Top 17 NBA Players' Wives and Their Most Iconic Hairstyles

Discover the top 17 NBA players’ wives and their most iconic hairstyles. Explore NBA Wives’ best hairstyles that wowed the red carpet.

When it comes to glitz, glamor, and game-day spotlight, NBA Wives are consistently redefining what it means to be style icons beyond the court. While the athletes grab headlines for their performance, it’s their wives and partners who often captivate audiences with their elegance, poise, and—most notably—their hair. From red carpet galas and fashion weeks to viral Instagram posts and courtside appearances, these women are trendsetters in their own right. What truly sets them apart is their fearless experimentation with the best hairstyles—aesthetic transformations that blend fashion, culture, and individuality into one powerful personal brand.

The influence of NBA wives in the beauty and fashion world has been steadily rising, not just in the U.S., but globally. Whether they’re launching beauty lines, becoming influencers, or appearing in editorial spreads, their hair moments tell stories of power, resilience, and style evolution. From Gabrielle Union’s sleek ponytails and natural curls to Savannah James’s signature blonde waves, these looks have inspired countless women to embrace their own hair journeys.

This blog post dives deep into the top 17 NBA players’ wives and highlights their most iconic hairstyles—not just for inspiration, but for admiration. We’ll explore everything from curly glam to polished buns, protective styles, buzz cuts, and more. Along the way, you’ll learn what products they use, which stylists help bring their visions to life, and how fans can replicate their iconic looks using practical, real-life steps.

Table of Contents

Top 17 NBA Players’ Wives and Their Most Iconic Hairstyles

1. Savannah James: Queen of Sleek Glamour

Savannah James, wife of LeBron James, is the epitome of poised elegance. Her signature look—long, bone-straight tresses with a deep middle part—radiates power and simplicity. This hairstyle has become a staple for events, charity galas, and family photoshoots.

Why it Works:
Savannah’s straight, polished look elongates her face and complements her structured outfits. She often pairs her style with soft makeup and statement earrings, making her appearance timeless.

Hair Tip:
Use a ceramic flat iron and a heat protectant serum to achieve the ultra-sleek look. A glossing spray can add that final shine.

2. Ayesha Curry: The Natural Beauty

Ayesha Curry, wife of Stephen Curry, is a beacon for women embracing their natural curls. Whether she’s cooking on her Instagram stories or gracing a magazine cover, Ayesha rocks textured waves and natural volume like no other.

Iconic Hairstyle:
Ayesha’s big, bouncy curls offer a fresh, vibrant energy. She’s often seen in twist-outs, braid-outs, or a voluminous afro.

Hair Tip:
Hydration is key. Use curl-defining creams and leave-in conditioners to maintain the health and bounce of curls.

3. Jada Crawley: Elegance in Every Strand

Chris Paul’s wife, Jada Crawley, effortlessly blends luxury with simplicity. Often spotted with sleek buns, soft curls, or low ponytails, Jada’s style is versatile yet always on point.

Notable Moment:
At the 2022 NBA All-Star event, she stunned in a high-gloss ponytail that gave red carpet energy with minimal effort.

Pro Tip:
To replicate her looks, use edge control and a high-hold gel to slick down hair for a polished, red-carpet-ready finish.

4. Gabrielle Union: Versatility and Volume

Gabrielle Union, married to Dwyane Wade, is no stranger to changing up her hairstyle. From long braids to pixie cuts, Union’s hair game is as strong as her acting career.

Hairstyle Icon Moment:
Her bob cut at the 2019 Met Gala turned heads and sparked a trend that made headlines in beauty mags.

Haircare Secret:
She swears by scalp treatments and protective styles to maintain healthy growth.

5. La La Anthony: Courtside Meets Hollywood Glam

La La Anthony, ex-wife of Carmelo Anthony, brings Hollywood vibes to the NBA scene. Her iconic long waves and platinum blonde transformations are often featured in top beauty magazines.

Top Look:
Her 2021 BET Awards platinum hair set social media abuzz and showed she’s not afraid to take bold style risks.

Style Suggestion:
Blonde requires toning—use purple shampoo and deep conditioner weekly.

6. Kawhi Leonard’s Partner: Quiet Sophistication

Kawhi Leonard’s partner, Kishele Shipley, maintains a very private lifestyle, rarely appearing in the media spotlight. However, when she does, her natural, low-maintenance hairstyles reflect a serene and authentic beauty.

Top Hairstyle:
Soft natural curls, occasionally styled into low ponytails or buns.

Styling Tip:
Focus on moisture-rich products like argan oil and hydrating curl creams to enhance your natural texture without extensive manipulation.

7. James Harden’s Partner: Sleek and Simple

James Harden’s dating life has been mostly under the radar, but his rumored partners often make style headlines. Many of his girlfriends opt for sleek, straight looks and middle parts—creating clean, minimalistic beauty statements.

Iconic Look:
Glass hair—ultra-shiny, pin-straight hair that looks polished and powerful.

Get the Look:
Invest in a titanium straightener and high-shine serums like Kenra Gloss Drops for that reflective finish.

8. Klay Thompson’s Partner: Natural Ease

While Klay Thompson’s romantic relationships have included various models and influencers, the consistent theme among his partners is laid-back beachy hair—perfectly aligning with Klay’s California vibe.

Common Style:
Loose, tousled waves paired with natural makeup.

Styling Advice:
Sea salt sprays like the Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray work wonders for volume and definition without heat tools.

9. Blake Griffin’s Ex-Partner: Brynn Cameron

Brynn Cameron, a former basketball player herself, often wears easy-going styles that reflect her sporty lifestyle. Think ponytails, buns, and relaxed waves.

Top Look:
Low ponytail with a center part and face-framing strands—simple yet stylish.

Hair Tip:
Use a texturizing spray before pulling your hair back to give it grip and hold.

10. Damian Lillard’s Wife: Kay’La Hanson

Kay’La Hanson keeps her hair looks ultra-feminine and versatile. Whether supporting Damian at a game or attending a family celebration, her hair is always on point.

Most Iconic Look:
Her bridal updo—a romantic, twisted chignon adorned with pearl pins—was praised on social media.

Beauty Tip:
Use flexible hold hairspray and bobby pins with strong grip for long-lasting elegance.

11. Kyrie Irving’s Partner: Bohemian Inspiration

Kyrie Irving’s rumored and past partners often bring bold, earthy, bohemian vibes to the NBA stage. From box braids to free-flowing curls, their hair is a celebration of Afrocentric beauty.

Standout Style:
Intricate cornrows with decorative beads or cuffs.

How-To:
Work with a professional braider and keep your scalp moisturized using light oils like jojoba or almond.

12. Nina Earl: Athletic Chic

Nina Earl, wife of Russell Westbrook, merges the worlds of sports and high fashion seamlessly. Her hairstyles range from curly updos to sleek buns, always accentuating her fierce style.

Signature Look:
Low-maintenance buns with bold accessories like gold hair cuffs and pins, perfect for both athletic and formal occasions.

Pro Tip:
Use a silk scarf at night to preserve sleekness and prevent frizz.

13. Daniela Rajic: Model Glam

Paul George’s partner, Daniela Rajic, started as a dancer and transitioned into modeling and entrepreneurship. Her hairstyles reflect that glamorous world—voluminous curls, honey-blonde balayage, and soft beachy waves.

Instagram-Worthy Look:
Her loose barrel curls create a romantic, feminine effect that’s both casual and elegant.

Get the Look:
Use a large barrel curling wand and flexible hold hairspray for bouncy curls.

14. Anamaria Goltes: European Chic

Slovenian model and Luka Dončić’s longtime girlfriend, Anamaria Goltes, showcases sleek European fashion with her silky straight locks and sophisticated buns.

Style Highlight:
Her platinum blonde middle-parted hairstyle on the 2023 red carpet emphasized minimalism and luxury.

Maintenance Tip:
Use UV protection hair sprays to protect color-treated hair from sun damage.

15. Mariah Riddlesprigger: Embracing Natural Curls

Mariah, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s partner, embraces her natural texture with pride. Her coils and twists are always moisturized, healthy, and full of life.

Why It Stands Out:
She represents a growing trend among NBA wives—embracing your natural hair type confidently.

Product Tip:
Shea butter, castor oil, and co-washing products are essential for curl health.

16. Kendall Jenner: Editorial Edge

Although no longer dating Devin Booker, Kendall Jenner’s hair influence within NBA circles was undeniable. From glassy straight styles to high fashion buns, she brought runway elegance to the courtside.

Memorable Moment:
Her 2021 Met Gala slick-back hair and dramatic center part inspired hairstylists globally.

How-To:
Use strong-hold gel and shine oil to recreate a similar red-carpet look.

17. Nikki Bonacorsi: Classic Elegance with Everyday Glam

Nikki Bonacorsi, wife of Doug McDermott, brings a refreshing, understated grace to the NBA wives’ style roster. Her hair aesthetic blends simplicity and sophistication, showcasing looks that are timeless yet modern.

Memorable Moment:
At a recent charity gala alongside Doug, Nikki turned heads with her soft brunette waves highlighted by warm caramel balayage—creating a sun-kissed, radiant effect. Her look was applauded for its effortless charm and versatility.

How-To:
To achieve Nikki’s go-to look:

Use a 1.25-inch curling iron to create loose, soft waves.
Blend in a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add movement without stiffness.
For color, ask your stylist for a subtle balayage that maintains depth at the roots but adds lightness to the ends for a dimensional finish.

Expert Tips to Achieve Their Hairstyles

To recreate the best hairstyles of NBA Wives, it’s not just about copying the look—it’s about adopting the techniques, tools, and routines that create it. These women often rely on professional stylists and curated routines that prioritize hair health just as much as style.

Daily and Weekly Haircare Routines

Prepping the Scalp: A healthy scalp equals healthy hair. NBA Wives often use scalp oils infused with tea tree or peppermint for stimulation and cleanliness.
Deep Conditioning Weekly: Brands like SheaMoisture, Olaplex, and Briogeo are frequently used for hydration and repair.
Low Manipulation Styling: Many rely on wigs, weaves, or buns during the week to protect natural strands from daily wear and heat.

Go-To Styling Tools and Techniques

Ceramic Flat Irons & Curling Wands: Tools like the Dyson Airwrap and GHD Platinum are celebrity staples.
Diffusers for Curly Styles: Women like Teyana Taylor and Michelle Game use diffusers to maintain curl definition without frizz.
Hot Brushes and Blowout Kits: Perfect for replicating those sleek Savannah James or Jada Crawley blowouts.

Pro Tip: Use a heat protectant before any thermal styling—NBA Wives’ stylists never skip this step.

NBA Wives’ Best Hairstyles on the Red Carpet

Whether at the ESPYs, All-Star Weekend, or Vanity Fair parties, NBA Wives know how to deliver head-turning hair moments that command attention and spark beauty trends.

Viral Red Carpet Hair Moments

Gabrielle Union: Her waist-length braided ponytail at the Met Gala instantly went viral, redefining protective glam.
La La Anthony: The bubble ponytail she rocked at the BET Awards was mimicked by influencers globally.
Savannah James: Her platinum blonde wave cascade at a GQ event was reposted over 500K times across social platforms.

What Makes These Looks Stand Out?

Volume and Dimension: Styles are layered and textured to create movement, not just shape.
Color Play: From ash blondes to burgundy ombré, vibrant color schemes add pop under lights.
Accessories: Gem-studded clips, metallic pony cuffs, and lace front perfection contribute to that “wow” factor.

Courtside Fashion & Hair Pairings

Courtside appearances are fashion events in themselves, and NBA Wives understand the synergy between outfit and hair. Whether it’s a courtside Chanel jumpsuit or Balenciaga kicks, their hair complements their aesthetic flawlessly.

Popular Pairings

Messy Buns with Streetwear: Nina Westbrook often wears a high bun paired with oversized hoodies and sleek sneakers.
Polished Waves with Designer Coats: Savannah and Ayesha often match their hair’s movement with luxurious outerwear textures like fur or leather.
Cornrows and Athleisure: Braided styles match well with gym-glam fits seen frequently on Hazel Renee and Teyana Taylor.

Style Insight: The trick lies in balance—if the outfit is bold, the hair is often more neutral and vice versa.

The Role of Celebrity Hairstylists

Behind every camera-ready hairdo is a celebrity hairstylist who knows how to craft, sculpt, and preserve perfection under pressure.

Top Stylists Working with NBA Wives

Larry Sims: Known for styling Gabrielle Union’s award-winning looks.
Ursula Stephen: Worked with La La Anthony and Rihanna; a queen of polished updos and natural textures.
Tokyo Stylez: A frequent collaborator with influencers like Jordyn Woods, known for wigs and bold transformations.
Kellon Deryck: Teyana Taylor’s go-to for edgy cuts and mohawks.

These stylists use precise sectioning, expert layering, and professional-grade products that turn a regular hairstyle into an iconic look.

How Hairstyles Reflect Personality

Hair isn’t just style—it’s expression. For NBA Wives, every twist, wave, or dye job tells a story of identity, evolution, and presence.

Confidence and Empowerment

A sleek bun might speak to elegance and poise (think Jada Crawley), while box braids exude cultural pride and rootedness (see Gabrielle Union or Michelle Game).

Mood and Public Persona

Teyana Taylor’s buzz cuts and bold color switches reflect her fierce, no-compromise approach to fame.
Kamiah Adams’ color transitions match her vibrant, outspoken presence in media and motherhood.

Hair as Statement

Some styles are deliberate statements—Vanessa Bryant’s soft curls during tributes, for example, show how hair can hold symbolic power during public appearances.

Celebrity Haircare Products Used

To achieve and maintain their best hairstyles, NBA Wives use premium and often celebrity-endorsed products. These are more than just luxury items—they’re trusted tools for scalp health, style retention, and longevity.

Common Products Used by NBA Wives

Product	Purpose	Who Uses It
Flawless by Gabrielle Union	Moisture, detangling, edge control	Gabrielle Union
Olaplex No. 3 Treatment	Bond-building and hair strength	La La Anthony
Pattern Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross	Coily hair maintenance, leave-ins	Michelle Game, Teyana Taylor
Mielle Rosemary Mint Oil	Scalp stimulation and growth	Nina Westbrook
Edge Booster Gel	Slicked styles and updos	Hazel Renee, Jordyn Woods

Where to Buy

Many of these are available at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Target, making them accessible for fans who want to replicate NBA Wives’ best looks.

In summary, the hairstyles of NBA wives are more than just glamorous looks—they are powerful expressions of identity, culture, and personal style that resonate far beyond the basketball court. From Vanessa Bryant’s timeless elegance and Savannah James’ effortless waves to Gabrielle Union’s sleek sophistication and Serena Williams’ bold curls, these iconic hairstyles have inspired millions around the world. By studying these NBA wives’ hairstyles, you gain valuable insights into how to combine trendsetting fashion with practical hair care techniques, making it easier to achieve your own signature style.

Embracing these best hairstyles means tapping into a rich source of hair inspiration that is both diverse and adaptable to various hair types and textures. Whether you want to recreate soft, flowing waves or experiment with edgy cuts and protective styles, NBA wives provide a roadmap to confident and polished hair that turns heads. Their commitment to hair health, regular styling, and smart product use highlights the importance of maintaining your hair’s natural beauty while staying on top of the latest trends.

If you’re looking to transform your look, consider taking cues from these top NBA wives who masterfully balance everyday wearability with red-carpet glamor. Remember, the key to achieving these iconic hairstyles lies not only in the style itself but also in the dedication to proper hair care routines, including deep conditioning, heat protection, and protective styling. Incorporate these practices to ensure your hair remains healthy, shiny, and resilient, no matter the style you choose.

FAQs

Who has the most iconic hairstyle among NBA wives?
While style is subjective, Gabrielle Union, Savannah James, and La La Anthony are often recognized for their bold, evolving, and trendsetting hair transformations.

What hair products do NBA wives use for their looks?
Products vary by hair type, but fan favorites include Olaplex, SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Moroccanoil, and Kenra Shine Spray.

Do NBA wives use wigs and extensions?
Yes. Many use high-quality wigs, clip-ins, or extensions for volume, length, and protective styling, especially for public appearances or photo shoots.

How do they maintain their hair while traveling frequently?
They rely on silk pillowcases, portable styling tools, travel-sized products, and trusted stylists or mobile glam squads when on the road.

Can everyday women recreate these hairstyles affordably?
Absolutely. With the right budget-friendly products, YouTube tutorials, and heat-protecting tools, these looks are achievable at home.

Where can I find more hairstyle inspiration from NBA wives?
Follow them on Instagram or TikTok. You’ll find hairstyle breakdowns, routines, and beauty collaborations with major brands. Hashtags like #NBAWivesStyle or #BasketballWivesHair are great starting points.