The Rise Of Ja Morant's Dreadlocks: A Story Of Culture And Style

The Early Days

Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ star point guard, has always been known for his impressive skills on the basketball court. But it wasn’t until 2022 that he began to make waves with his unique hairstyle: dreadlocks.

According to Morant, he first started growing out his hair when he was in high school. He was inspired by his favorite rapper, Lil Wayne, who also rocked a set of dreads. But at the time, Morant’s hair was still relatively short and he hadn’t fully committed to the style.

The College Years

It wasn’t until Morant’s college career at Murray State that he really began to embrace his hair. By his sophomore year, he had a full head of dreads and was turning heads on and off the court.

But Morant’s decision to wear dreadlocks wasn’t just about style. For him, it was also a way to connect with his roots and show pride in his culture.

The Cultural Significance of Dreadlocks

In many African cultures, dreadlocks are more than just a hairstyle. They are a symbol of spirituality, strength, and rebellion against oppression.

For Morant, who grew up in a predominantly black community, wearing dreadlocks was a way to honor his heritage and show solidarity with his people.

The NBA Years

When Morant was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, he brought his signature dreadlocks with him to the NBA. And it wasn’t long before they became a topic of conversation among fans and commentators alike.

Some praised Morant for his unique style and the way it set him apart from other players in the league. Others criticized him for his hair, calling it unprofessional or distracting.

Morant’s Response

But Morant didn’t let the criticism get to him. In fact, he used it as motivation to work even harder on the court.

When asked about his hair in interviews, Morant has been candid about the cultural significance of dreadlocks and the importance of embracing one’s heritage.

The Future of Morant’s Dreadlocks

As of 2023, Morant’s dreadlocks are still going strong. He has experimented with different styles, including a half-up, half-down look and a braided ponytail.

But no matter how he wears his hair, Morant’s commitment to his culture and his style remains unwavering.

Tips for Maintaining Dreadlocks

If you’re thinking about getting dreadlocks like Ja Morant, here are a few tips for maintaining them:

  • Start with clean, dry hair
  • Use a specialized dreadlock shampoo
  • Don’t over-wash your hair (once a week is usually enough)
  • Use a crochet hook or your fingers to tighten your locks
  • Be patient (dreadlocks take time to form and mature)

The Bottom Line

Ja Morant’s dreadlocks are more than just a hairstyle. They are a symbol of his culture, his strength, and his individuality.

Whether you love them or hate them, it’s impossible to deny the impact that Morant’s hair has had on the NBA and on popular culture as a whole.

So here’s to Ja Morant and his iconic dreadlocks. May they continue to inspire and empower for years to come.