Tracee Ellis Ross celebrates the beauty of Black hair in Elle

The incomparable Tracee Ellis Ross, 47, graces the cover of Elle Magazine’s inaugural State of Black Beauty issue and was interviewed about the art of Black hair by actress Kerry Washington, 43.

Just a few days after their Zoom chat, both stars went on to hos back-to-back nights of last week’s virtual Democratic National Convention. 

Tracee opened up to the Scandal star about her own journey with natural hair which led to the creation of her company, Pattern Beauty, a hair care line specifically designed for curls. 

One-on-one: The incomparable Tracee Ellis Ross, 47, graces the cover of Elle Magazine’s inaugural State of Black Beauty Issue and was interviewed about the art of Black hair by actress Kerry Washington, 43

‘I was very supported in my family around my hair,’ she explained. ‘But in terms of seeing all different kinds of versions in the wallpaper of my lives out in the world, I wasn’t seeing it. And I was getting confused.’

She continued: ‘All of the things that I was taught from the media were like, I was supposed to have easy breezy beautiful hair. Bouncin’ and behavin’. My hair didn’t blow in the wind! All of these things didn’t match up.’

Ross, the daughter of music legend Diana Ross, saw the need for Black women and people of color to see their own authentic hair reflected in the beauty industry. 

The idea for fulfilling that need herself came from the local beauty supply stylists in Los Angeles who would tell Tracee how women would come in with photos of her as their hair inspiration. 

Icon: Tracee, opened up about her own journey with her natural hair which led to the creation of her company, Pattern Beauty, a hair care line specifically designed for curls

Icon: Tracee, opened up about her own journey with her natural hair which led to the creation of her company, Pattern Beauty, a hair care line specifically designed for curls

'I was very supported in my family around my hair,' she explained. 'But in terms of seeing all different kinds of versions in the wallpaper of my lives out in the world, I wasn't seeing it. And I was getting confused.'

‘I was very supported in my family around my hair,’ she explained. ‘But in terms of seeing all different kinds of versions in the wallpaper of my lives out in the world, I wasn’t seeing it. And I was getting confused.’

‘I was like, “What? My hair?” And, you know, there was no social media at the time so there was no connection between the community and me,’ she recalled in her conversation with Washington. 

‘It took about ten years to create Pattern,’ she said. ‘The mission is two-fold, to create effective products for the curly, coily, and tight textured community. 

‘The second part of the mission is to be an active space to celebrate Blackness and the power of Black beauty.’ 

'All of the things that I was taught from the media were like, I was supposed to have easy breezy beautiful hair. Bouncin' and behavin'. My hair didn't blow in the wind! All of these things didn't match up.'

‘All of the things that I was taught from the media were like, I was supposed to have easy breezy beautiful hair. Bouncin’ and behavin’. My hair didn’t blow in the wind! All of these things didn’t match up.’

Surprised: Tracee was floored when, over a decade ago, stylists would tell her that women came to the beauty supply with photos of Tracee asking for help to get her style

Surprised: Tracee was floored when, over a decade ago, stylists would tell her that women came to the beauty supply with photos of Tracee asking for help to get her style

'It took about ten years to create Pattern,' she said. 'The mission is two-fold, to create effective products for the curly, coily, and tight textured community. The second part of the mission is to be an active space to celebrate Blackness and the power of Black beauty.'

‘It took about ten years to create Pattern,’ she said. ‘The mission is two-fold, to create effective products for the curly, coily, and tight textured community. The second part of the mission is to be an active space to celebrate Blackness and the power of Black beauty.’

Along with the new issue, Elle.com debuted digital version of the initiative on Thursday which is described as ‘an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.’    

Tracee highlighted the beauty and versatility of Black hair in stunning images for Elle. 

The looks pay homage to the true art of Black hairstyles and the photo shoot was curated by an all-black crew with Ross herself serving as creative director. 

For the photos, the Blackish star focused on bold looks in both her hair and her ensembles. 

'It takes a lot of courage to advocate for yourself,' Tracee agreed. 'As a woman, and as a Black woman, advocating for yourself is actually a form of resistance. It is how each of us push the world to make sure that the real estate matches the reality of who we are and what we deserve.'

‘It takes a lot of courage to advocate for yourself,’ Tracee agreed. ‘As a woman, and as a Black woman, advocating for yourself is actually a form of resistance. It is how each of us push the world to make sure that the real estate matches the reality of who we are and what we deserve.’

Using their voices: Just a few days after their Zoom chat, both stars each hosted back-to-back nights of last week's virtual Democratic National Convention

'Sometimes we can feel like speaking up on our own behalf looks like ego. But asking for what we need¿whether it's a friend at an awards show, or speaking up in the hair and makeup trailer, or in our relationships¿it is a part of how we express our work, not necessarily our ego,' Kerry told Tracee during their Zoom

Using their voices: Just a few days after their Zoom chat, both stars each hosted back-to-back nights of last week’s virtual Democratic National Convention

She glowed with minimal makeup in a billowing ruffled gown in vibrant yellow with short structured  braids that were turned upward in curves, tied off with small hair picks.

In another look, Tracee stunned with expertly styled corn rows in various thicknesses that framed her face and a soft high half pony in the back.

To highlight the long tresses, the actress slipped into a pleated red backless dress with a pattern of primary colors on the back.

Changing the conversation: Along with the new issue, Elle.com debuted The State of Black Beauty on Thursday which is described as 'an ongoing exploration of¿and destination for¿beauty at the intersection of Black culture'

Changing the conversation: Along with the new issue, Elle.com debuted The State of Black Beauty on Thursday which is described as ‘an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture’

Listen and learn: 20 women gave real-life testimonials about their own stories of 'microaggressions they've faced because of their natural texture or hair styling choices.'

Listen and learn: 20 women gave real-life testimonials about their own stories of ‘microaggressions they’ve faced because of their natural texture or hair styling choices.’

During their conversation, Kerry and Tracee discussed the importance for women, especially Black women, to learn to be their on advocates.  

‘Sometimes we can feel like speaking up on our own behalf looks like ego. But asking for what we need—whether it’s a friend at an awards show, or speaking up in the hair and makeup trailer, or in our relationships—it is a part of how we express our work, not necessarily our ego,’ Kerry said. 

‘It takes a lot of courage to advocate for yourself,’ Tracee agreed. ‘As a woman, and as a Black woman, advocating for yourself is actually a form of resistance. It is how each of us push the world to make sure that the real estate matches the reality of who we are and what we deserve.’

Art: The initiative is also highlighting a photo essay by the Tyler Twins, who are the granddaughters of inventor Garrett Morgan

Art: The initiative is also highlighting a photo essay by the Tyler Twins, who are the granddaughters of inventor Garrett Morgan

'Every courageous act that a marginalized person takes opens up a space for somebody else,' Tracee said

‘Every courageous act that a marginalized person takes opens up a space for somebody else,’ Tracee said

Adding: ‘And every courageous act that a marginalized person takes opens up a space for somebody else.’ 

Tracee and Kerry are two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars who have consistently spoken out and advocated for racial equality and women’s rights.

They also both served as two of the hosts of last week’s four-day virtual Democratic National Convention which saw the official nomination of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on the presidential ticket. 

Amazing: Tracee highlighted the beauty and versatility of Black hair in stunning images that pay homage to the true art of Black hairstyles and the photo shoot was curated by an all-black crew with Ross herself serving as creative director

 Amazing: Tracee highlighted the beauty and versatility of Black hair in stunning images that pay homage to the true art of Black hairstyles and the photo shoot was curated by an all-black crew with Ross herself serving as creative director

Along with Tracee’s interview in the magazine, the digital arm of The State of Black Beauty features real-life testimonials from women who share their own stories of ‘microaggressions they’ve faced because of their natural texture or hair styling choices.’

The initiative is also highlighting a photo essay by the Tyler Twins, who are the granddaughters of inventor Garrett Morgan.

The photo essay features images from the 2020 Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show, a showcase of Black hair that has been around since 1947.  

Glam: The photo essay features images from the 2020 Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show, a showcase of Black hair that has been around since 1947

Glam: The photo essay features images from the 2020 Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show, a showcase of Black hair that has been around since 1947

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