.
"I notice when my bun gets knocked out, I literally cannot play," she told GQ Sports. She even called it her "kryptonite." Think about that. A defender can’t stop her—she averaged nearly 24 points a game last season—but a loose hair tie might actually do the trick.
👉 See also: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
- The Ritual: Her mother, Sari Watkins, is the only person she trusts to style it before games. It’s a 90-minute process.
- The Rescue: During a high-stakes rivalry game against UCLA, the bun actually started coming apart. Her mom literally rushed courtside to fix it in 20 seconds.
- The Teammate Rule: Her teammates are reportedly terrified of accidentally hitting the bun during post-game celebrations. They’ve seen her dodge water bottle showers like she’s in The Matrix just to keep the hair dry.
So, when we see JuJu Watkins with hair down, we aren't just seeing a fashion choice. We're seeing JuJu Watkins "off the clock." It’s a glimpse of the 19-year-old student and style icon, rather than the Naismith Trophy-winning machine that haunts the Big Ten.
The Impact of the 2025 Injury on Her Style
It’s been a tough year for the Trojan family. In March 2025, the world watched in silence as JuJu went down with a torn ACL during the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Mississippi State.
She’s currently sitting out the 2025-26 season to recover.
This injury changed everything. On the court, USC is feeling the void. Off the court, JuJu has shifted her focus toward branding and recovery. Since she isn't suiting up for games right now, she doesn't need the "armor" every day. This is why we've seen so much more of JuJu Watkins with hair down lately.
Recovery is a mental game as much as a physical one. By leaning into her partnerships with brands like Nike and NYX, she’s showing a different side of herself. She’s moving from "The Player" to "The Icon." Without the pressure of the 90-minute pre-game hair ritual, she’s experimenting with braids, loose curls, and glam looks that we never saw during her record-breaking freshman and sophomore years.
✨ Don't miss: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
A Brand Powerhouse
JuJu isn't just waiting for her knee to heal. She’s building an empire. Her NIL deals are some of the most lucrative in the history of the sport. We're talking:
- Nike: A massive multi-year extension.
- Gatorade: Joining the ranks of the world's elite athletes.
- NYX Professional Makeup: Where she frequently showcases those "hair down" looks that go viral.
Why Fans Are Obsessed With the Transformation
There’s a cultural element here that people often miss. In the world of Black hair, the "game-day bun" is a symbol of utility and focus. Seeing JuJu transition from that high-tension, functional style to something soft and flowing feels like a celebration of her versatility.
It’s relatable.
Most people know the feeling of "letting your hair down" after a long day of work. For JuJu, work just happens to be dropping 51 points on Stanford. When she posts a photo with her hair down, it humanizes her. It reminds the fans that despite being the fastest player in USC history to hit 1,000 points, she’s still a teenager who loves fashion and hanging out with her dog, Deuce.
What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond
As JuJu works through her rehab, the anticipation for her return is reaching a fever pitch. Will the bun return for her comeback game? Almost certainly. It’s her lucky charm, after all.
🔗 Read more: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
But the "hair down" era has served a purpose. It’s solidified her as a fashion influencer who can command a room without a basketball in her hand. She’s no longer just a "hooper." She’s a brand.
If you’re looking to channel that JuJu energy—whether you’re rocking the bun or the blowout—here are the takeaways:
- Confidence is the core: JuJu plays well because she feels prepared. Find your own "look good, feel good" ritual.
- Adaptability is key: Just because you’re known for one thing doesn't mean you can't switch it up. JuJu’s recovery year has been a masterclass in brand evolution.
- Don't rush the process: Whether it's a 90-minute hairstyle or a year-long ACL recovery, doing it right matters more than doing it fast.
JuJu Watkins will be back on the court soon enough. Until then, keep an eye on her socials—the hair transitions are just as impressive as her crossover.
To keep up with her recovery and the latest style drops, make sure to follow official USC Athletics updates and JuJu’s verified social channels. The comeback is going to be legendary.