BGG Chats with Celebrity Hairstylist – Ursula Stephen

June 17, 2008

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!

Category: Hair, Interviews | 30 Comments

Do You Believe in Miracles?

June 4, 2008

Some women might hope for a miracle when it comes to their hair. Luckily, for those who are not pleased with the condition of their tresses, Dr. Miracle’s hair care products are the answer! I suffer from extra dull and extremely dry hair due to my relaxer; so when I have the opportunity to try something that claims to put an end to my despair, I’m all for it.

Recently, I tried Dr. Miracle’s Oil Sheen spray and the Intensive Healing Oil treatment. I was pleased with both products! Although both worked wonders, I’d have to say that my favorite was the Oil Sheen. It gave my hair a fabulous sheen, without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy. Plus, it didn’t have a super fragrant smell, which is always good since a lot of their other products have an intense smell.

I know that there are so many hair care products out there so when I find something good, I must share it with you guys! Have you ever tried any of Dr. Miracle’s products? If so, what do you think of them?


Oil Sheen Spray available at drugstores nationwide for $7.99


Intensive Healing Oil Treatment available at drugstores nationwide for $8.99

Category: Beauty, Dr. Miracle's, Hair | 24 Comments

Straight Up!

May 21, 2008

We BGs have the ability to be very versatile when it comes to our hair. Our various textures gives us the option to rock an Afro, curly, straight or wavy style. Like I’ve written before, I tend to wear my hair straight via a relaxer. When it’s time to go home to Chicago to get my hair done, my stylist uses the FHI flat iron.

The first time she used it, I didn’t believe the hype that it could cut down the styling process tremendously by eliminating the step of blow-drying. Yes, she actually flat ironed my wet hair! I know some of you are thinking, “How can flat ironing wet hair be a good thing?” Well, the Ceramic Tourmaline locks in moisture and leaves hair shiny without damage. I must say, my hair was super bouncy and full of body after using the iron. What will they think of next?

Have you tried any of the FHI flat irons? If so, were you satisfied with the results? If you haven’t tried it, would you? Please share!


FHI 1″ Flat Iron Platform Special Edition available at www.misikko.com for $119


It comes in pink too! FHI 1″ Flat Iron Platform available at www.misikko.com for $119

Category: Beauty, Flat Irons, Hair | 32 Comments

Great Moisturizers for All BG Hair Types!

March 18, 2008

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not who you would call a “hair” person. Although I live in New York City, I get my hair done in my hometown, Chicago. I know that sounds crazy, but I head back to the Windy City several times a year. Last year I flew to Chicago 8 times!

Don’t get me wrong, I have had my hair done here before, but the agony of sitting in a salon wasting away precious hours is not my idea of time well-spent. So in order to maintain my mane, I wash and condition it on my own in between touch-ups and trims.

As you can probably assume, I’m a simple BG when it comes to hair styles. I typically wear my hair like you see in my profile picture, a chignon or chic ponytail. When I’m feeling adventurous or desperately in need of a change, I’ll opt for the undone 2-strand flat twist style. My husband thinks I’m boring in the hair department and he might be right, but one thing’s for sure…there are just some styling products that I can’t live without. For example, Soft-Sheen Carson’s Optimum Dry Hair Healer is the absolute best!! It works wonders on my oftentimes lackluster locks.

What are some of your must-have moisturizing styling products?

Here are a few popular picks:


Soft-Sheen Carson Optimum Oil Therapy available at www.drugstore.com for $3.99


Pantene Oil Cream Moisturizer available at www.walgreens.com for $4.99


Kinky Curly’s Curling Custard available at www.kinky-curly.com for $25


Dr. Miracle’s Hot Gro Hair & Scalp Treatment Conditioner availalbe at www.drmiracles.com for $7.99


Motion’s Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Hairdressing available at www.walgreens.com for $4.69


Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk available at www.carolsdaughter.com 4oz. – 8oz. for $12-18


Miss Jessie’s Curly Butter Creme available at www.missjessies.com for $58

Category: Beauty, Hair | 29 Comments

Meet Celebrity Hairstylist: Takisha Sturdivant-Drew

February 25, 2008

If you watched the Oscars last night, you know that there were some beautiful hairdos on the red carpet. Although celebrities’ hair always look gorgeous at events, they don’t get their coifs that way on their own — they have top-notch hairstylists to create eye-catching styles. Pantene’s Celebrity Stylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew is one of them.

Takisha is actress Kerry Washington’s current hairstylist and has styled luminaries such as Malinda Williams, Naomi Harris, Brandy, Erika Alexander, Rachel Nick, Cover Girl model Kiara and actor Nick Cannon — to name a few.

This New York native’s work can be seen in films such as the Oscar nominated “Ray,” “She Hate Me,” “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” “The Fantastic Four,” among others. Takisha’s styles have also been featured in the print and television commercial ads for clients Pantene, L’Oreal, and Aveda as well as in Vanity Fair, W, InStyle, Essence, Nylon, Hollywood Life, Black Enterprise, and Ebony magazines.

Even though we might not be able to showcase our manes at star-studded events, we BGs take pride in our hair nonetheless. Whether we wear it natural, curly, textured, straight, braided or somewhere in between, our hair is always on point. That’s why I interviewed Takisha to bring you guys the hair 411.

Check out our Q&A!

BGG: When did you know that you wanted to become a professional hairstylist?
Takisha: I knew when I was 14 years old that I wanted to become a hair stylist so I went to a Vocational School in Queens and I was at the top of my class the whole time.

BGG: How did you get your start as a celebrity hairstylist?
Takisha: I got my start six years ago when one of my clients referred Kerry Washington to me. From then on I left the salon I was working at and started working for myself and opened Takisha & Associates in Brooklyn, NY. It’s been five years now and business is great!

BGG: What is Kerry Washington’s favorite hairstyle?
Takisha: Her favorite hairstyle is something that is not to neat. She loves a soft brushed out wavy look.

BGG: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about African-American hair?
Takisha: That it take a lot of heat. Blow drying, and then using a curling iron at the same time is too much heat for our hair.

BGG: What will be the hot looks for the upcoming spring season?
Takisha: Hot looks for this spring will be short cropped hair styles. Some fun colors like blonde, platinum and red as well.

BGG: What single styling beauty tool should every BG (Brown Girl) have in her home salon?
Takisha: Good question! Everyone should have a flat iron to smooth out their hair really quickly when it becomes frizzy and Pantene products to protect the hair from heat and perfect your styles.


FHI Technique Series 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron for $84 available at www.amazon.com.

BGG: What style do you enjoy creating the most for your clients? Why?
Takisha: I love a curly hair style. It is very sexy, messy, and you can sleep on it but still have a great look the next couple of days.

BGG: Are there any products that you recommend for maintaining healthy hair for both relaxed and natural hair?
Takisha: I recommend using Pantene Relaxed and Natural conditioning shampoo, and the Pantene Relaxed and Natural Deep Conditioning Mask. These products restore moisture and keep hair healthy. You can purchase it at any drug store.


Available at drugstores nationwide.

BGG: What advice can you give a young woman who wants to become a celebrity hairstylist?
Takisha: Know your craft, build an amazing portfolio, get an agent, and always be a professional. After that it’s really word of mouth.

BGG: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me!
Takisha: No problem, thank you.

Be sure to check out Takisha’s website: www.takishahair.net Also, please share some of your tips for maintaining strong, healthy hair!

Category: Beauty, Hair, Interviews | 8 Comments