From Double Dutch Braids to a Slicked-Back Ponytail: Paige Bueckers Embraces New Superstitions and a Fresh Look
Paige Bueckers, the dynamic star of the Dallas Wings, is ushering in a new era, both on and off the court. As she gears up for her second WNBA season, the 24-year-old athlete is shedding a signature hairstyle that became synonymous with her collegiate success and embracing a superstitious shift that comes with the highs and lows of professional sports. This change coincides with a revitalized look achieved through a partnership with Madison Reed's ColorWonder demi-permanent hair color, a collaboration that holds personal significance for the basketball phenom.
Bueckers recently unveiled her decision to retire her iconic double Dutch braids, a style she brought back for the March Madness Final Four semifinals. The braids, a staple during her standout career at UConn, were a nostalgic nod to her alma mater as she attended her first game as an alum. The Connecticut Huskies faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Friday, April 3rd, and Bueckers hoped the familiar hairstyle would bring a winning energy.
"Honestly, I wanted to bring it back because I was hoping it would bring good vibes for the UConn game," Bueckers shared in an exclusive conversation. "It was my first Final Four as an alum — so I just wanted to feel like I was still a part of the team and I was still here. So I think that's basically the premise of why I did it."
However, the Huskies' 62-48 upset loss to the Gamecocks marked a definitive end for the beloved braids. When asked if they would make an appearance in the upcoming WNBA season, Bueckers was resolute. "No, no. I don't think actually anybody will ever see them again," she stated with a candid laugh. "Because we lost," she explained, highlighting a clear correlation between the hairstyle and game outcomes in her mind.
While the double braids may be gone for good, Bueckers isn't lamenting the loss. She described the style as "a good vibe" for what it represented but has found comfort in her current go-to look. "I'm just sticking with that," she said, referring to the "slicked-back" ponytail that has become her signature style.
Beyond her hair's styling, Bueckers is also committed to maintaining her signature blonde hue. This dedication led her to partner with Madison Reed, a brand that champions hair health and vibrant color. Following the Final Four game, she visited one of Madison Reed's salons to refresh her look, opting for the brand's ColorWonder Demi-Permanent Hair Color in "UConnic Blonde." This particular shade holds a special place in her heart, as it was developed in her honor by the brand last year.
"It's been a long time since I got my hair done, so my roots were pretty bad," Bueckers admitted. "So it's good to be back blonde for sure. They use products that are good for my hair and it causes less damage."
The partnership with Madison Reed is further strengthened by a shared alma mater. Amy Errett, the CEO and Founder of Madison Reed, is also a UConn alum. This connection has fostered a strong relationship, attracting Bueckers and several of her Huskies teammates, including Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, KK Arnold, Ice Brady, Morgan Cheli, and Caroline Ducharme, to the salon and its products.
"She's just a 's person!" Bueckers exclaimed when describing Errett. "She treats extremely well and she is easy to connect to, so I'm really glad I got the opportunity to work with them. It's been an honor."
With her hair refreshed and her superstitions addressed, Bueckers is now fully focused on the upcoming WNBA season. Entering her second year with the Dallas Wings, she anticipates a dynamic and exciting period for the team. The roster is set to undergo significant transformations, including a new head coach and the imminent WNBA Draft.
"I think I've gotten to know Coach Jose a little bit through USA Basketball," Bueckers said, referring to Jose Fernandez, who was announced as the team's new head coach in October 2025. "I got that experience with him a couple of weeks ago and just the excitement around the team."
The influx of new talent through free agency and the draft is something Bueckers eagerly awaits. "We'll have a bunch of new faces with free agency and obviously with the draft," she continued. "So to get back to work, continue to keep building what we want to build there in Dallas and continue to set the foundation of what we want the future to look like, it's very exciting." Her enthusiasm for the team's future and her role in shaping it is palpable, signaling a promising second season ahead.
No comments:
Post a Comment