Hair Game Strong: How Iconic Athlete Styles Inspire Confidence On and Off the Field
When we think about what defines an iconic athlete, several things come to mind: Beckham's powerful skills, Mahomes's milestone achievements, Rapinoe's earned trophies, and Sha'Carri's broken records. After all, their hard work and dedication have taken them to where they are. But besides their undeniable talent and trailblazing careers, these athletes all have another thing in common: great hair.
Having a good day will translate into having a great game because we live by the motto: Look Good, Feel Good.
To celebrate National Hair Day, we are teaming up with Sadie B, our favorite sporty haircare brand specializing in active individuals' haircare. Sadie B has innovatively created the first-ever line of hair products for female athletes.
Join us as we highlight pioneering athletes who have made history while showcasing some of the most iconic and stylish sports hairstyles of all time.
Sha'Carri Richardson, Track Star
Sha’Carri Richardson rocking her braids (Getty Images)
“Flo-Jo’s influence on me definitely comes from her creativity and her freedom to express herself in a way that no other female athlete has ever done. Showing beauty, yet being able to show hard work.”
Currently the fastest woman in the world, Sha'Carri is also one of the most stylish athletes. Her iconic hairstyles have become an excitement to watch, as she always shows up in unapologetically unique hairdos. Whether wearing a bright-colored wig or having her natural hair braided to perfection, she thrives on expressing herself while breaking world records. When talking to Vogue about her iconic style, she mentioned fellow track athlete Florence Griffith Joyner as one of her inspirations.
David Beckham, Soccer Legend
David Beckham sporting a shaved head (Getty Images)
“I look back now and I’m not sure but I always felt that I was always wearing the right thing at the time.”
If you can't bend it like Beckham, you can at least style your hair like him. Throughout his 20-year career as a professional soccer player, he was known for two main things: his flawless free-kick executions and his chameleonic hairstyles. From shaved looks to long, luscious locks, David left no hairstyle untried. While some of them worked better than others, his confidence never waivered, and he wore each and every one as a personal style statement.
Naomi Osaka, Tennis Icon
“I’ve had a very empowering hair journey. I’ve been able to try so many fun hairstyles and colors over the years.”
The four-time Grand Slam winner has made several milestone achievements in the eleven years she's been playing. After defeating Serena Williams in the 2019 Australian Open final, she became the first Asian player, male or female, to rank as no. 1 in the world. Her success on the court and her activism off it has made her a powerhouse athlete, but her unique personal style has also made her a court icon.
Between her Japanese mother and Haitian father's heritage, she chose to represent Japan in the sport. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she was selected to light the cauldron, one of the highest honors at the opening ceremony. To mark this occasion, she sported box braids with red and white woven into them as a tribute to her country's national flag.
Megan Rapinoe, Soccer Extraordinaire
Megan Rapinoe rocking her fushia hairstyle in USWNT photos (Getty Images)
“For me, having pink hair, it’s a kind of expression of the way that I relate to beauty. When I’m on the soccer field, I want to look beautiful.”
If you name any major title you can achieve in women's soccer, Megan most likely has won it. From being a two-time World Cup winner to a Gold medalist and a Ballon d'Or Féminin recipient, she's proven time and time again why she is a legend.
Her contributions to the sport, in conjunction with her fearless advocacy for women and the LGBTQ+ community, have been trailblazing moments that also earned her a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022. As an iconic human being, her hairstyle undoubtedly matches this energy. She's famously known for her pastel-colored short do's, which are one more way to show the world who she is.
Clay Matthews, Hall-of-Famer Linebacker
Clay Matthews' hairstyle for the Packer's game (Getty Images)
“You see long hair, and, first of all, it’s not the norm. But it kind of represents how I approach this game and approach life. Just kind of living on the edge, so to speak. That’s kind of how I play.”
One Super Bowl, six Pro Bowls, and a luscious, blonde mane. During his ten seasons with the Packers and one with the Rams, Clay became known for his tenacious game style, an unstoppable defensive player. That fame came accompanied by a remarkable hairstyle that made him one of the best hair sets in the NFL.
Kiran Badloe, Gold Medalist Windsurfer
Kiran Badloe during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (AP Photo)
“I have been able to piece something together in these Olympics races, so I think it worked in my favour”
During the Tokyo 2020 games, the Dutch athlete perfectly personified what his skills are all about with his hairstyle. He had a bleached buzz cut with a blue arrow dyed in the middle, a direct homage to Avatar, the Last Airbender. Channeling all the main character's energy with his 'do, he mastered the air and water and won a Gold medal in windsurfing, preserving his country's dominance in the sport as the third Dutch winner in a row.
Simone Biles, GOAT Gymnast
Simone Biles with a braided bun during the Olympics (Getty Images)
“I used to worry about [my hair being considered] not professional,” said Biles. “But I’m not embarrassed about it anymore.”
The sky is no longer the limit for someone who can jump 12 feet off the ground and make it look effortless. It's mesmerizing to watch the gold medalist in action, flying around the mat, twisting and turning, landing perfectly. Yet, as an added bonus, a cherry on top of all that Simone can achieve in the 1:30 minutes of her routine, she can manage all that athleticism without a single hair flying out of place. Her characteristic high-top bun is now an essential part of her routine; throughout every competition, she has displayed several variations of it.
Dennis Rodman, Basketball Chameleon
Dennis Rodman (right) with his eccentric hairstyle during a Bull's game (Getty Images)
“I like to make a statement. My hair is my way of showing people that I can be who I want to be. I’m not afraid to stand out.”
Dennis is a five-time NBA champion, three of which were with the Bulls. He defended Jordan's offense, making it a perfectly balanced dream team. His amazing rebounding skills weren't just for the game; he constantly changed his hairstyle, trying eccentric colors and new designs.
From a smiley face to a leopard print, his hair served as the perfect canvas for trying out anything and everything that would show off his colorful personality on the court. He’s the original basketball chameleon, and sometimes, we wonder if he inspired Jeremy Sochan, the league’s new chameleon.
The Biggest Haircare News in Sports, Sadie B
As proven by these Sportsish legends, the power of having a good hair day while playing should never be underestimated. Thankfully, Sadie B is aware of this essential element in every athlete's life and has created the perfect line of personal care products that deeply cleanse the scalp from sweat and impurities left after a hard working day in the field. The perfect hairstyle begins with giving your hair the proper care, so their 'Athlete' collection is ideal for achieving good hair for a great game.
“My daughter is a swimmer so the sport type of shampoos always end up on my target orders. It was time for a refill and i tried Sadie B for the first time. WOW. my daughters hair has never been softer…. It smells great and overall is 5 stars in our home!”
-B Salmon (Target Customer)
Sadie B, a female-founded brand by sisters Sadie and Abby, aims to help you take care of yourself in every aspect through girl care, which includes taking charge of your mental hygiene. Combining their love for sports and self-care, their products are mindful of what it entails to focus on your specific needs, making their collections the perfect aid to becoming who you are.
If you feel ready to channel your inner hairstyle the next time you train or play, you can find all their products on their website or at your nearest Target.
While you get your cart filled, you can also start getting the power-up you need with their tutorial on how to get Ilona Maher's perfect braids. After all, no one dominates a field and oozes self-confidence better than our rugby queen herself.