Kerry Washington unveiled her latest hair transformation at the SAG-AFTRA “Imperfect Women” screening and conversation in New York on Monday night, marking a major departure from her previous Pamela Anderson-inspired updo earlier in March.
Inside the Robin Williams Center, the 49-year-old actress appeared with two bohemian-style braids, which extended past her hips. Each tail was fashioned in an inverse French braid, with dark brown, caramel and white hues woven throughout.
Kerry Washington at the “Imperfect Women” screening.
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For the past few months, Washington has collaborated with Rio Sreedharan, the same artist behind her modernized messy bun at the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday, ahead of the 98th annual Oscars. However, it’s not certain whether the stylist was the mastermind behind Washington’s Monday night braids.
A chameleon when it comes to hair, the “Scandal” actress rarely wears the same texture and cut twice. However, she was seen with similar braids in an Instagram post shared on Valentine’s Day. Here, Washington teamed the long hair with a red workout set and heart-shaped glasses. “Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Sending you all love! And giving you some mindful yoga movements to help you open your hearts today,” her caption read.
Kerry Washington on the red carpet before the screening.
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At the Women’s Cancer Research Fund weeks later, where she was honored with the Courage Award, Washington switched to sleek, straight hair and flipped ends. Before that, at the world premiere of “Imperfect Women” on March 10, Washington styled an elegant “lob” — a long bob — with the help of Sreedharan.
Kerry Washington attends the world premiere of Apple TV’s “Imperfect Women.”
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Many stars went the Old Hollywood route at the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, pairing bombshell blowouts and combed-through curls with pastels on the carpet. Indeed, many stylists also played with ’90s minimalism, crafting low ballerina buns with loose layers for the likes of Elle Fanning, Misty Copeland and Zoe Saldaña. “The idea was a very open bun that appears to be there on its own with no pins,” said hair architect Miles Jeffries of Copeland’s look, which he fashioned using Olaplex products.
