We’ve all heard the stories: Black models having to do their own hair before a runway show; actors being forced to work with stylists who didn’t know how to work with textured hair and people getting their hair damaged as a result. But we also know that if Lacy Redway were somehow able to be on every single set, that’d never happen again. “Part of my lore is being able to specialize in all hair types and textures,” the stylist says. “It’s a unique quality to have in an industry that is meant to service so many different people.”
An idle scroll through her Instagram showcases her range, from ringlets for Chappell Roan and sculpted waves for the Christian Siriano runway to perfect cornrows for Alicia Keys and a slick-back without a strand out of place for Tessa Thompson. “Putting myself in a box is doing myself a disservice, especially as someone of color — we’re always marginalized anyway,” Redway explains.
The Jamaican stylist began developing her refined style and skill set early; she describes her younger self as that “girl in school who does everyone’s hair.” She moved to the U.S. at 8, and at 11 she began charging around $10 (a steal!) for access to her braiding abilities. By 14, she began working at a hair salon and continued working there while studying journalism and PR at Felician University in New Jersey. Through a stylist at that salon, Redway began working on commercial photo shoots, where she realized that “This is what I’m supposed to be doing,” she says. After that epiphany, she began building her portfolio and getting gigs through word of mouth, eventually ending up backstage during fashion month and on set assisting iconic artists like Guido Palau. Celebrities began noticing Redway’s expertise and asking their publicists to hire her, and she now works with some of the most impressive brands in fashion and the biggest names in Hollywood.
Below, Redway shares her simplified hair-care routine and her secret perfume combo.
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A.M. Routine
My routine shifts often — I could be in Japan today, Australia tomorrow, and L.A. or New York the next day. But usually in the mornings, I try to fast. If anything, I might do a green juice. I work out in the mornings, and I love cycling, and weight lifting keeps everything toned. In the city, I work out at Aarmy, which is really tough and pushes me. When I shower, I use the SheaMoisture body wash that has manuka honey and oatmeal. It keeps my skin smooth. I get facials from Joanna Vargas, and that’s how I got introduced to her products. I’m like, Lady, whatever you’re doing is working. She’s knowledgeable, and I’ve had many clients over the years who have also trusted her with their skin. I wash my face in the shower with her vitamin-C face wash, and I use SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair line on my hair because it adds so much more moisture — especially now that it’s becoming winter.
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Once I get out of the shower, I use the Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Body Crème, which has a nice glow and leaves me smelling good. For my face, I use Joanna Vargas’s Daily Hydrating Cream and Black Girl Sunscreen. Then I’ll put on the Fenty lip gloss in Hot Chocolit. Even if my hair is not done, I always want to make sure my edges are intact. I love the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Edge Gel and the Baby Tress edge brush.
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P.M. Routine
Usually, I shower at night with the same products, especially if I work out again. Occasionally, I work out up to three times a day. I might do a Spin class in the morning, take another class or weight train on my own in the middle of the day, and then do Pilates or take a yoga class in the evening. But that’s not my life all the time.
My skin-care routine is also similar, but if it’s a day when I’m wearing a lot of makeup because I’m on-camera for a TV segment or a podcast or something, I might do a more intense face scrub to get everything off. So I’ll remove my makeup first with Bioderma micellar water, and then I’ll use the Joanna Vargas exfoliating mask to really remove any excess makeup and dry skin. Then I put on Joanna Vargas’s Twilight night cream and the Summer Fridays lip balm in Vanilla Beige. I also use the CurrentBody LED red-light mask.
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On makeup favorites
I only really wear makeup when I have to be on-camera. But when I do wear it, my foundation is Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, and my concealer is from Pat McGrath. I use a lot of M.A.C products, including its eye shadows and the M.A.Cstack Elevated mascara. For blush, I use NAR’s Exhibit A. I love the Pat McGrath highlighter and balm duo. I put the highlighter on my cheekbones and the gloss on my lids.
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On fragrance
I use Parfums de Marly Delina Exclusif and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat 540. I like rose, and I like things I can mix because I don’t want to smell like anyone else. Those two mix really well together, so they’re my everyday scents. Then, depending on my mood, I’ll change them out for something else. For example, Samir Grey, a former hairstylist colleague of mine, launched a fragrance that’s really light and almost smells like shea butter. It has notes of tiare flower, almond milk, and peony, which is my favorite flower.
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On professional beauty treatments
I don’t really get any others, and I haven’t done any injectables yet. I definitely am approaching the age when many women in my age bracket are doing a lot of different things to their skin and faces. But I’m going to credit good genetics and being careful with what I do to my skin with my skin being in pretty good shape.
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On supplements
Yes, I take probiotics, ashwagandha, multivitamins, and vitamin D. I also add liquid chlorophyll to my water or peppermint tea for gut health — I have a dairy and gluten allergy, so sometimes eating out can be challenging. When I take supplements, I find that I’m more energized and awake.
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On her braids shortcut
I’ve honestly been wearing this style for the past 20 years — it’s basically a partial weave that’s sewn in, and I braid the front of my hair to give the illusion that it’s all braided. It cuts down on time. It’s become a popular style now, which is so funny to me, because people will go on TikTok and be like, Oh, I unlocked this new style. I’m like, You didn’t unlock anything.
I wear the Well Tressed bonnet to bed, but I’m not outside wearing my bonnet — I’m not wearing it to the store. I also use Slip silk pillowcases.
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On her kit essentials
If I’m getting someone ready for a concert, red carpet, or a photo shoot, there’s usually a makeup artist who’s also getting my client ready at the same time. I’ll use a face shield before I spray hairspray in someone’s hair to protect the makeup. I also can’t live without the Tumi Alpha wheeled duffel, which carries everything together and is organized. I love the YS Park brushes and combs. The brand’s teasing comb is a great way to backcomb somebody’s hair to create volume, height, and structure. Finally, I’ve been using the Helios hair dryer from GHD. It reaches a good temperature that can do the job without compromising the integrity of the person’s hair. And it comes with different attachments, so I’m able to get all hair types smooth.
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