Tracee Ellis Ross Swore By These Hair Essentials While Solo Traveling Through Melbourne, Australia

Solo travel is about more than booking a flight for one—it’s an act of freedom. It’s choosing curiosity over comfort, saying yes to unfamiliar places, and allowing every destination to become part of your story. Whether you’re wandering through world-class museums, discovering hidden vintage boutiques, or watching waves roll onto the shore, the most memorable journeys are the ones that leave you feeling even more like yourself. That philosophy is exactly what Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and PATTERN Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross embraces in Season 2 of her Roku series, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross. 

This season, Ross treks through Gstaad, Switzerland, Chiang Rai, Thailand, and Melbourne, Australia, where she kicks off part two of her self-love journey across the world—proving that caring for yourself travels just as well as your passport.

Known for its iconic art and architecture, vintage designer fashion, historic museums, and a city market more than 140 years old, everything about Melbourne is simply breathtaking and everything you want in a getaway for one. In fact, Ross said (and sung) it best: “This is the calmest that I have been in Melbourne, and I say that because…I’ve been rockin’ and I been rollin’ and I been shoppin’, and I’ve been dinin’.”

But with all that travel comes baggage restrictions, weight limits, and the ongoing plight of transferring all your liquids and gels—including all your hair products—into approved security-sized bottles in an effort to avoid unnecessary fees. Thankfully, Tracee Ellis Ross created PATTERN Beauty—a haircare line for natural, curly, and coily hair—amid an ever-growing list of projects. The line comes complete with an assortment of hydrating formulas such as mousse, shampoo, leave-in, conditioner, curl gel, and more. Best of all, the products also come in minis and travel-size, so she (and you) can fit them all in your suitcase or glide your carryon through security with ease. That means healthier curls, coils, and afros, no matter where the journey leads. In Ross’ case, that’s elegant hotels, vintage shops, hidden eateries, and surf lessons. 

If Melbourne is next on your travel vision board, follow this list of Tracee Ellis Ross’ favorite places and clock every PATTERN Beauty product she uses to keep her mane looking moisturized—come humidity, heat, or watersport adventures—along the way.

Check Into Elevated Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

Luxury is a feeling, and it will hit you every time you check into the Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. 

Perched high above the coastal metropolis skyline, the Ritz-Carlton delivers sweeping city views, refined interiors, and the kind of quiet elegance that encourages travelers to slow down and savor every moment. And sometimes, savoring the moment means relaxing in your hotel room with freshly washed and conditioned hair, room service, and a good movie playing on the flat screen.

While in Melbourne, Ross uses PATTERN’s Hydration Shampoo, which gently cleanses hair with a moisture-rich formula and without stripping—leaving curls soft and hydrated;  and Medium Conditioner, which adds moisture, softness, and easy detangling to wash day. When combined, the two leave your hair looking happy and healthy, even after crossing multiple time zones. So be like your favorite girlfriend, and book a room at the Ritz, so you and your hair can be pampered.

A Slick Back By Day, A Wash-And-Go by Night

Catch Waves with Zak Surfboards

Few experiences feel as liberating as stepping onto a surfboard for the first time. So for anyone looking to embrace Australia’s iconic beach culture and catch a few waves, Zak Surfboards has been helping locals and visitors gear up for the break since 1999. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or simply curious enough to paddle out, it’s an unforgettable way to experience Melbourne’s coastal energy.

Of course, saltwater, ocean wind, and sunshine can leave curls craving extra care. For days like these, Ross often leans into one of her favorite effortless looks: a sleek, polished bun. Pairing PATTERN’s Leave-In Conditioner with the brand’s Strong Hold Gel, she creates a smooth style that keeps the moisture locked in and the flyaways out. 

Adventure doesn’t have to come at the expense of healthy hair—with the right board and the right routine, you can chase the waves and still walk away with your curls intact.

Sip Through History at Yering Station

Approximately an hour outside Melbourne sits the picturesque wine region of Yarra Valley. 

Founded in 1838, Yering Station is Victoria, Australia’s oldest winery, where centuries of history meet award-winning wines and breathtaking vineyard views. Here, visitors can enjoy intimate tastings while learning about one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.

Ross can appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of creating wine, so she visits the family-owned estate when she’s in town, and she always does it in style. This time, at the classic vineyard, the Solo Traveling host returns to her chicly styled, slick back bun and basks in an indulgent glass of red. 

A night out with a look like that means minimal effort and maximum elegance.

Discover Fashion History @ Dot Comme

Melbourne’s fashion scene rewards those who look beyond the obvious. That’s why stepping inside the city’s iconic Curtin House, a historic six-story commercial building in the heart of Melbourne, is a fashion lover’s dream. In addition to its award-winning restaurants and live music venues, it’s home to Dot Comme, a boutique clothing store that Ross says has “the best collection of vintage pieces.” Dot Comme carries retro finds from some of the most coveted names in fashion. 

The boutique reflects Ross’ appreciation for timeless style and pieces that tell stories instead of chasing trends. That’s a philosophy that mirrors PATTERN Beauty itself: an investment in quality essentials that work whether you’re halfway around the world or getting ready at home—which is why the curly-hair advocate sections her curls and styles each one using PATTERN’s Interchangeable Curling Iron to show off her self-proclaimed “’70s porn hair” look. 

Beauty Heaven @ Mecca Bourke Street

For beauty enthusiasts, few destinations compare to MECCA Bourke Street.

Spanning three floors, the flagship store is dedicated to skincare, fragrance, makeup, wellness, and haircare—placing all your beauty product desires under one luxurious roof. When Ross walked into MECCA, she couldn’t hide her excitement—”This is my dream store!” she said, before adding, “We need to get PATTERN Beauty in there.” 

One of her favorite brands in her favorite store—it just makes sense.

If strolling through the streets is on the itinerary, make sure your hair has been kissed by PATTERN’s Medium Conditioner to keep it soft and silky with jojoba and olive oils that absorb into the strands, support detangling, and keep hair hydrated, so your mane stays selfie-ready and spoiled.

Wander Through The National Gallery of Victoria

Vacationers who enjoy seeing highly curated artwork should leave plenty of time for the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, with more than 76,000 works. The landmark celebrates everything from contemporary art and Indigenous Australian artists to rotating fashion and textile exhibitions, and is known for showcasing innovative, fashion-focused exhibitions that honor craftsmanship, design, and creative expression.

While its Westwood Kawakubo exhibit has since closed, Ross still praises it and continues to recommend the museum, which consistently pays homage to artistry and the history of fashion design.

Like travel itself, the museum invites visitors to see beauty through new perspectives, which is exactly what Ross does every time she creates a new look using PATTERN’s Repair360 Leave-In Foam. The lightweight foam supports damaged hair by repairing bonds, protecting against heat damage (up to 450°), and strengthening strands with the power of vegan proteins and amino acids. So, when packing for your trip, make sure you don’t leave home without the foam.

Entrees And Ambiance

Stokehouse

Every unforgettable destination deserves an equally unforgettable meal.

Situated directly along St Kilda Beach, Ross recommends Stokehouse for a culinary experience that elevates Australian cuisine with panoramic ocean views, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that effortlessly blends sophistication with relaxation. The venue is known for its fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that shine alongside an exceptional wine list. 

The restaurant’s decor alone makes it an ideal place to linger over dinner as the sun dips below the coastline. Whether you’re celebrating the day’s adventures with a crisp glass of wine or simply soaking in the seaside ambiance, Stokehouse reminds travelers that luxury often comes in the simplest forms.

Travel Beautiful Wherever You Go

Tracee Ellis Ross is all about exploration and discovery—pushing herself to try new things while enjoying her own company, and, of course, looking good while doing it. From checking into iconic hotels to riding the waves of the Bass Strait toward the Tasman Sea, from gallery visits to unforgettable oceanfront meals, Ross doesn’t hold back as she embraces the responsibility of her own happiness. And for her, happiness means jumping on a plane, visiting different cities around the world, and finding new places to pack all her PATTERN Beauty products along the way. Her solo travel rituals prove that the right essentials can make moving between continents feel just as effortless as exploring them. 

So whether you’re boarding your first international flight or planning a solo staycation, remember to pack your PATTERN products, too—because healthy hair deserves products that travel just as well as you do.

This content was created for PATTERN Beauty as part of a paid partnership.