Beauty Chic > Ursula Stephen: Celebrity Hairstylist and New Image Beauty Expert
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Ursula Stephen, Celebrity Hairstylist and New Image Beauty Expert is the hairstylist of choice for many of today’s high profile celebrities, including R&B recording superstar Rihanna, platinum recording artist Keyshia Cole, Michelle Williams (of Destiny’s Child) and America’s Next Top Model Winner - Saleisha Stowers. Ursula is repeatedly requested for her expertise in “new image” hair makeovers, and for her impeccable product and styling knowledge. While her work speaks volumes for itself, Ursula has been called upon to provide expert tips and her personal “trade secrets” for many of the leading fashion and beauty publications including InStyle, Essence, Us Weekly and People Magazine.
Q: When did you begin your craft of hairstyling?
Well my high school was a beauty school- - so technically and officially I started doing hair my freshman year. It was called “Sarah J. Hale”, located in Brooklyn. It saved my life and open many doors for me.
Q: How did you get into doing hair for celebrities?
It was definitely a word of mouth situation. I had a couple of clients that worked at record labels or were in the business in some way. They basically put me on.
Q: You’re the stylist behind Rihanna’s infamous bob. Why did you decide to do something that drastic with her hair?
Because I’m drastic! LOL. Rihanna wanted a new look. And I was tired of all these artist looking the same, that’s so boring. I feel that back in the day artist took more chances with their look and I missed that. So, I decided to do the opposite. Everyone was doing long and brown, so I did short and black. I’m always changing my look so that also inspired her. Basically giving her that confidence.
Q: There have been debates about who rocked the bob first. Was there anyone in particular whose hairstyle inspired the look you gave Rihanna?
Debates?? I inspired her Bob. I’m all about a great cut and that’s been my trademark for as long as I can remember.
Q: Summer is fast and coming. What advice would you give to Clutch readers looking for a shorter look for the season? Can shorter styles look good on anyone?
Shorter styles can look great on everyone. My advice is don’t necessarily follow the trend. Find the look thats right for you. It’s like jeans low-rise… it’s not for everyone!!
Q: You’re known for your expertise in “new image” hair makeovers. Do you have to do something completely daring to someone’s hair to create a new image? How subtle can a new look be? Well you really don’t have to do something daring, it can be as subtle as cutting a bang or changing the side that you usually part your hair. Doing something opposite than what you usually do is a makeover in itself.
Q: What products would you recommend for us ladies whom have become attached to our flat irons? I carry mine in a holster at the hip! Well one of my favorite products is FHI Hot Sauce. It’s a great product that restores moisture and protects hair against damaging effects of heat without weighing the hair down and smells really good too!
Q: My hair looks like a dried-out lion’s mane when I wear it naturally curly. Is there anything I could do or use in my hair to tame the beast on my head? The trick to taming curly hair is applying product to the hair when it is still wet. And the best products are leave - in conditioners. One of my favorite products are TIGI Bedhead leave - in conditioner (for curls) and another is Atone with Nature. I like leave - in’s that cling to the hair without weighing it down. And these two are great for that — just the right amount of muscle.
Q: What hairstyles can we expect to see for Spring/Summer? Are bangs still popular, can we anticipate seeing more sleek middle parts?
Short hair will still be popular this summer. With combinations of heavy blunt bangs (old school), sexy side swept bangs. I also see middle parts coming back in a big way, but shoulder length nothing to long.
Q: Where else can we see your hairstyling finesse? Who are you currently styling?
Well as you know Rihanna is one of my main clients, Michelle Williams — we just shot her music video. I also do lots of beauty stories with Essence and makeovers.
Q: What’s the most rewarding and challenging aspect of your career as a celebrity hairstylist?
As its always been making people feel good about themselves. Seeing that smile as though a miracle has just happened!! And also having my work broadcasted for the world to see:)
Q: Lastly, what tricks do you live by? What are your personal trade secrets?
Well I can’t tell u everything, [LOL] but heres a good one. Lipgloss on fly aways!
Love this article. Ursula seems cool and she can lay some hair out.lol Seriously, she gives th most fab cuts to the people she has worked with. I’m pondering cutting my long hair to shoulder length or shorter, haven’t found the perfectly unique style yet.
Ciao.
Rihanna inspired me to cut my hair…which means that ursula had a lot to do with it also. I love my hair. I have a very subtle bob longer on one side with bangs. I see power in shorter cuts. I felt a boost to my personal morale in addition to sexy and fierce. I love the movement. Its like women are saying I do not need long wavy lock to be considered both beautiful or a woman. im just waiting for the day that the no-personality beyonce will ditch the tracks.
Thanks for this article…I definitely love her work!
I haven’t even read the article yet..but Ursala..is GORGEOUS!!!!!
**scrolls back the the top to begin reading**
* to the top, not the the top…sorry
Honestly, if you are from the BK( that’s Brooklyn for y’all who don’t know) and you go down Flatbush Avenue, you already saw the cut that Ursula gave Rihanna long before Rihanna started rocking it. We’ve been rocking the so c alled” Rihanna” before Rihanna, was Rihanna! LOL! Still, I give props to Ursula because she is doing the darn thing and it just goes to show you when you do things with excellence, you will achieve your goals.
I had the honor of meeting Ursula at a photo/commercial shoot and I have to say that she knows what to do with her hands. She is so blessed with this talent. You can see this even in her own hair that she does as well. Keep doing what you’re doing Ursula! Wish you lots of luck!
I use FHI hot sauce and it is great!
I went to Sarah j Hale with Ursula. She’s always been an expertise at hair. I’ve known her since freshman year and she is one of those people, who were just born with the talent. It’s amazing to see her doing what she’s doing. Enough love …Ursula.
does Ursula work in N.Y.? is she open to the public because i want to cut my hair but i just dont know anyone i can trust. if she is please post her information or foward it to my email:
Great job Ursula. I love the FHI hot sauce! It does wonders on my natural hair!
I feel you dawnashwood I said the same thing on another blog (from Philly tho not BK and said it from the side of the stylist not one rockin it:))
And as a hair stylist, I”m loving the fact that Clutch featured Ursula because the styist is often underappreciated by the public. Of course the celeb will get the props because they’re the ones seen with the styles but the talent behind who came up with the idea and implemented them needs to be recognized as well.
Finally I get to see, and hear the person behind Rihanna’s wicked cuts. I fell in love with the most recent short style. She inspired me to cut mines all off! and I did! I am also loving Ursula’s hair. One issue I have with the shorter cut is that when I am unable to go to the shop, I don’t know what the heck to do with it. With longer hair I could do a roller set, or even a ponytail. I won’t even attempt to put any curlers or flat irons to my head. (Hair too short. I do flat iron the front, but it still comes out looking frizzy and dry. Any advice?
Hey Ketrice. To get rid of frizzy look, you might want to do a pre poo. Dampen your hair with water and coat with oil and conditioner. Cover with plastic cap/bag and wear for 15-30 mins. Shampoo and condition as you would normally after the pre poo. Apply a small amount of FHI hotsauce or a serum before you blow dry.