Some celebrities – and those of us not in the public eye – find comfort in sticking to the same hairstyle and makeup style year after year. There is certainly no shame in expressing yourself in a way that makes you feel most confident. It’s also very satisfying to learn about your favorite stars’ signature looks (think Taylor Swift’s red lip or Jennifer Aniston’s sun-kissed shag). But for beauty lovers everywhere, the freedom to try something outside the box every now and then is refreshing and even inspiring. Take Kerry Washington’s beauty evolution for example. While the red carpet favorite seems to have certain preferences that she mentions from time to time, you can always expect her to get imaginative with her glamour.
From close-done bobs to bejeweled braids, Washington’s ever-changing hairstyles (the work of her trusted hair guru Takisha Sturdivant-Drew), manicures and makeup are always as memorable as her bold fashion choices. And if you go back to the actor and producer’s first major public appearances, you’ll notice that she changed everything from the very beginning. For example, when she attended the 2005 Golden Globes Radius the star gave a fine glow to a loose, curled hairstyle decorated with hairpins, delicate, natural eye makeup and radiant skin and lips. Just a few years later, at the Cannes Film Festival, she wanted a more bombshell Bardot look. A year later, she tried out smoky eyes and sleek, straight hair. And since then, she hasn’t stopped surprising us (just look at her bold fairy hairstyle at the 2024 Met Gala!).
Washington’s beauty evolution is non-linear, which is why she’s still one of the top style stars to watch on the red carpet (and off-duty). That said, it can really pay off to take a risk with your own hair, makeup, and nails.
Do you want to change something? Ahead, take a look at some of the trendsetter’s best looks from the last two decades – from modest to bold and everything in between – and be inspired to step out of your comfort zone.
Golden Globes 2005
With tender, natural makeup and a tousled hairstyle with high heels, Washington instantly became someone to watch out for when it comes to beauty.
Cannes Film Festival 2009
The actress turned up the sparkle in 2009 when she debuted what became one of her signature looks – the tender cat eye. Appropriately for the setting, she paired it with a Brigitte Bardot-inspired hairstyle and red lips.
Met Gala 2010
Washington’s appearance at the 2010 Golden Globes showed us a more dramatic figure, with kohl-rimmed smoky eyes and straight hair.
2011 NAACP Image Awards
In 2011, Washington stepped out in another of her favorite looks: a tender, natural glow with loose, shoulder-length waves and neutral, monochromatic makeup.
Golden Globes 2013
In her support Django without chains for this role, the actor gave us all a shoulder-length bob with straightened hair and fringe framing her tender, blue-tinted eyelids.
SAG Awards 2014
Pregnancy made Washington more glamorous than ever during all her red carpet appearances in 2014, but what was particularly memorable was her Audrey Hepburn-esque look with a French accent and a straightforward ribbon headband – paired with statement black nails.
Emmys 2015
The Scandal The Emmy star’s faux bob has inspired long-haired women around the world to try shorter hair, with no strings attached.
Emmys 2016
During her second pregnancy at the 2016 Emmy Awards, Washington established herself as a pioneer of maternity style trends with another stunning look, featuring voluminous curls and a black reverse French manicure.
Met Gala 2017
The chameleon beauty turned things around on fashion’s biggest night with her edgy bob and blunt micro bangs.
Women in Entertainment Gala 2019
With her plum lips, chrome nails and ornate hip-length Senegalese curls, Washington proved that she loves trying out recent looks on the red carpet.
Emmys 2022
For the chic event, the actress tied her hair up in a messy bun and paired it with two of her favorite glam looks: nude lips and lots of lashes.
Met Gala 2024
The Untrapped the star opted for one of her most dramatic hairstyles ever at the 2024 Met Gala, where she paired a pixie cut with pink lips and a glossy manicure.
