Tracee Ellis Ross’ Hairstylist Shares Her Favorite ‘Black-ish’ Looks (PHOTOS)
Sleek Buns & Ponytails
“I have made sleek buns and casual updos a go-to staple for Rainbow Johnson,” Lindsey says. “Tracee Ellis Ross’ character is an anesthesiologist, the mother of five children, is married to a lovely husband, and has a dog. A sleek bun or updo would be the most realistic for someone who doesn’t have much time to herself.”
Sleek Buns & Ponytails
She adds, “These styles are also part of the ‘protective style’ community. It’s the best way to keep your hair healthy and stylish.”
Braids
“I began braiding hair in high school. It’s a skill I’m proud to showcase on black-ish,” Lindsey shares.
Braids
“Before black-ish, viewers had not seen a married, professional, career woman with five children, in cornrows. Most women would braid their hair to save time during the week. I’m glad to bring honest imagery to life,” she continues.
Braids
“Over the past six seasons, Tracee has worn many different braid styles. These are a few of my favorites,” she concludes.
Soft ‘N Curly
“I rarely see full, fluffy natural hair on television,” Lindsey notes.
Soft ‘N Curly
She continues, “Whenever I style Tracee’s hair in bouncy, carefree curls, it seems to show a softer side of Rainbow Johnson.”
Brushed Out
“I love big, fluffy hair,” Lindsey explains.
Brushed Out
“To get this look, I usually brush out Tracee’s natural curl or whatever curl pattern that was created prior with a large paddle brush,” she details.
Character Styling
“Some of my favorite episodes are when I get to transform Tracee Ellis Ross and the Johnson family,” Lindsey begins.
Character Styling
She continues, “[We’ve seen Bow transform] into characters such as Michelle Obama, Jasmine from Disney’s Aladdin, and Thelma from Good Times.”
Character Styling
“[And we’ve done] period hairstyling, like our 1920s Season 1 finale,” she adds.
Character Styling
“Tracee has a classic face. You can transport her to any era,” she says.
Back in January, black-ish aired “Hair Day,” an episode exploring Diane Johnson’s (Marsai Martin) natural hair journey decision. But this was hardly the first time the ABC comedy has shined a spotlight on Black hair over its six seasons.
In fact, the series has done a great job at doing just that with the cast each week, particularly with matriarch Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross). And in the midst of Black History Month, TV Insider chatted with Ross’ own hairstylist Araxi Lindsey about how she and the Emmy-nominated actress have used black-ish as a platform for showcasing natural hair through the years.
In the gallery above, check out some of Lindsey’s favorite looks for Bow over the seasons, from sleek buns and ponytails to brushed out and braids. Plus, she shares her most memorable moments styling Ross for those big themed episodes, from the Good Times installment to the Season 1’s 1920s-themed finale.
Click through for her picks and why they stand out!
Blackish, Tuesdays, 9:30/8:30c, ABC
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