Tracee Ellis Ross is a continuing reminder to never limit yourself. The creative chameleon effortlessly oscillates between being a fashion trendsetter and a heartwarming TV actress on timeless sitcoms (and just whenever you think that is enough, she continues to push boundaries each as a movie star – including her recent roles in a game and because the founding father of a beauty brand with games – line change, PATTERN

And after launching its ESSENCE 2024 Best In Beauty award-winning hair dryer last 12 months, it’s rightfully creating more hair tools that promise to make our lives easier. Starting today PATTERN new alternative curling ironis obtainable for purchase.

As the name suggests, it is available in three different barrel sizes: ⅜”, ¾” and 1”, so you may test different curl widths. And when did the inspiration behind heat-resistant caramel-colored tourmaline iron come about? “When I was working on set, I went through a period of heat injury,” she says. “And when I finally managed to get my hair back to a healthy state, the curl pattern was no longer the same. Some of the curls were tighter and some were looser,” adds Ross. “I might use a curling iron to create a harmony of curls in my hair. Since then it has been my secret weapon and secret tool.

Below, Ross details her new curling iron, her current beauty practice, and more.

ESSENCE: What inspired you to launch the curling iron?

Tracee Ellis Ross: When I finished season three, I looked within the mirror and thought, oh my God, I do not feel like Tracee anymore. I feel like Joanna. To create some variation, I went to a stylist who used a hair iron for me. And when she did, she told me my hair would curl… and no, it didn’t.

Between seasons three and 4 of Girlfriends, I went through the devastating journey that so lots of us undergo, where I discovered that my natural pattern was not there. I had heat damage and needed to determine the right way to care for my hair back to health, but at the identical time get back to the July show and look cute on TV.

And the show’s stylist on the time, Scott Williams, introduced me to skilled tourmaline irons. While restoring my hair to health, I used to be in a position to discover a technique to not cause further damage to my hair, in addition to learn a complete range of new styles that looked amazing while still constructing on my natural texture.

I desired to create an iron that would not cause the warmth damage that we have all unfortunately experienced. This one has a low temperature and a tourmaline iron that ensures even heat distribution, which helps reduce the chance of harm.

What else would you say sets this product aside from others you have used?

It solved most of the problems I had with other irons. This iron is clearly very beautiful. But what excites me is that the barrel itself is made from tourmaline, which distributes heat thoroughly. It also emits ions that protect the hair cuticle well.

The thumb clip often falls off on most irons, but this one doesn’t have that problem. The kickstand can also be protected. The on/off button is separate from the heating button, so you will not by chance turn it off.

The set also includes three different barrels. If, like me, you might be someone who sometimes uses all of the barrels in a single hairstyle and also you needn’t have three outlets on the counter, you may just use one outlet and swap the barrels. There can also be a swivel cable. It will rotate as you progress so you do not get tangled in it. And finally, one among my favorite things is that it has dual voltage so you should utilize it in Europe and never destroy it.

As someone who has handled heat damage, I’m sure you realize that many individuals who’ve suffered heat damage at the moment are afraid to make use of heat. What would you say to those people?

I believe a number of people use irons but do not know the right way to use them safely. Many people use irons that are usually not actually skilled grade or are usually not tourmaline and may perpetuate heat damage.

But I would like to remind folks that their possibilities are countless. I would like everyone to have access to all the probabilities that our hair allows us to do and that there’s a technique to play with heat while still having fun with natural texture. Tools are accessories; a part of the fun and exploration and incorporating new styles into your repertoire. If your hair is in good condition, your possibilities are countless.

What are the present ways to maintain your hair healthy? Especially when using heat?

If I take advantage of heat, I depend on a one-inch barrel of hair to create what I call “70s porn hair,” which is the look I created for my first ESSENCE cover. I take advantage of a moisturizing shampoo, intensive conditioner and leave-in conditioner. I diffuse my hair and naturally use a heat protectant first. And once it’s dry, I take a small section from the basis of my hair and comb it through with a paddle brush or a rat tail comb, after which I take advantage of a one-inch barrel. I wrap my hair flat on the iron. I get to the tip, turn the iron over, twist the iron into my hair, pull it out, and let it cool. And then I throw it away. I recently wore this style to the Television Critics Awards.

Tell us more about the way you styled your hair for your first ESSENCE cover

I washed my hair, dried it with a towel, after which braided three large braids with a sponge roller at the top. I might put a hair dryer attachment on it to make it dry more.

When I took the hair out, I used a three-quarter inch flat iron on the top and created a correct barrel curl. Then I ran my fingers through my hair. I just used heat on the ends.

These styles remind those that think they cannot wear wash and go clothes because they haven’t got the identical curl pattern throughout their hair. Using an iron, they will create a harmony of curls using one or two barrel sizes. You can create a fuller style while still counting on your texture and knowing what you are going to get.

What’s your favorite beauty look right away?

I have to admit that my casual look is currently one among my favorites. I’m 51 years old and I like plucking smooth backs. It makes me feel elegant and shiny. Besides, my hair grows very fast and I’m already gray. Because I work for the press and am away from home rather a lot greater than usual, I dyed my hair every three weeks. But recently I made a decision that I needed to provide my hair a break. I wear more wigs. I also do that in movies, it makes me feel like a special person. I used wigs in each cases, which was really cool to be a special person. And after all, you may’t go flawed with a red lip.

What have you ever been doing these days to feel confident and assured?

I’m a meditator and it is an element of my routine. I also really like bathing. Sometimes I start the day with a shower as a substitute of a shower. It helps me chill out first after which I am going to shower. It’s a mild technique to start the day.

How do you’re feeling you may have grown as a founder and person since founding PATTERN five years ago?

I believe we’re stopping being a startup and becoming a best-in-class beauty company. I also decided to simply accept the co-CEO position, which was a very big move and a signal that we were achieving success at a pace and in a way that showed me that I needed another person’s support and partnership. We complement one another perfectly. I believe I’ve grown essentially the most as a CEO because I wasn’t expert at it before.

I believe essentially the most exciting a part of all of that is how the brand is perceived by the client and the community that we not only serve, but that we’re a community with. We are a mobility-first brand, so with the ability to stay in constant contact with our customers is exciting and enjoyable. It’s incredibly nice to create something and have people receive it. Better yet, I like hearing stories like, “my daughter hated her curls and didn’t know how to wear them until we discovered Pattern.”