"If my hair is not acting right, that will be very chaotic for me": JuJu Watkins and Stella Lockhart discuss pregame struggles
USC guard JuJu Watkins' signature hairstyle — a high ponytail bun — has become her trademark look on the court. Since making her college debut, the hairstyle has become an integral part of her personality and resonates with fans, especially young girls who often emulate her look during games.
During an interview with Stella Lockhart on Overtime Select, Watkins, a 2026 prospect, was asked about the most chaotic thing that can happen to her pregame.
"That's a good question. Definitely hair," Watkins replied. "Like if my hair is not acting right, that will be very chaotic for me."
JuJu Watkins then asked Lockhart the same question.
"I remember I left my shoes at home and I didn't realize till we were like four hours into the car ride and then my dad made me buy some with my own money," Lockhart said.
Watkins replied that it would be so traumatic.
The junior-to-be at USC next season averaged 23.9 points and 6.8 rebounds last season, earning several accolades, including the John R. Wooden Award, Naismith Player of the Year and Dawn Staley Award.
Stella Lockhart, on the other hand, is a four-star forward from St. John Vianney Regional, according to 247Sports.
JuJu Watkins talks about the prep behind her iconic hair bun
In an interview with CBS Sports' Jaclyn DeAugustino in March, JuJu Watkins spoke about the preparation required to get her perfect game-ready bun.
Watkins told DeAugustino that the bun takes a lot of time and effort.
"It actually can take up to an hour. So the process is very, very long and detailed. But it's a key part of my performance," she said (TS: 4:54).
Watkins also revealed in an interview with Uninterrupted that her go-to hairstylist is her mom.
"The fact that everybody's gonna know my mom does my hair after this, I'm getting so much backlash," she said. "Listen, this is all I'm gonna say: I'm working on it. I'm trying to get it like that. This woman has 18 years of experience. So, please. Relax. Chill on me for a second."
JuJu Watkins suffered an ACL tear during USC's win against Mississippi State in the second round of March Madness. She missed the Trojans' remaining tournament games and is currently recovering from the injury.