When it comes to hairstyles — especially updos — it doesn’t take much to confuse me. If you’re wearing anything more elaborate than a ponytail, I’m going to need a map, a compass, and a dissertation to comprehend it. I’m notorious among other beauty-writer friends for asking what the hell is going on with someone’s updo and the answer almost always being a French twist. But I can say with confidence that the hairstyle Tracee Ellis Ross wore to the Chanel Cruise runway show is not a French twist but rather a masterpiece of mathematically complicated proportions, which is why I’m so glad she gave us a full tour of the look.
Upon first glance, looking straight on, I was simultaneously enthralled by and curious about Ross’s style. You can see that it’s slicked back in what appears to be a smooth yet voluminous bun, but peeking out from right side is a sharply angled swath of hair with chicly blunt ends. I had a feeling there was more going on behind the scenes (“the scenes” being her head), and thankfully, Ross posted to Instagram confirming that.
Tracee Ellis RossGetty Images