Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington’s Daily Routine: A Masterclass in Balance and Self-Care
Morning Routine: Starting Strong
Kerry begins her day early, often waking up between 5:00 and 6:00 AM to take advantage of the quiet morning hours. For her, mornings are sacred—a time to set the tone for the day and prioritize herself before her family and work obligations take over.
The first thing Kerry does? Hydrate. She drinks at least a liter of water infused with lemon juice or electrolytes, a habit that fuels her body and jumpstarts her metabolism. “Hydration is everything,” she’s said, and her glowing skin is proof of its importance. One of her go-to hydration boosters is the LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix, which she loves for its added nutrients.
From there, it’s time to move. Kerry’s workouts are a mix of Pilates, yoga, and weight training, all tailored to keep her body strong and flexible. She often uses tools like a Pilates Reformer or a yoga mat to stay consistent. But movement for Kerry isn’t just about fitness—it’s a way to connect with herself and set her mind for the day ahead.
Skincare follows closely after. Her morning routine is a testament to simplicity and effectiveness. She starts with the Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, spritzes her skin with rosewater mist, and locks in moisture with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost SPF 50. To brighten her eyes, she uses luxurious 24-karat gold eye patches—a small indulgence that makes a big difference.
Mornings are my anchor,” Kerry explains.
“If I can start the day feeling centered, everything else falls into place.
Afternoons: Finding Joy in the Hustle
As the day unfolds, Kerry transitions into work mode. Whether she’s on set, producing, or advocating for a cause, she approaches each project with a sense of purpose.
Even with a busy schedule, Kerry doesn’t let hydration or self-care fall by the wayside. She sips on coconut water throughout the day to stay refreshed and carries a sleek water bottle to make hydration easy on the go.
When she has a moment to herself, she journals—a practice that keeps her grounded and allows her to reflect. “It’s my way of processing the chaos and finding clarity,” Kerry shares. Her favorite tool? A simple but elegant journaling notebook that she keeps nearby.
“I ask myself: Where can I add the most value and find the most joy?” she says.
Evening Routine: Winding Down with Intention
Kerry’s evenings are all about slowing down. After a full day, she carves out time for self-care and family, creating a sense of calm before bedtime. Her skincare routine is a highlight of her evenings—a ritual she treasures.
She begins with a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities. Her first step is the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, followed by a deeper cleanse with her trusted cleanser. Then comes the game changer: retinol. Kerry swears by the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Night Cream, which helps address fine lines and hyperpigmentation. She finishes with the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream to lock in hydration overnight.
As she winds down, Kerry often spends time with her family or curls up with her pets.
“These moments remind me what’s most important,” she says.
Wellness Staples: Haircare and Nutrition
Kerry Washington’s commitment to wellness extends beyond her daily habits—it’s a reflection of her holistic self-care philosophy. Her approach to natural haircare focuses on nourishing her curls while keeping them healthy and vibrant. She prioritizes hydration with As I Am Rice Water Cleansing Rinse and Curling Jelly, which define her natural texture while preventing dryness. For styling, Kerry relies on the Ghd Curve 1.25″ Soft Curl Iron, achieving her signature soft waves with minimal heat damage.
Her focus on wellness is equally reflected in her nutrition choices. Kerry follows a mostly vegan lifestyle, emphasizing clean, nutrient-rich meals to fuel her energy and skin health. To support her wellness goals, she incorporates fish oil capsules for glowing skin, Vitamin C for immune health, and calcium supplements for bone strength, emphasizing the importance of balanced care from the inside out.
Kerry Washington’s Expert Hair Care Tips for Healthy Curls
Kerry’s hairstyling success comes from a balanced, low-maintenance approach tailored for natural hair health. Her stylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, emphasizes protective techniques and minimal heat exposure to maintain her curls’ integrity. Here are Kerry’s top tips for healthy hair:
- Avoiding Chemical Relaxers
- Kerry has embraced her natural curls since her early 20s, avoiding chemical relaxers to inspire her children to appreciate their natural hair beauty.
- Regular Trims for Healthy Ends
- Her stylist trims her hair every six weeks to prevent split ends and maintain healthy length retention, combined with deep conditioning treatments for moisture balance.
- Protective & Low Manipulation Styles
- Kerry often wears protective styles such as braids, faux locs, and wigs. She also uses clip-in extensions to add volume and length without heat damage or excessive styling.
- Scalp Care and Cleansing
- To avoid buildup, Kerry prioritizes a clean scalp for optimal hair health and moisture absorption.
- Minimal Product Usage
- Kerry’s stylist takes a less-is-more approach, using lightweight products for movement and shine. On rare occasions, she uses Oribe Superfine Hairsprayfor a flexible hold.
- Gentle Heat Styling
- Kerry minimizes heat damage by using a blow dryer with a comb attachment on low heat and limiting direct heat exposure by counting to three seconds per curl when styling.
Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact
Kerry Washington’s routine is a reminder that self-care is about showing up for yourself in small but meaningful ways. Whether it’s hydrating first thing in the morning, moving your body, or taking a moment to journal, her practices are as accessible as they are impactful.
Ready to Embrace Wellness Like Kerry?
Incorporate her go-to practices and products into your own self-care journey. Start creating a routine that makes you feel balanced, radiant, and empowered every day.
