Tracee Ellis Ross on Turning 50 and the Product She Bought in Bulk


The one-and-only Tracee Ellis Ross took New York by storm Monday to celebrate PATTERN’s first-ever hot tool ($189)—a “curl-conscious” blow dryer with four exclusive attachments, all of which are designed specifically for the styling needs of textured hair—and, besides explaining the very detailed and particular process behind getting the matte-caramel color of the cord “just right,” the actress, producer, CEO and founder imparted some sage anti-aging advice.

“I just turned 50,” the beauty exec shared of her next-decade birthday, which she celebrated at the end of October. “I’ve always loved getting older and I’ve always announced my age; I feel very proud. I think it’s an honor. Not everyone gets to turn 50.”

In addition to debuting the two-years-in-the-making chic blow dryer, Ross also introduced the brand’s new Heat Protectant ($20) and Shine Spray ($20), a duo intended to further protect curls, “while providing users an opportunity to explore their pattern.”

“When I found out Aveda Elixir was being discontinued…I stocked up and put them in my fridge,” Ross shared when detailing her life-long quest for hair products that worked for her. “It didn’t work.”

Also on her list of “did-not-work” routine: The sheer amount of products she had in her bathroom while growing up—which did not meet the Diana Ross seal of approval.

“Nothing was really working and my mom finally said, ‘You can’t get any more until you grow up and have a job!’”