Fashion and Trends: How Chet Holmgren’s Barber Became a Key Part of His NBA Journey

 In the glamorous, high-pressure world of the NBA, success isn’t just built on talent, stats, or strategy — sometimes, it’s also shaped in the barber’s chair.

Meleyen Tengben and Chet Holmgren at Meleyen's Barbershop in Brooklyn Park

Just ask Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder’s 7'1" rising star, who’s taken the league by storm in his debut NBA Finals. Behind his fresh fade and confident swagger is Meleyen Tengben, a Minneapolis-based barber who’s been more than just a stylist — he’s become family.

The Haircut That Started It All

Their story began eight years ago with a humble Instagram DM. Holmgren, then a freshman at Minnehaha Academy, reached out after seeing Tengben’s work on his friend and teammate Jalen Suggs. His question? “Can you cut white hair?”

That question still makes Tengben laugh today. But what followed was the start of a tight-knit friendship that’s weathered high school, NBA Draft buzz, and now, the Finals spotlight.

From Local Cuts to the League

Tengben, who runs Meleyen’s Sports Barbershop in Brooklyn Park (with a new shop soon opening in Atlanta), has built a loyal clientele of elite athletes — from Minnesota Timberwolves players like Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels to even former players and staff. And at the center of it all is Holmgren, who continues to call on Tengben whether he’s in OKC or back in Minnesota.

It’s more than a haircut — it’s a ritual, a reset, and a bond.

“Barbers are safe spaces,” Tengben says. “Guys open up. We talk about family, pressure, everything. When someone trusts you with their hair, they trust you with more than just clippers.”

Inside Holmgren’s Off-Court Life

When Tengben visits Oklahoma City — sometimes flying in weekly during the regular season — he stays at Holmgren’s house, taking over a guest room like an honorary brother. Their downtime includes video games, late-night meals from local spots, and casual hangs in the backyard.

“We’ll just chill,” Tengben says. “Chet doesn’t really go out like that. Too tall to go unnoticed.”

And while they game (yes, Tengben often wins in NBA 2K), Holmgren’s discipline never drops. “He works out three times a day. He eats clean. He studies players even while I’m cutting his hair. He’s serious about greatness.”

Haircuts and Hustle

Tengben’s story isn’t just about loyalty — it’s about hustle and heart. His Instagram-first marketing has grown his business to global levels. Just last summer, a mystery WhatsApp message led him to what he thought was a prank — until he arrived to find Chelsea Football Club waiting for haircuts during their U.S. tour.

“They had 10, 20 million followers. I was like, ‘Wait... y’all famous?’” Tengben laughs. “Now they’re telling me I have an open invite to come to London.”

Clippers as Confidence Boosters

As Holmgren continues his NBA Finals push, Tengben remains a vital part of his support system. His role may not appear on a stat sheet, but it shows up in Holmgren’s poise, professionalism, and presence on and off the court.

“I knew from the first haircut that Chet was special,” Tengben reflects. “He carries himself with purpose. I’m just glad to play my part.”

And so, while the lights shine on the hardwood, one of the game’s most unlikely MVPs quietly sharpens his blades — ready to make sure his client looks and feels like a champion.

Tags: #ChetHolmgren #NBAFinals #BarberLife #NBAStyle #BasketballLifestyle #MeleyenTengben #ThunderUp #AthleteSupportSystem #PlayerWellness #ONZABlogSports