Angel Reese Teases Appearance Change After Being Sidelined for Valkyries Clash

Let us begin with what Angel Reese said once, and let us give it the space it deserves. “I feel like growing up, like you put clothes on, you look in the mirror like ‘Okay this is cute.’ But like for me like growing up, I was always the tall girl, so nothing fit me, so it was kinda hard for me to like feel confident and comfortable within myself and I also was a black woman so I just felt like I stood out, i was not in the ordinary.” That tells you everything about the girl she was, and the woman she’s become. Today, Angel Reese lets the noise stay what it is: noise. She’s stood tall with unwavering confidence, not just for herself, but for every girl and woman, young or old, who looks up to her. And not even injuries can bring her down.

After missing two games with a back injury, Reese returned to the court against the Mystics and immediately made her presence felt, posting a gritty double-double: 22 points and 13 rebounds. “So, it was rough, rough for me and still figuring it out and getting my groove back,” she shared post-game. Rough, it really was, and that’s why she’s out again with the very same issue. So no, we’re not going to see our “Boards Barbie” against the Valkyries. But don’t count her out just yet. Sure, she’s not playing, but Reese is also not letting anyone’s spirits dampen. And that lift? It starts within – something, as hinted before, she knows very well.

As her team preps for the matchup without her, the Sky forward surprised fans by debuting a bold new hairstyle on her Instagram story. As usual, she posted a selfie flaunting her straight hair in a dramatic two-tone style—jet black on one side, ash-colored on the other. Now, you know how it is – she effortlessly pulls off every look. And honestly? She looks amazing every time. But have you noticed how her switch-up time is decreasing day by day?

Well, that’s because the last time she revealed a new hairstyle was back on July 10th, when she shared, “All I do is go to work & mind my business.” It was her striking half-braided style in a golden-brown hue, something she switched up after her signature braids.

And those Braids? Well, that came after her March 29th transformation, where she posted a clip showing off a fresh short bob grazing her neck. She was glowing with joy, clearly loving the new look as she celebrated the end of her Unrivaled League season. “Only one month of growth. I really wore wigs for 7 weeks LMAOO y’all know I hate wigs too, but it helped my hair grow so much,” she said back then. “But y’all know I love me a bob so I cut her again.”

And in between were her voluminous auburn curls, full of bounce and drama, paired with retro vintage-tinted Chanel glasses. So back then, it was a month between looks—and now, it’s just days. But while she’s doing it often, not everyone can. Well, experimenting with bold styles can sometimes backfire, but that’s not the case with our Barbie. Right? But why does she do that?? Is it a mood shift that prompts each change? Not really.

It’s actually a challenge Angel Reese’s hairstylists take on each time.

Every time Angel Reese changes her hairstyle, her stylist does too. She’s been spotted collaborating with some of the most in-demand stylists in the beauty industry, including Arrogant Tae—aka Dionte Gray—who boasts over 2.4 million Instagram followers and is known for working with high-profile clients like Nicki Minaj and Ari Fletcher, specializing in wigs, lace frontals, and dramatic hair makeovers.

So it made perfect sense when Angel tagged Arrogant Tae after debuting a stunning curly blowout with light brown shades, captioning it, “Now this is a FLIPOVER,” showing off both her confidence and his artistry. But to be fair, it’s not always about the star power. Angel’s also seen supporting native stylists, giving them the spotlight to embrace and enhance her natural beauty. Remember October 2024? That’s when she paid a visit to Chicago stylist Crowned By Ony—a professional who encouraged her to return to a softer, more natural, and shorter hairstyle.

Later, the transformation was visible in her Instagram Story, where she rocked a soft, natural hairdo that fans dubbed “effortlessly chic.” And yes, it truly was. Even this recent hairstyle switch was no different. This time, she teamed up with Dre Co—a creative whose Instagram profile picture says it all: a plastic wrap paired with chic hair and black shades.

Well, Dre Co is a professional who offers services in Chicago, Atlanta, and beyond, with nearly 90,000 Instagram followers. So, you know, for Reese, it’s not about hype or numbers—it’s about the vibe, the creativity, and the statement. And that’s something her stylist, Madison Ledyard, summed up perfectly in an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports: “I think it’s amazing. Angel expresses herself in many ways, but one of them is definitely her hair. She is showing many young girls around the world that they can do it all rather than limiting themselves to being in one box.”

That’s exactly why, despite being a brand ambassador for the haircare brand Mielle Organics, Reese still wears hair extensions—a choice that initially raised eyebrows. But that’s just Angel Reese. Her love for hair and fashion has made her a beauty icon in her own right. And now you’re probably wondering: what’s her next look going to be?