Ja Morant Dreads 2025: Evolution, Styles, Colors & How to Get the Look

When people talk about NBA stars with standout style, Ja Morant always makes the list. Beyond his explosive dunks and fearless plays, his hair has become a defining part of his image. Ja Morant’s dreads aren’t just a hairstyle — they’ve grown into a symbol of individuality, confidence, and culture, making him one of the most recognizable athletes both on and off the court.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the evolution of Ja Morant dreads — from his early short starter locs to the longer, colored, and tied-up variations we see today. We’ll break down the different ways he has styled them, including braids, color experiments, and tied-up looks, while also covering practical details like what his hairstyle is called and how you can get Ja Morant style dreads yourself.

To keep things clear and useful, we’ll also answer common fan questions such as “How did Ja Morant get his dreads?” and “What is Ja Morant’s hairstyle name?” Plus, we’ll share expert-backed tips for maintenance, color care, and what to know if you’re considering starting locs of your own. By the end, you’ll have an updated look at Ja Morant dreads 2025, why they matter, and how they continue to inspire fans worldwide.

1. What Is Ja Morant’s Hairstyle Called? (Hairstyle Name & Type)

One of the first questions fans ask when they see Ja Morant’s dreads is: what exactly is this hairstyle called? The answer lies in a blend of styles he’s worn throughout his career.

Technically, Ja Morant wears dreadlocks (often called “locs”), which are rope-like strands of hair formed through twisting and locking techniques. In his case, his look started as two-strand twists — a common method for beginning dreads — and over time, those twists matured into locs. When tied or braided, some people also refer to them as “Ja Morant hairstyle braids,” though they are part of his overall loc journey.

The official hairstyle name is often described by stylists as:

• Starter locs during his early NBA years, when they were short.
• Traditional locs/dreads as they grew out, with some freeform growth for a natural look.
• Variations like braids, ponytails, or tied-up locs, depending on how he styles them for games or public appearances.

In short, Ja Morant’s hairstyle is best identified as traditional locs, sometimes styled with twists or braids. This mix of styles has become part of what makes his hair so unique — it’s not just one fixed look, but a versatile approach that fits his personality.

2. Ja Morant Hair Evolution Timeline: From Early Days to Dreads Now (2025)

Ja Morant’s hair journey is almost as dynamic as his basketball career. His look has changed over the years, but his dreads have consistently remained a centerpiece of his style. Here’s a breakdown of how his hair evolved.

Early Days: Before Dreads

Before he became known for his signature locs, Ja often wore his hair in a short afro or fade. These early styles were low-maintenance and practical, fitting the image of a rising young athlete still building his career.

The Transition: Twists and Starter Locs

As his popularity grew, Ja began experimenting with two-strand twists. This phase is key for anyone wanting dreads because twists are one of the most common methods to start the locking process. Over time, these twists matured into what fans now know as Ja Morant dreads short, a look that showed his commitment to growing them out.

Maturing Locs: The Breakout Years

During his breakout in the NBA, his dreads reached a more defined stage. They had grown past the starter phase, becoming thicker and longer. This was when fans started noticing him not just for his game, but also for his hairstyle.

Style Experiments: Braids, Color & Tied Looks

As Ja’s confidence grew, so did the variety in his hair. He tried braids within his locs, giving them a fresh twist. He also played with color highlights — at times bleaching or dyeing sections of his dreads. In games, he would sometimes tie up his dreads for comfort, creating a more controlled look compared to letting them hang loose. These changes kept his style fresh and versatile.

Ja Morant Dreads Now (2025)

Today, Ja Morant dreads 2025 are longer, more mature, and styled in multiple ways. He still experiments with color on the tips of his locs, occasionally ties them up during games, and sometimes lets them flow freely off the court. His dreads have become part of his signature identity — just like his high-flying dunks and fearless energy on the court.

3. Style Variations: Color, Length, & Ways He Wears Them

One reason Ja Morant’s dreads get so much attention is because he doesn’t keep them in a single style. Over the years, he’s shown a willingness to experiment with length, color, and different ways of wearing them, which has only added to his appeal as a trendsetter.

Short vs. Long Dreads

When Ja first started, his dreads were short and neat — what many call starter locs. As they matured, they grew longer and thicker, giving him more styling options. Fans often point out the difference between ja morant dreads short in his early NBA days versus the longer, freer look he sports now.

Color Experiments

Another signature of his style is his use of color. Over time, he has dyed the tips of his dreads in different shades, from blonde to more vibrant hues. This ja morant dreads color choice highlights his personality and keeps his style fresh, while also showing how locs can be personalized without losing their cultural roots.

Tied-Up Looks

On the court, Ja often wears his hair tied back in a bun, ponytail, or half-up style. These ja morant dreads tied up looks keep his hair out of his face during games but also give him a sharp, clean look that fans have come to recognize.

Braided Styles

At times, Ja has also braided sections of his dreads, blending locs with ja morant hairstyle braids. This combination adds dimension to his overall look and shows his versatility in switching between dread-based styles.

Together, these variations make his hairstyle one of the most dynamic in the NBA. His willingness to switch between short, long, colored, tied, and braided styles has made ja morant dreads 2025 more than just a haircut — they’re a fashion statement.

4. How to Get Ja Morant Style Dreads / Achieve a Similar Look

For fans who admire Ja Morant’s dreads and want to try a similar hairstyle, it’s important to know that achieving this look takes time, patience, and proper care. Here’s a breakdown of how you can start your own journey.

Step 1: Start With the Right Base

Ja began his loc journey with two-strand twists, one of the most common ways to form dreads. If your hair texture is curly or coily, twists will naturally lock over time. For straighter hair types, you may need a loctician to guide you through methods like backcombing or palm rolling.

Step 2: Commit to the Process

Locs don’t form overnight. Like Ja, you’ll need to go through the starter phase (short, twisted hair), then let them mature into thicker and longer dreads. This stage can take months or even years depending on your hair type and maintenance routine.

Step 3: Experiment With Styling

To really capture Ja’s look, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Try short starter locs, then let them grow into longer styles. Play with color highlights like Ja Morant dreads color (bleached or dyed tips) or keep them natural. You can also tie them up into a bun or ponytail during workouts or games, just like Ja does.

Step 4: Keep It Versatile

What makes Ja’s style stand out is versatility. He switches between ja morant hairstyle braids, tied-up looks, and free-flowing locs. Adding these variations into your routine will keep your style looking fresh and modern.

Step 5: Prioritize Maintenance

Healthy locs require regular washing, moisturizing, and scalp care. Using residue-free shampoo and natural oils will help keep your dreads strong. If you add color like Ja, deep conditioning and extra care are essential to prevent breakage.

Getting Ja Morant dreads 2025 isn’t just about copying a look — it’s about starting a journey that reflects your own personality. With patience and care, you can create a style that’s both inspired by Ja and uniquely yours.

5. Maintenance, Care & Practical Advice

Keeping dreads healthy and stylish, like Ja Morant’s dreads, takes consistent effort. While his hair might look effortless on the court, maintaining locs — especially when you add color or different styles — requires a routine. Here are expert-backed tips to help.

Regular Washing

A common misconception is that dreads shouldn’t be washed often. In reality, clean locs are strong locs. Use a residue-free shampoo every 1–2 weeks to remove buildup without leaving behind products that could weigh your hair down.

Moisturizing & Hydration

Locs tend to get dry, especially when bleached or colored like ja morant dreads color. Applying natural oils such as jojoba, argan, or coconut oil helps keep them moisturized. A light daily spritz with water and oil mix can also refresh your scalp and prevent itching.

Retwisting or Semi-Freeform

Ja’s style shows elements of both retwisted sections and semi-freeform growth. If you want a neater look, retwisting every 4–6 weeks can help. For a more natural vibe, you can let your dreads form freely while still separating them to prevent large clumps.

Color Care

Bleached or dyed locs need extra attention. Use color-safe shampoos and deep conditioning treatments to prevent dryness and breakage. Limit heat styling, and always moisturize colored sections.

Protective Night Care

Sleeping on cotton pillowcases can cause frizz and breakage. Instead, use a satin or silk pillowcase or wear a satin cap to protect your dreads while you sleep. This simple habit keeps them neat and reduces lint buildup.

Professional Help

Even if you maintain your locs at home, visiting a loctician a few times a year can help address thinning areas, weak spots, or advanced styling needs. Professionals can also safely bleach or dye your hair, reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Following these tips will not only keep your dreads looking fresh but also help them last for years — just like Ja Morant dreads 2025, which continue to be one of the most talked-about hairstyles in the NBA.

6. Common Questions (People Also Ask)

Because Ja Morant’s dreads have become such a big part of his identity, fans often ask similar questions online. Let’s clear up the most common ones with simple, fact-based answers.

How did Ja Morant get his dreads?

Ja started with two-strand twists, which eventually locked into dreads as he allowed them to grow and mature. Like many athletes, he transitioned from a short afro to twists, then into fully formed locs over time.

What is Ja Morant’s hairstyle called?

His hairstyle is typically referred to as traditional locs (dreads). At times, he styles them into braids, ponytails, or buns, which is why fans sometimes call them “Ja Morant hairstyle braids” or “Ja Morant dreads tied up.”

Who founded dreads?

Dreadlocks don’t have a single “founder.” They are an ancient hairstyle worn by cultures across Africa, India, and beyond for thousands of years. The Rastafari movement later popularized “Rasta dreadlocks” as a cultural and spiritual symbol in the 20th century.

What are Rasta dreadlocks called?

In Rastafarian culture, they are simply called “locs” or “dreadlocks”, often seen as a symbol of strength, natural living, and resistance. While Ja’s style is inspired by modern trends, it’s important to recognize the deeper cultural roots of locs globally.

7. Style & Aesthetic Impact

Ja Morant’s talent may have put him in the spotlight, but his hairstyle has helped make him a true cultural figure. Ja Morant’s dreads are more than just hair — they’ve become part of his image as a fearless, creative, and stylish athlete.

Influence in the NBA

In a league where individuality is celebrated, Ja stands out with his locs. His ja morant dreads tied up look during games has become instantly recognizable, much like Allen Iverson’s braids once defined an era. Young players and fans often point to Ja’s hairstyle as part of his on-court swagger.

Trendsetting Off the Court

Away from basketball, Ja’s hair choices — from experimenting with color tips to trying out braided styles — have inspired many young fans to follow suit. Social media is filled with tutorials on how to get Ja Morant dreads, showing just how far his influence reaches into lifestyle and fashion.

Cultural Significance

While Ja’s style is modern and trendy, it’s rooted in a much deeper tradition. Dreads, or locs, have long been tied to cultural identity, heritage, and self-expression. By wearing them proudly, Ja normalizes and elevates the style in spaces that are often dominated by mainstream trends.

The 2025 Look

Today, Ja Morant dreads 2025 showcase maturity and versatility. Sometimes they’re tied back for games, other times they flow freely with bleached tips or braids for added flair. This balance between athletic practicality and fashion-forward styling is what makes his hair a defining feature of his overall brand.

8. Things to Consider Before Trying Ja Morant Style

Seeing Ja Morant’s dreads might inspire you to start your own loc journey — but before you commit, it’s worth understanding what goes into achieving and maintaining this look. Dreads aren’t just a hairstyle you pick up overnight; they require time, care, and lifestyle adjustments.

Hair Type & Suitability

Coarser, curlier textures lock more easily and quickly, while straighter hair may need professional help or more time to form dreads. If you want Ja Morant hairstyle braids or twists as a starting point, your natural hair texture will affect how the process works for you.

Time & Patience

Locs take months — often years — to fully mature. Ja didn’t get his signature look instantly; he went through starter locs and growth phases. Be prepared for a journey, not a quick style switch.

Maintenance Commitment

Healthy locs need consistent care. Washing, moisturizing, retwisting, or maintaining semi-freeform growth all require discipline. If you’re interested in ja morant dreads color, know that dyed or bleached locs demand even more conditioning and protective care.

Lifestyle Adjustments

If you’re active or play sports, like Ja, you may need to tie your dreads up frequently. This keeps them out of your face and helps prevent unnecessary stress on the roots. Wearing ja morant dreads tied up isn’t just stylish — it’s also practical.

Professional Guidance

Working with a loctician or stylist is recommended, especially in the early stages. They can help part your hair properly, prevent locs from merging, and give advice on safe coloring techniques.

Ultimately, trying Ja Morant dreads 2025 is about more than copying a look — it’s about committing to a hairstyle that represents patience, individuality, and cultural pride.

Conclusion

From short starter twists to his bold colored tips, Ja Morant’s dreads 2025 reflect more than just a hairstyle — they represent growth, individuality, and cultural influence. Over the years, his locs have become part of his brand, setting him apart in the NBA and inspiring fans worldwide to embrace their own natural hair journeys.

For anyone considering the look, Ja’s story shows that dreads require patience, care, and creativity. Whether worn short, tied up, braided, or colored, locs are a long-term commitment that reward you with versatility and self-expression. Just like Ja Morant himself, they stand as a reminder that style and confidence can go hand in hand with authenticity.