Tracee Ellis Ross Might Have The Most Influential Hair In Hollywood

There’s no denying Tracee Ellis Ross’ perennial icon status. Aside from the whole award-winning actor thing, the star is beloved for her ability to turn any red carpet into her personal runway with her fashion and beauty choices. Ross’ celebration of her stunning natural curls even led to her creating her own hair care brand, Pattern Beauty, in 2019. Ross’ best hairstyles feel like more than just a gorgeous beauty moment, too. They’re almost an extension of Ross herself, and her fun-loving, exuberant personality.

Notably, though, Ross’ greatest hair hits go far beyond her signature bouncy curls. Just like her experimental and bold fashion sense, over the years, Ross has tried experimented with what seems like every hair look under the sun. Between red high-profile carpet events, magazine covers, and assorted ad campaigns, Ross is singular in her ability to make even the simplest looks seem like such a standout.

If you’re looking for some hair inspo for spring, summer, and beyond, look no further — Ross has every angle under the sun covered. From her lush natural curls to her ever-creative braided looks, take a quick journey through the Tracee Ellis Ross’ most memorable hairstyles.

Tucked-Under Fob

Proof Ross would be a star in any era — just like her mother — can all be summed up with her retro-style fob (that’s a faux bob, mind you). The volume toward the ends adds to the retro feel, like an even-cooler version of a flipped-out look.

Cotton Candy Pink

Fine, so Ross’ colorful hair was just a fun play-around wig moment. But still, she really makes the fun, cartoonish shade of candy-pink really work. If she ever decided to actually dye her beautiful raven hair, this color should be a top contender.

Sleek Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are more than just a gorgeous protective hairstyle — they’re full of history, power, and cultural significance. It’s part of why Ross keeps returning to the sleek style, placing twisted knots along her head liking shining studs.

Wet-Look Waves

It takes a seriously statement-making style to break through all the Milan Fashion Week noise, but Ross did it with easy. Her wet-look curls are really emphasized by her side-part, with the ringlets pressed against her face to really show off their stunning shape.

Double-Bun Updo

Why have one futuristic, crown-like bun when you can double up? Ross had one section positioned high, peeking over the top of her head like an accessory unto itself. Meanwhile, the lower bits round out the style with fullness, shine, and a creative twist — her specialty.

Curly Bob

You could call this curly bob Ross’ signature look. Her curls are trimmed and style to maximize volume and fullness, while the tendrils that makeup her bangs help frame her face — and her fantastic red lipstick.

Wedge Cut With Bangs

One of Ross’ most recognizable Met Gala hairstyles ever, she experimented with shape — and some eyebrow-clearing micro-bangs — at 2021’s fundraiser.

Ultra-Long Snake Braid

It’s hard to say what’s cooler: the extreme length of Ross’ tight snake braid, or the silky scarves woven through it. Acting as the best pop of color, the scarves-as-hair-accessories help tie her entire look together.

Double Buns

It doesn’t get cuter than Ross working her curls into little puffed buns, a springtime fresh hairstyle that keeps the hair back and shows off her favorite shade of lipstick.

Sleek Straight Backs

Ross’ sleek straight-back braids feel especially goddess-like when paired with this billowing white gown and bold eyeliner, worn at a Valentino Haute Couture show. The long braids has plenty of movement at the ends, softly swaying with her gold tasseled earrings.

Natural Curls

Big, natural curls are Ross’ signature style and she absolutely nails it every time. Her hair care brand, Pattern, was created to fill the gaps that she saw in the market for curly hair products.

Slicked-Back & Straight

The short, slicked-back style that Ross wore to the 2020 NAACP Image Awards just screams Old Hollywood glamour. That evening, she also took home the award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Black-ish.

Curly-Ended Braids

The 2019 Grammy Awards were not prepared for what Ross was bringing to the red carpet. Her long braids nearly hit her calves, yet she still looks effortlessly cool.

‘Grown Woman’ Hairs

The actor shared a BTS selfie before the virtual 2020 BET Awards showing off a simple, sleek style featuring “some cursive extravagance” — that being, her beautifully styled baby hairs (which Ross hilariously calls her “grown woman hairs” in the caption).

Classic Bob

The world did a collective gasp when Ross debuted a sleek, center-parted bob on the summer 2021 cover of Marie Claire.

Gorgeous Grays

Always one to keep it real and transparent, Ross shared this bare-faced selfie proudly showing off a few grey hairs.