Nathalie Emmanuel’s Guide to Natural Hair Care and Healing Breakouts

The ‘F9’ actor shares her hair, skin-care, and makeup routine while reflecting on the industry and the impact of her ‘Game of Thrones’ character.

Nathalie Emmanuel’s Guide to Natural Hair Care and Healing Breakouts

For Nathalie Emmanuel, beauty is synonymous with authenticity. From her natural curls to acne scars to a foundation blended exactly to match her unique skin tone, Emmanuel has perfected the art of self-love, cultivating a routine—and lifestyle—that feels genuine. “I didn’t realize how challenging it would be having very curly, kinky hair in the acting industry,” says Emmanuel, who is perhaps best known for her role as Missandei in Game of Thrones. “The idea that my hair would be natural was kind of like, not really seen much. It actually became kind of important to me, to just kind of demonstrate that my hair’s natural form is just beautiful and fine—I don’t have to change it.” To maximize her coiled texture, Emmanuel starts with damp hair, detangling with her fingers before applying scalp oil, leave-in conditioner, and Pattern Curl Gel before diffusing her mane to buoyant perfection. After combing her edges, the actress is ready for skin care. A duet of cleansers—each massaged for 60 seconds—helps Emmanuel combat her acne spots, which she refers to as her “polka dots.” Next comes a clarifying serum, moisturizer, and a pause with The Light Salon’s Boost LED Mask, followed by SPF and spot treatments courtesy of Dr. Barbara Sturm.

“I’ve been vegan now for maybe—I think it’s been eight years,” says Emmanuel, who begins her minimal makeup routine with a swipe of lip balm. “That kind of journey came from my love of yoga and love of self-care and meditation and just being really in tune with my body and really understanding my body.” For foundation, the actress swears by an individualized blend by Cosmetics á la Carte, followed by Chanel Longwear Colour Corrector/Concealer and Ulta Stay Cheeky Liquid Blush.

“When I learned that Missandei was going to die, I knew that, as the only woman of color on the show, I knew that people would feel her loss, like the loss of her, because she’s also just like a really kind, good character. I was not anticipating, I guess, the size of the reaction that happened,” says Emmanuel, dabbing Glossier Futuredew over cheeks and eyelids. “I think that really sparked a conversation about, when we make these shows in the future, when we are casting these shows, like, do we just have to have the one person; is there space for more of us?” An expert pull and flick of Lorac PRO Liquid Eyeliner, a coat of mascara, and a brushed-up brow finish the look, which reads as bright and unaffected as the actress herself. “And I think the answer is yes,” she says. “And I know the answer is yes.”