You may not be familiar with the name Ursula Stephen, but if you’ve seen Rihanna lately, you’re quite familiar with her work. Ursula is a notable celebrity hair stylist who helped give Rihanna a cutting-edge coif that she’s popular for today. Hailing from Brooklyn, Ursula is definitely a force to be reckoned with when it comes to hair!
I had a chance to catch up with the busy stylist.
Check out our Q&A:
BGG: Did you always know that styling hair is what you wanted to do as a career?
US: Wow, Career, that’s a big word. Well at least at that age it was, too young to anticipate it as a career. I just knew that I had a passion for it. It made me happy- it just felt right.
BGG: We all know that you’re most known for giving Rihanna her new signature short hairdo. What inspired you to do that style? US: Well, I wanted to give her something that was edgy and classy at the same time. The bob just seemed perfect!!
Rihanna last week.
Rihanna in March.
Rihanna last September.
BGG: What products do you use on Rihanna’s hair?
US: I use lots of conditioning products. As her lifestyle requires lots of styling. So its all about protection and moisturizing. I use the Bed Head Ego Boost leave-in conditioner and the FHI hot sauce, which restores moisture to the hair.
BGG: What do you think will be the next big hair trend for the summer?
US: I think the next trend is heavy bangs. Heavy bangs combined with all lengths of hair. Its all abouts bangs!
BGG: I know that you’re all about the short-dos, but what styles do you recommend for women who are afraid to cut it all off, but still want an edgy, stylish look?
US: That’s a misconception. I definitely have a passion for a great cut – I do great weaves and work with real hair as well, let me tell you! (laughing) But mostly I love great looking healthy hair whether short or long. I just want sisters to let go of the weave. Especially when its not a confident weave or its not doing anything for you. If you want to try a new look but are afraid, try on some wigs, or if you have a weave cut that short; if you don’t like it you can always take it out!
BGG: What other celebrities’ hair have you styled?
US: Along with Rihanna, I also work with Michelle Williams, Saleisha Stowes(former winner of America’s Next Top Model). I’m always doing makeovers and fashions stories with Essence magazine too.
Michelle Williams
Saleisha Stowe
BGG: What’s the most glamorous part of being a celebrity hairstylist?
US: One of the glamorous parts of being a celebrity stylist is the opportunity to travel to different parts of the world. However, the reality is you probably won’t get to experience the country. You only get to sight-see on the way to the hotel and then its straight to work!
BGG: What are the 3 main tips you can give BGs in regards to maintaining healthy locks?
US: CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION!
BGG: Tell me a bit about your upcoming hair seminars that you’re planning for the summer. What can attendees expect?
US: I intend on offering so much more than the fact that I’m a “celebrity stylist” or providing hair tips. I want to talk
about everything in the business. The good the bad and the ugly! (laughing)
Visit Ursula’s site at www.ursulastephen.com
Are you planning on getting a cute new style for the summer? Please share!
Alriiight Ursula! She’s put Rih’s hairstyles on the map. Everywhere I go, I see a lady trying to duplicate the Rihanna look. She is a wonderful stylist!
Happy Tuesday, sis!! Hope it’s a great one!
Great interview, Girl!! I admire Ursula- A definite ‘down to earth’ trendsetter.. Go Bk!
So the secret for hair is conditioner.
BGG thanks for a great interview.
FAB TOPIC! Ursula, if you’re reading, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Rihanna’s hair. So much so, that I got my hair cut into a bob JUST like hers. (At first I was thinking is it ok to style your hair like a 19-year old, then I said YEP, cause she’s FLYY!!!)
Anyway, GREAT post bgg. What I really think you should do is have some sort of bgg giveaway for a free hairstyle with Ursula. I would SO LOVE that opportunity, ’cause my funds are not on celebrity status, just yet.
BGG, it’s funny you would post on summer hair because I just got my summer highlights for the first time. I loved it initially but now I’m not so sure. Nobody told me it would get lighter in the sun. I also got it layered and I’m not feeling those either cause they make my ponytail look raggedy. Anyway, I love Rihanna’s hair..especially on the March photo. I get the feeling she’d look good with any hairstyle though. Ursula Stephen is yet another BG doing it big time!
I was just reading up on Ursula, this could not have been timed any better.I completely agree with her condition, condition, condtion.
As always great interview.
Product Junkie Diva
loved the interview! she does great work. if only she can tap on sanaa lathan’s and other black actresses shoulders and keep them looking good consistently!
i pretty much always like rihanna’s hair.
Great interview and great transformation on Saleisha. I hated the makeover Tyra gave her.
Love your interview and your style… I just came across your page today… I am looking forward to having something to read while I am bored at work… Thanks!
Oh, I always love her hair, she seriously has the best hair ever. It is always so updated and chic. Good find as always BGG
Now it is time for BGG to find Rihanna’s makeup artist and tell me what shade of lipstick that is in the first picture, its to die for red.
Rihanna is gorgeous!
I really need to do something new with my do! I’m such a non-hair person. I wish I could have Ursula as my very own stylist! Celebrities are so lucky! LOL
@B- Thanks for stopping by and please come by more!! I post 5 days week. 🙂
Celebrities are lucky to have their own stylists! I’m in a hair dillemma right now. I’ve had a weave in for about 6 months in order to help grow my natural hair out, and its almost time to decide whether to take it out have it re-done, or to take it out and enjoy my real hair. Its a tough choice when having a weave is almost no maintenence, but i haven’t felt my real hair in half of a year…neither has my boy 😉
Talked with my stylist and I’m going to take my weave out for a week and see how i feel. Either way I love my hair!!
conditioning is soooooooo key! good interview bg!
FABULOUS! great tips.. i actually enjoyed reading this since i’ve been shying away from hair news that’s not about locs LOL!
Rihanna’s (Ursula’s) hairstyles are cute. Sweet.
as always great interview!!
Wonderful interview, BGG!!!!
awesome interview!
i love your style and your open questions.
Interesting interview with Ursula. I really think BGG is on the “cutting edge”!
She is a genious.. whoever is styling rihanna now took her from tootsie to fierce. Rihanna really must credit much of her success to her, because her voice aint all that but her new style has put her over the top
So She’s the one responsible for creating Rihana’s “good girl gone bad” hair style! That turned Rihanna into a style “it girl”.I hope she can do my hair someday!
amazing hairstylist, and great interviewe as always. Hugs, dE
Great interview BGG! Talk about must-read Q&A. I’ve been wondering who’s responsible for Rihanna’s new fab haircut, now I know!
I’m liking the emo haircut look. I’ve been working on getting my hair to look emo fabulous! And that style sort of falls into the trend of summertime bangs.
Once again, good job!
oooh! great post! ever since i’ve wanted to cut my hair for years now and rihanna’s new do has me 95% closer to taking the big step. i love the cut ursula has given her – though i’m a huge fan of neeko and want him to cut my hair! but if ursula is ny i’m closer to her…so maybe if i can get an appointment i’ll be heading to ny for a weekend….i wonder if she does non celebs?
BGG, I remember when Halle did the same thing…she went against the grain. When everyone was wearing their hair long, she went very short and the rest is history. I love what Ursula has done with Rihanna’s hair. It’s not just pretty, it looks very healthy and touchable. I hate hair that is too perfect!
@Kay – I’m not sure if she does non-celebs, but quite a few people have asked me that question. I will find out.
thanks BGG! I’d be really interested to know – I’m going to be in NJ/NY soon and would totally pay to see her.
@Everyone who wanted to know if she does non-celeb hair, please email me for more information. The answer is yes!
Inspiring post! Rihanna is lucky to have her as a stylist. She’s also known because of her edgy short bob aside from being a great singer.
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