Paige Bueckers new hairstyle, explained: Why UConn star got rid of iconic braids for WNBA

Dan Treacy

Paige Bueckers new hairstyle, explained: Why UConn star got rid of iconic braids for WNBA image

Paige Bueckers is ready to take the WNBA by storm.

A tight turnaround from the college basketball season to the start of the WNBA campaign can make for a tough transition for rookies, but Bueckers will be expected to take over as a face of the Dallas Wings as soon as she steps on the court for the first time.

When she does, she might look a bit different than fans remember. Bueckers could shift away from her signature braids in the WNBA, starting a new era with a new look.

Here's what you need to know about Bueckers' new hairstyle.

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Paige Bueckers new hairstyle, explained

Bueckers' braids became a staple in the crowd at UConn games, with young fans of the former Huskies star mirroring her signature look. Those days might now be done.

Asked on NBC's "Nightly Kids" whether the braids will be sticking around in the WNBA, Bueckers said she's planning to move on. 

"I think it's time for a switch up," Bueckers said. "The braids, they had a good run, and so I might switch it up now."

Bueckers' braids became part of her image during her time at UConn, but she already received some positive reviews from her teammates when she decided against them for a game in February.

Whether Bueckers will go with the same, simpler look in the WNBA or try something entirely different is not yet known, but the Wings will let her be herself as they try to climb back to relevance after a nine-win season.

MORE: When will Paige Bueckers face Caitlin Clark in the WNBA?

Does Paige Bueckers braid her own hair?

Buckers revealed in 2024 that she does not know how to braid hair, telling Allure that she has a friend do it for her. 

Well, you have to know how to braid. I personally don’t, so I have my friend Kayla do it. I start by making a middle part using a comb and then she does a braid on either side. And then I usually just use a hair gel wax stick to get all the flyaways. To make sure that my ponytail is very slick, I usually straighten it. That's basically it. It takes about 15, 20 minutes.

Bueckers admitted she's "honestly not very good with doing everything by myself" when it comes to taking care of her hair, instead relying on friends and teammates.

Once Bueckers gets comfortable with her new teammates in Dallas, perhaps new hairstyles will follow. 

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.