Kerry Washington Swears By This 3-Ingredient DIY Spray To Refresh Her Scalp

Kerry Washington's Beauty Secrets video with Vogue pulls out all the stops. No lie, I was practically drinking up the actress's tips to replicate her signature glow (note to self: She layers two shades of concealer under the eyes, balancing the bouncy light with a richer-toned hue). She details her affinity for eye patches, minimal brow routine, as well as how to master the perfect matte red lip.

Before all of that, though, Washington kicks off with hair care: "I like to use a scalp spray because sometimes when you're wearing protective styles like braids for a long time, your scalp can get a little itchy or have product buildup," she says. 

Let's talk ingredients. For this scalp tonic, all you'll need is distilled water, witch hazel, and your essential oils of choice. Witch hazel is the workhorse here, as the botanical boasts anti-inflammatory and sebum-control properties1 to help clean and stimulate the scalp. As Washington mentioned, it's a great cleansing option for protective styles—those oil-controlling, anti-inflammatory properties can help stave off flakes and buildup while relieving any itchiness. "It's a mild scalp refresher," texture specialist and artistic director at Matrix Michelle O'Connor told mbg about witch hazel for hair.

Even better, Washington makes sure to choose an alcohol-free version to spray into her roots; alcohol can be harsh on the skin and disrupt its natural barrier and microbiome, which can lead to irritation. 

As for the EO's, Washington's partial to rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender, all of which have hair-healthy properties: Rosemary is linked to improving hair thickness2; lavender can help protect your length; peppermint can promote blood circulation3 on the scalp; and eucalyptus has antifungal and antiseptic properties4. "Also you become like a walking aromatherapy," Washington quips, which, of course, is a benefit in and of itself.