Derrick Henry, the Baltimore Ravens’ powerhouse running back, is more than just a football phenomenon; he symbolizes raw power and resilience. Known as “King Henry,” his punishing running style and ability to shrug off tackles have made him a formidable force on the field. Equally iconic is his hairstyle—those unmistakable dreadlocks that have come to represent his unyielding strength and determination.
However, Henry’s journey with his hair is as dynamic as his career. What started as a simple look has grown into a signature style that mirrors his evolution as an athlete. Let’s take a look back and see how Derrick Henry’s hair has become a defining element of his commanding presence.
Who Is Derrick Henry?
Born on January 4, 1994, in Yulee, Florida, Derrick Henry was raised primarily by his grandmother growing up.
During his time at Yulee High School, he started to take the football world by story. In his 4 years of high school, he racked up an insane 12,124 yards and 153 touchdowns. That was enough to attract the attention of several big time college programs, including the Alabama Crimson Tide.
While at Alabama, Henry won the college football national championship and the Heisman Trophy. His performance over three years in Bama helped him get selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2016, became a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s top running backs. After starting as a backup, he emerged as the Titans’ feature in 2018, leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2019 and 2020. Henry joined the elite 2,000-yard rushing club in 2020, earning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Despite an injury in 2021, he returned to form, making two more Pro Bowl appearances before signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
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Also read: Dallas Cowboys Finally Reveal Why They Had No Interest In Signing Running Back Derrick Henry
Why Does Derrick Henry Have A Unique Hair Style?
During his high school days in Yulee, Florida, Derrick Henry kept things simple, opting for a short, cropped haircut reflecting his disciplined, no-nonsense attitude on and off the field. This practical style was about focus and function, allowing the young star to channel his energy into his athletic performance.
As Henry moved into his college years at the University of Alabama, his hair began to grow longer, reaching shoulder length. This shift in style marked a subtle change in Henry’s persona, suggesting a budding sense of individuality and confidence. Longer hair can often signal a willingness to stand out, even in a team-oriented environment.
By the time Henry entered the NFL, he fully embraced the dreadlocks that have since become a key part of his identity. While the inspiration behind this choice remains personal, dreadlocks carry cultural significance, often symbolizing strength, resilience, and a connection to one’s heritage. Henry’s adoption of this influential hairstyle reflects a deeper connection to his roots and a strong sense of self as he continues to dominate the field.
What Sets Derrick Henry’s Hair Apart
The most notable feature of Derrick Henry’s hair is his long dreadlocks. Because of their impressive length, he can style them in many different ways, from buns to braids to a memorable cone-like ponytail.
On social media, Henry’s hair has been compared to everything from an armadillo tail to the sci-fi monster Predator.
There’s no denying that Derrick Henry’s hair trends have taken the internet by storm. But what makes Henry different from other NFL players with attractive hairstyles?
For one thing, Henry has reportedly been growing his hair out since elementary school. That’s almost twenty years without a haircut!
A Look At Derrick Henry’s Hair Routine
Dreadlocks are a common hairstyle choice for the average NFL player. Many players also sport popular styles like fades, afros, and braids.
While some athletes like Henry opt for long styles, having long, flowing locks in the NFL poses risks. Derrick Henry maintains his dreadlocks through a meticulous routine. He starts with a gentle shampoo to keep his scalp clean, followed by a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner to keep his dreads moisturized and shiny. Regular retwisting ensures his dreads remain neat and uniform. During games and intense workouts, he uses hair ties or headbands to keep his hair in place, balancing style with function.
