Paul Skenes’ Dramatic 2026 Transformation: Livvy Dunne Reacts to Pitcher’s Clean-Shaven Look

PITTSBURGH, PA — The start of 2026 has brought with it a surprising new chapter for Pittsburgh Pirates sensation Paul Skenes. The dominant right-handed pitcher, a name synonymous with major league excellence, has dramatically altered his public image, opting for a completely clean-shaven look. This striking transformation, which saw him shed the facial hair that had become a recognizable part of his persona, immediately captured the attention of fans and ignited a flurry of reactions across social media, not least from his girlfriend, social media star Livvy Dunne.

Dunne, known for her engaging online presence, wasted no time in sharing her humorous take on Skenes’s fresh appearance. On New Year’s Day, she posted an Instagram story showcasing Skenes without his customary mustache and beard, a sight that undoubtedly surprised many. The reaction escalated with a viral TikTok video where Dunne, sporting an all-gray ribbed lounge set, humorously mouthed along to a sound clip featuring gasps of horror and the dramatic declaration, “Oh my God, she’s bald!” She then playfully quipped, in reference to Skenes, that “he’s bald,” a lighthearted jab that resonated deeply with her millions of followers.

From College Stache to Cy Young Beard: Skenes’s Facial Hair Journey

For many, Skenes’s facial hair has been a consistent companion throughout his meteoric rise in baseball. The journey began during his junior season at LSU in 2023, where he sported a mustache as the Tigers clinched the College World Series. That year was nothing short of spectacular for Skenes, who garnered numerous accolades including the National Pitcher of the Year Award, the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, and the College World Series Most Outstanding Player honor. He maintained that distinctive mustache through his minor league debut with the Pirates in late 2023.

Upon joining the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes continued to rock the mustache throughout his phenomenal 2024 season, a year that culminated in him being named the National League Rookie of the Year. Towards the end of 2024, he allowed his facial hair to grow into a full beard, a look he carried through his 2025 campaign, which saw him achieve the pinnacle of pitching excellence by winning the National League Cy Young Award. This history makes his clean-shaven debut for 2026 all the more impactful, as fans have grown accustomed to his ever-evolving, yet ever-present, facial hair.

As *Sports Illustrated* reported, Skenes had worn some form of facial hair since at least 2023, coinciding with the beginning of his relationship with Dunne. Her playful reaction, therefore, had a personal touch, making her ‘baby face cutieeee’ caption on TikTok all the more endearing. The five-second video quickly amassed over 1.5 million views, a testament to the couple’s significant online following and the public’s fascination with Skenes’s transformation.

Fan Frenzy and Offseason Adventures

The online community was quick to weigh in on Skenes’s new look. Comments flooded Dunne’s TikTok, ranging from shock to admiration. Her sister, Julz Dunne, echoed many sentiments, writing, “My jaw dropped.” Other users expressed their approval, with one declaring, “I love it! he looks great!!!” while another exclaimed, “Omg that is not Paul,” a comment Dunne herself liked. When one commenter playfully inquired, “Be so fr, full beard, stache or baby face?”, Dunne’s response was simple and sweet: “I prefer Paul.” This candid interaction further solidified the couple’s relatable and engaging online dynamic.

Beyond the buzz of Skenes’s new appearance, the couple has made the most of their offseason since the Pirates’ season concluded on September 27. They’ve embraced opportunities for leisure and personal milestones that their demanding schedules often preclude. Skenes was right by Dunne’s side as she celebrated her 23rd birthday at her New York City apartment, and the couple also took in the iconic sights of the Statue of Liberty. Their journey together continued as Dunne purchased a new home in Jupiter, Florida, with Skenes lending a hand in the moving and setup process, famously making great use of his new hot dog roller and even adding a humorous piece of art to the kitchen.

Their adventures weren’t limited to home and hearth. The couple made a nostalgic return to their alma mater, LSU, in October, cheering on the then-ranked No. 10 football team to a 20-10 victory over South Carolina at Tiger Stadium. While there, they also had the chance to meet popular podcaster and stand-up comedian Theo Von, adding another celebrity encounter to their vibrant offseason. A picturesque vacation to Taormina, Italy, a stunning hilltop town off the east coast of Sicily, provided a romantic escape in October. Halloween saw them embrace playful costumes, with Skenes channeling Borat and Dunne embodying Pamela Anderson, showcasing their fun-loving personalities.

The celebration of Skenes’s Cy Young Award was a major highlight, with Dunne hosting his family and friends, alongside Pirates teammates pitcher Jared Jones and catcher Henry Davis, for the announcement. The couple also traveled to Hawaii for Jones’s wedding at the end of November, demonstrating their close bonds with Skenes’s baseball family. Their festive spirit continued through the Christmas holiday with a trip to Disney World, where they enjoyed the attractions of EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, rounding out a truly memorable and action-packed offseason.

As fans eagerly anticipate the start of the 2026 MLB season, the question remains: will a clean-shaven Paul Skenes be any less formidable on the mound? While his appearance has undergone a significant change, his undeniable talent and ferocious pitching prowess are expected to remain intact. The shift, while visually striking, is unlikely to diminish the electricity he brings to the game, though it certainly provides a fresh talking point for the upcoming season.

The unveiling of Paul Skenes’s clean-shaven look for 2026, amplified by Livvy Dunne’s viral reaction, underscores a compelling aspect of modern celebrity: the blurring lines between personal image and professional identity. In an era where athletes and public figures are increasingly accessible through social media, even a seemingly minor change like facial hair can become a significant cultural moment, sparking widespread discussion and reinforcing the powerful connection between stars and their audience. This interaction highlights how personal choices, when made by high-profile individuals, inevitably become part of their public narrative, shaping perceptions and fueling engagement far beyond the athletic arena.