JuJu Watkins wears her high bun in every game
JuJu Watkins has quickly become one of the brightest stars in college women’s basketball. In addition to her impressive skills, she has also become a role model for many of her fans—especially because of the signature bun she wears at every game and practice. Could it be some kind of good luck ritual?
Now that the Trojans are competing in the NCAA Tournament, Watkins continues to showcase her high, eye-catching bun. It has become such a staple that her coach and teammates have to do a double take on the rare occasions she doesn’t wear it.
According to JuJu Watkins, she has never played a game without her beloved bun since high school. She believes that “it just became a thing… I started noticing that I played better with it.” Ever since, she has loved wearing her hair in this distinctive style.
However, there is someone behind this iconic look. Her mother, Sari, is responsible for styling JuJu’s hair. She admits that her daughter isn’t particularly skilled at doing her own hair. In fact, when asked to rate JuJu’s hairstyling abilities on a scale of 1 to 10, she said, “I’d give her a strong four.” Because of this, Sari is in charge of her daughter’s bun, whether at home or on the road during away games.
When asked whether the bun is a ritual that gives her power, JuJu responded, “Yes, for sure. I think it’s really our time to talk about the game and discuss different things… I never take it for granted. It’s something special for both of us.”
During practice, JuJu Watkins wears a low bun. She only styles it high for games, and her mother plays a crucial role in making sure it’s done right. “I try to make sure my energy is perfect so I can create the most flawless masterpiece for her in our 45-minute to an hour-and-a-half session—whatever it takes,” Sari told USA TODAY Sports.
Sari also acknowledged the challenge of perfecting the bun. “I feel like I’m being tested every time I do her hair,” she said. However, she refused to reveal her secret to getting it just right. “The secret behind the bun is not revealing the secret behind the bun,” she added.
Meanwhile, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb admitted that seeing JuJu without her signature bun is unusual. “Every now and then, when she doesn’t wear it at practice, I do a double take because we’re so used to seeing her in-season with the bun,” she explained.
Without a doubt, this unique detail makes JuJu Watkins impossible to overlook on the court or anywhere she goes. After all, her bun has become a distinctive personal trademark.