Tracee Ellis Ross’s Blowout Proves the Versatility of Afros

Tracee Ellis Ross in a red lip and oversized glasses — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Tracee Ellis Ross never has an off day, and I aspire to be like her now and forever. On August 14, the actress was seen in Los Angeles while promoting her new show, Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross. For the event, Ross reminded us that she’s a true fashion icon, sporting an oversized suit and the most amazing pair of sunglasses. Still, her flawlessly styled blowout was the highlight, reaffirming to me that afros are definitely one of the most versatile hairstyles out there.

Ross’s hair was blow-dried but not straightened, which is important to note considering how much volume the style maintained. Loose curls were then added, giving the look extra bounce that felt so glamorous, especially when contrasted with the more masculine suit. A deep side part added bangs to the look, which made it even more flirty and chic.

Tracee Ellis Ross with a blowout hairstyle. — Tracee Ellis Ross is seen on August 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Ross has never been one to shy away from experimenting with her hairstyles, especially as the owner of her own hair-care brand, Pattern Beauty. She’s been seen with everything from a blunt ponytail to cornrows. She's even managed to blend her love of beauty and fashion after being spotted in a hairstyle that features netted accessories, a perfect take on the fisherman aesthetic currently sweeping street style outfits all over the world.

I love a bouncy blowout moment, especially when I can wear my hair in its natural state during the process. The look is super easy to achieve at home, so keep reading for the tools and products you should pick up if you want to recreate it.

Aveda

Jumbo Shampoo and Conditioner Set

My hair tends to be a bit dry, so I usually do an afro hairstyle right after wash day, when I've used all my hydrating conditioners and treatments.

Featherweight Stylemax Professional Hair Dryer

A traditional hair dryer and round brush can give you a similar look to Ross's.

Amika

Hair Blow Dryer Brush 2.0

Round brushes like this one also work as a two-in-one for an easy blowout.

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience

Heatbounce™ Leave-In Conditioner Heat Protectant

Heat protectant is a must when using any heat styling tool to prevent damage and breakage, especially on textured hair.

BaBylissPRO

Nano Titanium Xl Spring Curling Iron - 1-1/4"

For slightly tighter curls, opt for a curling iron like this one and work in small sections.

Ariel Wilson is the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. Previously the associate beauty editor at PS, she also has bylines in InStyle, Forbes Vetted, Women's Health, and more.

Shaped by her experience in research, social sciences, and the non-profit sector, Ariel enjoys looking at beauty from a sociocultural lens, looking to avenues like politics, culture, and the arts, to inform her views on the space. That being said, as a true beauty-product obsessive, testing the latest items to hit the market, keeping up with trends, and meeting industry icons, will always be her favorite part of working in the beauty space.

When she's not working, Ariel can be found hanging out with her husband and loving on their two cat daughters: Cow and Chicken.