In September, we had you submit questions to celebrity hair stylist Ursula Stephen. Ursula read your questions and comments – here is part two of our feature with more answers and tips from the stylist…
Hey ladies! Sorry for the delay, it seems as if I’ve been around the world and back again! From France to London, Milan and even LA, I’ve been working hard, but I haven’t forgotten about you! I’m here and let’s get to some of these great questions! – Ursula…
Q: Hi Ursula, My cousin and sister are both hair stylists, but my cousin wants to do so much more. Right now she’s working as a beautician and she works for MAC cosmetics…how did you get started in this business? Congratulations on all your success Your a beautiful young woman.A: To get started in this business, I actually have been blessed. I attended high school which was where I studied cosmetology and once I graduated I positioned myself in great salons. From there, it was basically word of mouth. A lot of business came to me, allowing me to get myself out there and have opportunities to meet/network with people. God had a plan for me I guess
.
Q: I have semi-thick relaxed hair – what deep conditioners and leave-in conditioner do you recommend to help growth for longer fuller hair? Do you recommend blow dry after roll and set or flat ironing hair?
A: When it comes to leave in conditioners, I prefer ones that are thick and creamy versus thin and runny. Those conditioners that are thin tend to “fall” off the hair and those that are thick add muscle, which protects the hair. Also, I like the fullness of a roller set over blow drying after roller setting the hair. I like it full and sexy, a fresh roller set will give you that effect.Q: When is it time to change from using the same relaxer?
A: Relaxers should be changed when you stop seeing the reaction in your results. Meaning when your hair starts to become resistant to the relaxer’s strength it’s probably time to move on.
Q: What hair colors/hues do you suggest for darker females?
A: It’s sometimes hard to decide colors for skin tones. African-Americans come in so many different shades and each has what’s called a “undertone,” which is usually a red or yellow/gold. These tones play a big part in which colors work best for your skin even in makeup. But in general for a dark skin/red undertone shade I like oranges, reds, cranberries and colors in that range.
Q: I cut my hair to the scalp last year but I decided to let it grow back. It’s long enough for a short haircut in which I’m wearing today. However, I’m not wearing a perm-I’m wearing a press. My question is; “How do I maintain that fresh-from-the-shop shine that blings after a nice press job?”
A: I suggest that if you want to maintain shine, using serums and high gloss sprays work best. Oil sheens tend to have alcohol as an ingredient which dries out the hair. The glosses on the other hand adds a “bling” and “crystalizes” on the hair. It coats versus penetrates.
Q: Can I grow out my perm and go to a ceramic press without cutting my hair off of will this just my damage my hair and make it break-off?
A: Growing out your relaxer to natural hair and switching to ceramic press is fine. Although, be aware that will experience damage either way, but it should be expected and considered normal. Please condition, condition, condition! Also, trim your ends at least once a month.
Q: Hi Ursula, I am 35 years old and I have noticed that my hair is thinning and seriously breaking around the edges , especially right at my center part (on the left side, LOL). I have curly hair that I wear natural for the most part, but the breakage is not a game and I am afraid to press it or get my once annual weave, cause it’s looking thin! I have been advised to use Dr, Miracle’s products and Biotin tablets. Is that good advice?
A: Yes! That advice is great. Using products that focus on hair growth and repair are great. As we get older life changes start to happen with our hair, skin, nails, etc. Also, genetics play a part too. Women pattern baldness may be a hereditary factor as well. Keep using those products and the hair may or may not grow back but some things we may have to get used to.
Q: Hi Ursula, Do you have any suggestions on products to use on big curly hair? My hair is curlier in some parts than others and sometimes it can look dry. I want it to look even all over. I have been using the same cheap gel for the past 20 years! I wash my hair with whatever is on sale and I know this is starting to take a toll on my hair. I have used Mixed Chicks before but it really didn’t benefit me much. If you have any suggestions on stylists..I live in LA. I really need help!
A: 20 years??!! Products have come a long way since then! You have to take a look outside the sale aisle and invest in your hair. It’s your beauty. Look for products that have curl boosting agents. Although great hair products can be expensive–it’s worth it! You wouldn’t skimp on your clothes or eating quality food, so spoil your hair too!
Q: I would like to know which products you think are best for natural hair. I have a very thick kinky ‘fro that i love. however, it can get very dry. I’m a product junkie and am always looking for new ones or tips and tricks to take care of my luscious mane. Please impart your knowledge! thanks =)
A: Dryness is a characteristic of natural hair and especially African-American women. Our hair secretes less oils. Therefore, use a moisturizing cream day and night. Sleeping with a satin scarf will help as well. Any other fabric will absorb the oils from your hair making it dryer.
Q: I have a HUGE problem. I have been putting extensions in my hair for a couple of years and now my hair is really damaged. Can you recommend any new hair styles or treatments for my hair. Im ready to stop wearing weave and i need to know what to do next.
A: Ladies! How can you be wearing the same style for so long and not expect your hair to be mad at you?! So now, your hair needs time to heal. Invest in haircare and start loving your hair back to health!
Q: Help, Ursula! I’ve had a sew in weave for 3 years and just recently I’m wearing my own
hair (it is about 16 inches long). How can I prevent breakage, I don’t want a perm and I can’t keep the hair straight.A: 3 years of the same style, this is all your hair knows! You have to retrain it all over again. It’s time to condition and allow your hair to be on it’s own.
Q: Hello! I love my weave and I would like to pull it up from time to time, but is there are way to do this without leaving extra hair out?
A: You girls want your cake and want to eat it too! Leaving your hair out allows you to pull your hair up without the track showing. If you don’t leave this hair out–the tracks will show and you lose the natural look and your versatility.
Q: I was wondering for a sew-in is it better to s-type braids or a bee-hive? My hair is permed but I want it to look naturally curly sometimes is there a easy way to achieve this without getting a texturizer?
A: For a weave, your braiding pattern all depends on the style you want to achieve and what the hairstylist prefers to do. Also, just to be clear you can’t go back to a texturizer from a chemical relaxer. A texturizer is best suited for natural hair to loosen the curl.
Q: Are the new bobs (shorter in back , longer in front) a good cut for someone w/a round face? Is there a vitamin that’s helps hair grow?
A: The new bob is actually great for most face shapes. The style is versatile but you have to find your “niche.” Meaning, you may want a side part, middle part, length, etc. Also there is a vitamin that you should be able to find easily at your local health food or vitamin store.
Q: I have a question, what styles do you think would be good for natural hair, instead of the same old braids and twists?
A: A great alternative to braids and twists for natural hair is, one push it up into a funky Mohawk, two, headbands and clips are great and molding it into different funky shapes is hot too!
Q: Hi, I have a short cut and no matter what I do I can’t get my hair to lay flat in the back. So besides gel which still doesn’t work what should I do.
A: When you have short hair, first of all you probably need to touch it up/relax it more often and second you may want to have it faded out a little more to keep the back down.
Q: My hair is pretty straight and its flat, I wanna have more volume in it! I’ve tried hairspray and it dosen’t really work on me, it don’t last long. I really need some volume because it looks dead, so pleas help me, what should I do?
A: Start from the beginning with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Then follow up with a volumizing spray.
Q: Hey Ursula! I love Solange’s hair style! My hair is natural, but I’m familiar with sew-ins. So what hair would you recommend for that style?
A: To achieve Solange’s hair style, I recommend using a “wet and wavy” or “French wave/deep wave” weave.
Be sure to check out Ursula on BET’s “The Black Carpet” and find out how to get the latest looks for Fall Hair, airing Wednedsday Nov 5th @ 10:30 pm.
Thanks to all the readers who submitted questions, and keep checking back for more with Ursula on Concreteloop!
—————–
DISCLAIMER: Ursula Stephen is a respected and professional hairstylist, however, you are taking her tips at your own risk. Please make sure to consult other professional hairstyles before doing something drastic.
—————–
thanks for the advice ladies! i’ll visit that site and i’ll try to eat healthier
i have to be strong lol 
i have tried prenatal vitamins b4 and they did work well. i may start up on those again as well.
I live off potato chips and chicken and my hair is strong and long, I never use greese never only leave in conditioners even the five dollar conditioners, I apply it three times a day. my hair use to be fine but now its full strong and very long.
For ladies looking for names to products to try go to maneandchic.com or longhaircareforum.com
I’m a product junkie and she didn’t drop any product names so I didn’t really benefit from this q&a
but she was very positive.
i wonted to know more about growing the hair and if the hair is allways in a ponytall is that good if you want it to be down and with gule in weave is that good cuz i did some one hair and the glue take out your hair ?? and how long does it take to grown hair the hair when the ends are cut
HELP, HELP!!! Hi Ursula, I’m in dire need of help, my hair is extremely damaged. I have very dry, thin, uneven hair, with many split ends. Also my scalp tends to be dry. I’ve tried an array of products with no success. However I’ve noticed that when i do cut my hair it grows back quickly. So, what would you suggest I use, or do?
Have u guys ever considered the fact that bcuz she is a celebrity stylist….she couldn’t drop names of products bcuz she’d basically be endorsing a product and won’t be compensated for it? Just my observation. Now….could she have been a little more descriptive about things…..ABSOLUTELY. Once again…..just my two cents. I dont wanna be cussed out for it. God bless
#66, I totally agree. Also, she doesn’t wana give away all her secrets! She does have to make a living. There’s no time limit on growing out hair. It will just take time, period. Use oils, not heavy moisturizers like grease & pink lotion, because your hair will be stiff, and that wrap will look a mess. Actually comb down, brushes are the worst, your wrap and actually part it. Hate seeing wraps where they are just combed down! Keep those ends trimmed, and you shoud be good to go!
She didnt go into much details in her answers. One question asked what vitamins to use for hair growth, all she said was that you can get them from the store???????
I like the Aphogee products and that Chi silk fusion, they work pretty good.
She was a tad bit cocky in this interview. Whoa! Let’s slow it down and bring it back to earth. I know plenty of local stylists in philly that’ll put you to shame.
@TEAPOT,
Hey, I feel you on your hair sit-chi -ations! (lol) From what you write, it sounds like we both have thick hair horrors to tame everyday. Well, I’m no Ursala, but I can maybe offer you some sound advice from my experiences. You mentioned you do hot oil treatments, which are fine. Another alternative to that is the “baggy method”. This consists of applying (a) A moisturizer of your choice (i.e. Pink oil Mositurizer, Bronner Brothers growth lotion, etc.) (b) An oil of your choice (Carrot oil, Tea tree oil, etc.) Just apply the moisturizer FIRST to your hair. Then, apply the oil to your hair. By applying the oil to your hair, it seals the moisturizer in preventing dryness and adding shine. Do this as often as you like to help stop split ends, which leads to breakage. Another tip is to “Co-wash” your hair. To put it simply, instead of washing your hair with shampoo, wash it with conditioner. Any conditioner will work just fine. Co-washing cleans your hair while keeping it super soft. However, I don’t co-wash often because it sometimes leave my hair feeling “mushy.” As far as heat goes, I have switched all of my heating tools to CERAMIC. I use a Ceramic hooded dryer, a Ceramic blow dryer, and a Ceramic flat- iron. This has been one of the key changes that has bettered my hair health. Also, this one may be a lil hard to swallow, by I stopped relaxing my hair in May 2007. That’s right, I don’t get no perms! It was REAL HARD at first, because I had to re-adjust to my natural hair. But I must say, this has been the BEST thing I have done for my hair. Since ditching the perm bka “creamy crack” I have seen real growth in my hair. My hair is about “APL” or Arm Pit Length now. It’s also stronger and more tolerant to heat and hair products. I am aware that we are two different people, so what works for me may not work for you, and vice versa. Also, you can check out some really cool hair forums where women share REAL tips and secrets to hair health. blackhairmedia.com is a good one. You don’t have to join to view their forums either. Sorry for such a long post, hope I didn’t offend you in any way! Good Luck with your hair! And to er-body else, GO VOTE!!
P. S. Some good products I love: Doo Gro tingling Growth Shampoo, Doo Gro Growth Oil, Cream of Nature Shampoo, Frenchee Grease. Hope this Helps!!
I am currently in school for hair, and it was always been my passion. We have a very good teacher, and she tells us what products are good. The Mizani line is very good. Also, Redken, extreme products are very good. When you relax your hair, it strips it of protein. Your hair is made mostly of protein. You have to replace it. The Redken Extreme products are good for that. You should only use it a week before or a week after the relaxer though, It has done very good on my hair. I use the CAT treatment, and the anti-snap leave in. It is for distressed hair when wearing weaves alot.
Another good product is Nioxin. It is for thin hair. You waould also want to use the water wax on your edges to smooth them down.
Nioxin also has a line for hair that is not chemically treated. It makes the hair very soft.
Hey girl i just want to commend you on your success in the industry you give stylist like me hope i’m 28 and was a kitchen stylist for 8 years finally after 3 children and going back to school to get my GED i decided my work was worth more then kitchen prices [lol] so now it feels good to say i am a professional and have been for a year i love what i do it is my passion i just wanna let you know if you are looking for a partner in crime I’m ya girl or you ever wanna relax sit back and recieve the treament that you give email bubbaboobe@yahoo.com or call 816-584-2975
Hi Ursula,
I am Black, White, Native American, and Indian (from India) so I have long, thick, very curly hair. I usually use gel and hairspray in the front to slick it down and put it into a ponytail. Then, I use mousse and hairspray on the actual ponytail. By the end of the day, my hair is a lot bigger on the sides and shorter than it had been when I first put the mousse in it. My question to you is how can I ever wear it out if I can hardly wear it in a ponytail without it getting poofy by the end of the day? Thanks!
P.S. I usually straighten it instead of wearing it in it’s natural state because it’s so hard to manage.
Thank you so much # 20, 46 & anynone else who helped in answering my question, i appreciate it.
Ursala is the shit I’m 17 and a boy my mom takes hair skin and nail pills they work great with her hair and I’ve been taking them for the past 1 and 3 months to increase my hairs height I wear braids or wear my hair out and those pills increased its body and volume they don’t smell too good but they work amazingly my hair is very thick and high colored its also very soft and curly from wearing an s curl for 2 years I recommend using Kuz conditioning products they grow hair and make it soft or Alter Ego has a lot of protien in it
Ladies if God has blessed you with Kinky Curly Thick hair I’ll suggest using Kinky-Curly Products and also Carols Daughters Conditioners and her Hair Milk for a leave in mousturizer.
Kinky curly hair is extremely sensitve so you must be gentle and very careful on hairstyles and hair products. My best advice for such strong hair is to use the mose natural products availible to help maintain your natural God given tresses.
But also note to maintain HEALTHY HAIR you must be healthy from within…meaning drinking at least 8glasses of water a day, taking MULTI VITAMINS and staying away from BAD FOOD(processed, high sugar, soda, fast food etc.)Try and develop a taste for more natural and raw foods which is excellent for skin, body and hair health.
I looooove my big thick kinky curly hair it represents me as an individual and a strong BLACK fearless young lady.
Not too many women appreciate a strong mane of hair God has shaped for many BLK women, but please note that all hair created by God is BEAUITFUL no matter what any MAN has to say..God makes no mistakes so make sure you love your hair 100% and your hair will love you 1000% back. Much Love.
And always stay up to date on research about healthy strong BEAUITFUL hair.
PS. BAD HAIR EQUALIFYS WITH UNHEALHTY HAIR. Its not a type or look, Just simply a condition on how one cares for such hair.
oh no DJ Thanks a mil!!!!
Gobama!! lol…
My hair is natural and I’ve never had weave but I’m thinking of getting one for Christmas. That wet n wavy one sounds good, I might do that one.
Why are you using Ursula to answer questions? She copied a style from the 80′s and brought it back to life in the 00′s. She doesn’t give any good tips or advice as far as healthy haircare because she’s still a student in the game herself. If anything, she’s known as someone who can’t do hair and got lucky. She’s not one that anyone worth their salt looks to as far as style and ESPECIALLY haircare what most celebs and people are into because anyone can get a weave for length.
RIHANNA HAS NO EDGES UNDERNEATH THAT SHORT WEAVE!!!
STEP YOUR GAME UP CONCRETE!
Hi Ursula! I have two questions. What kind of treatments would you recommend for my hair type? Ok so my hair is wavy in real life but sometimes it becomes curly. I am East African so I don’t know if that will help. ( Somalian). My hair has been really dry and hard to manage lately. I don’t know if the relaxer that I used once has to do with. It has been over a year since I used a relaxer treatment. Would you recommend going to the salon more frequently to have my hair cut? What kind of salon would you recommend? One for African American hair or just a typical unisex all texture salon?
By the way I frequently straighten my bangs.
The best shampoo for dry hair is Kerakare hydrating detangling shampoo….any line of Kerakare products are good. You just have to go to a licensed seller to purchase this product. Also Design Essentials which must only be purchased from a beautician.
Off the self the Optimum Oil Therapy line are good products. Especially the hair & scalp quencher, which has coconut, olive, avacado and jojoba. Its very light and won’t weigh your hair down.
One final suggestion is letting a professional maintain your hair every 4-5 weeks. And also getting a cut or at least a trim to keep split ends down.
Thank you so much Ursula! One of my questions was actually posted up there. I’m so happy. I will definitely follow your advice!
SO SHESSS RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE FUCKED UP LIL WHT BOY HAIRCUTS RIHANNA BE SPORTING!!
OBAMA!!!! Hi Usula, my name’s Mia and I’m trying to grow my hair longer. I have very curly hair and I’m natural but I was wondering how do you grow your hair longer. I’ve read about putting your hair in buns to make it grow, but do you know if this is true? Also, do you know any no heat styling techniques to get wavy hair? Thank you!
Hey Ursula!
Im a 16 year old black girl from the UK, I’ve had my hair relaxed for quite o few years now, and I want my hair long, but i am now tried of waiting and I want to cut it into a bob. Even though my mum is fine with the idea,everyone else is telling me that I shouldn’t cut it because my hair is ‘long enough’ and it might not grow back as well or as fast. I cut my hair in may of this year to my shoulders, and it has got back to the length i had before (just above my chest) but it seems to have just stopped growing. The question I want to ask you is do you think it would be a good idea to cut it or wait a year or so and see what happends?
I
LMAO @ #86 – AND SHE HAS NO EDGES – LMAO. HOW YOU GO BALD ROCKING A SHORT CUT? LMAO.
Ursula is a joke. She’s done nothing remarkable nor has she ever given anyone good advice they could’nt have gotten from their local beautician.
LMAO at these chicks asking her for advice. They must don’t realize Ri’s rocking a weave helmet with no edges.
Ursula looks like a dude. No wonder she gave Riri that Little Boy Blue haircut to go along with her robotic look.
Hi Ursula,
I’m 16 and I’ve been getting my hair chemically relaxed since I was about 4 or 5, once every two or so months. I deep condition and straighten (witha heat protectant spray) about once or twice a week. I have issues with dandruff and shedding and I’m looking for a product or treatment to fix the two. Also, I’m wondering if there’s any way to get a loose wave similar to that of a person with “good” hair without cutting off all my hair or causing extreme damage. THANKS!!! I love your work!!
Melissa
OK cool.
Hello Ursula my hair is right past where my bra strap snaps in the back and I have not put a relaxer in my hair for over 6yrs now. My hair has tight waves around the back and middle and bigger ones on sides and the top. Sort of similar to the Mowry twins. I like to wear a sewn in weave but I want to know how to be able to wear my weave up or down and be versatile. I do hair as well and took cosmo in highschool. My hair is very thin on the sides due to genetics. How can I achieve this versatility with my weave with the thinness on the side? I would like for it to look as natural as possible without looking like a wig or a quick weave.
OK SHE HAS EVA PIGFORD UP THERE I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT SHE DOESNT DO HER HAIR ,, HER COUSIN….. TERRELL MULLIN DOES HER HAIR AND MAKEUP AND HE KILLS IT NICE GUY AND REALLY SWEET …. I WAS JUST ON HIS WEBSITE TERRELLMULLIN.COM
Is it too late for questions?
I have just one.
So. Are you the reason Rihanna is bald now with ate out edges?
you dnt have to leave hair out to b able to pull your weave up w/o showing your tracks. the braid tech. and the way you lay the tracks can fix that problem.
Hi ursula,I´m brazilian girl.I loved your hair,so beautiful.
My hair is curly, and used many products from small químics.I to know which products to use rihanna, and if she ever wore lace wigs.
Muitos beijos aqui do brasil te amamos.
very kisses from to brazil,we love you.
On 5 Mar 2011 I colored my hair black (Clairol). I never used that brand before. Then on 19 March 2011 I put an Olive Oil relaxer in my hair. My hair fell out in the middle & the back…BAD!!! Anywho I did some research & purchased a few products to help strengthen my hair & help it start to grow back. I wash my hair twice a week. On Wednesday’s I wash my hair with Matrix Biolage Antidandruff Shampoo then I put an Aphogee Keratin Zmin Reconstructor & I leave it in for 2min then wash it out.
On Sundays, I put an Aphogee Two-Step Protein treatment in. It smells really BAD but it’s supposed to work. I have to put it in, sit under the dryer & allow it to dry. It gets REALLY hard. I rinse it out after. Then I use a Nioxin for Fine Hair 3 part treatment. I wash my hair with Nioxin Cleanser Shampoo & Scalp Therapy Conditioner. I set under the dryer with the Nioxin Scalp Activating treatment. It makes my hair feel really soft & bouncy. I haven’t put a relaxer or color in my hair since 19 March 2011. I made myself a wig to avoid putting any heat to my head too. I’m trying really hard to treat it. My question to you is am I using the right stuff & am I doing the right thing?
Also, I’m going to Italy 1-21 August. I can’t wear a wig there so I want to put a relaxer & a rinse in my hair at the end of July. Is that too soon after all the damage my hair has been through? The relaxer I bought was CHI Deep Brilliance Sensitive Scalp No Lye Calcium Hydroxide Conditioning relaxer kit. Please look it up & tell me what you think of the relaxer.
Please get back to me soon. I really need some advice on this.