That’s right ladies, acclaimed celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen is back to answer all your hair related questions in the continuation of CL’s special feature Ask Ursula.
Leave your questions in the comment area – whether its about damaged hair, products, or how to do the latest hot style. Ursula will return with the answers and your question may be featured, along with recent and exclusive shots of her working with some of her top clientele.
If you didn’t catch our last three volumes, you can check them out here: Vol I | Vol II | vol III
i would like general tips on growing my hair out long strong and healthy.
Dear Ursula
I have natural frizzy soft hair. Is there a product which when i apply it to the hair, it will naturally curl the hair, or make it very easy for me to apply finger girls. I live in the UK and can find nothing. Can you please recommend something.
Thank You
Hi Ursula!
I always read your posts on CL for insight on hair products and stuff!
Two things!
1. I cut my hair like Rihanna last summer but now I’m growing it back out, the edges seem like they don`t want to grow out.. they`re very thin. Why is this? Should I cut and start over again?
2. I also have a large forehead! I’m not lying! What are some hairstyles that can cover my large forehead? Would bangs be suitable?
CL people can answer as well
Hi Ms. Ursula: I noticed in the past answer/question series that you do not really like to address people who wear weaves for a long period and then want to go back to wearing theres. All of your responses just say stop wearing weaves for a long time and invest and health care. But to ask the question that people keep asking, could you please state what health care to invest in…besides trims, is there products you can refer? Thanks!
Hey! I have been wearing full lace for two years now. It has really helped my natural hair grow. I wanted to find out if there are any products you could recommend to aid hair grow.
i have cut my hair short and i am really anxious to grow it back . it started growiing well now it won’t . what would be the best products and procedures to use to keep my hair growing?
Hi Ursula, in October of 08 i cut my hair short like Rihanna, since then I have moved to England and haven’t found a stylist to maintain my cut and its been growing out. The length is now to my earlobes but it is getting unmanagable please please please tell me what i can do with this awkward length
Oh yeah I use Keracare products and Affirm relaxer as I have had to do my last relaxer are these products that u would reccomend? And how often should I be relaxing my hair being that it is growing out? Thank you so much
I’ve been going to a salon ,weekly, for two years hoping that one day I could acheive a bounce (the hair that actually moves when the wind blows) to my hair but I have yet to achieve that. Whay do some women have bounce and others do not?
Okay my hair has been severely damaged by this perm (mizani) the beautician left it on too long and tried to blame the fact that one side of my hair was now thinner than the other on me and my poor maintance of it (not true). When it got worst I had to have my hair cut from shoulder length to chin length. It seems as thought the thinning side of my hair isn’t growing or is just slow growing while the other side is somewhat healthy. I’ve been using Organic Root Stimulator hair mayo, olive oil shampoo, and hair fertilizer (2-3x’s a week) since then with no results. Do you have any advice that would help restore my hair’s health (medium coarse)?
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD RELAXERS THAT YOU RECOMMEND THAT WON’T DAMAGE OR BREAK THE HAIR? AND ALSO WHAT ARE SOME REALLY GOOD PRODUCTS THAT I CAN USE TO HELP MY DAUGHTERS’ HAIR GROW BACK?
I have an issue with split ends. I’m not exactly sure why but I continually have this problem. I hot curl my hair usually about 4 times a week. What can I do to nurse my ends back to health?
Why do Rihanna’s edges look so thin?
Hey ursula!
I have very corase hair and I want to know what producys I should use. I also have a really, really dry scalp. Nomatter what I put on it, my hair eats the oil in minutes. My questions is, What should I use to help prevent this condition? Last but not least I would like to know the best way to execute the perfect wrap? I look forward to hearing from you and Thanks!
Hey Ursula,
I am looking forward to getting a cut like rihanna, and i wanted to know what is the first cut that you did to rihanna?
For sisters who go to the gym, who have perms..what can I do after I work out and my hair is sweaty. So far, I’ve just been washing it, but I know that if I keep doing that my hair wont even look like I have a perm if I’m washing it everyday. Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Ursula – thank you for opening the floodgates and giving your time to the causes of our hair.
I recently did the big chop and went natural (lovin it!) and although I have some pretty coils in most places, sometimes (about 3x a year) I prefer a straight look. Can you recommend an effective straightening method that decreases heat use and perhaps a “relaxing” balm to ensure a smoother result? I’ve heard high pony’s can give this effect, but I’m not interested in frail edges….Any advice would be helpful.
Aliyah
My hair is natural, thin and fine. Where can I get 4a/4b natural looking 100% human weaving hair? It doesn’t matter how much it costs. Thanks so much!
Hi Ursala, I just currently cut off my relaxer to go natural. As of now the texture of my hair is very difficult to style because the waves are so tight that my only option is wearing it in a afro. I was wonder do you know any products that can loosen the texture or curl pattern of the hair?
hi im 25 and i just got a texturizer in january. it’s about time for me to get my 2nd application. prior to, ive only had my hair straigthened with a hot comb. wat advice/ tips can u give me to, now that i have a texturizer, ensure healthy hair?
thanks
I decided to cut my hair short last year and have been in love with it since (I brought in a couple pictures of your work to hairstylist). A couple months after, I started having a dandruff problem…I’ve always kept my scalp and hair moisturized and was surprised. I’ve continued with my regular routine, adding Carol’s Daughter Tui Oil and dandruff shampoo. I was wondering if you had any suggestions regarding shampoos & conditioners to control or eliminate dry scalp/dandruff (I’ve heard Mizani scalp care and KereCare are good options), as well as a good deep moisturizing conditioner. Thanks Ursula and keep up the amazing work.
Hi Ursula,
I’m a 26yr old black woman (White and Chinese ancestry). I have very long hair that’s plagued with one problem or another, but grows like a weed!.
I have Seborrheic dermatitis and have to wash my hair twice a week with a selenium sulfide shampoo. I’ve also found that my hair is getting thin, and my hair line has become quite light compared to the rest of my hair.
Do you think the thinning of my hair is because of the washing and styling?
Are there any shampoos and or Conditioners that you would recommend to help protect and strengthen my hair?
Is there a particular line of products that you would recommend for day to day use?
Right now I’m using Head and Shoulders shampoo, as well as Garnier’s Fructis Shampoo and Conditioner, and PHYTO’s Phytodensium Mask (twice a month). After I wash and condition (I apply Phyto’s product, rinse and then Garniers conditioner and rinse) then I apply an Olive Oil serum, sit under my dryer and then use Ojon’s Restorative Hair Treatment while flat ironing my hair.
At this point any help will be much appreciated… I’d really like to stop the breakage and combat the thinning if possible while using something that’s lightweight..
Thanks,
Much luv Jillian fr Toronto..
Hi..
I use Carols daughter hair products such as the leave in conditioner and hair dress are those the best kind of products for African American hair? If not where should I look?
Also.. which is the less abrasive hair relaxer to use lye or no lye?
Thanks
HiUrsula,=!
ok. I have the rihanna hair cut. And I have problems layind down my sides. What should I use to lay my sides down so they wont look so dry.??
To #36.
Once a week. I know it sounds crazy, but i asked a stylist and he was like “how many times do you take a shower?” He was trying to make a point that your scalp is skin too and needs to be cleaned regularly, He suggested twice a week, but my hair is too long for that…Since i stared this routine, my hair has grown SOOO much..
Hi…
I have kinky, dry thick medium length hair is there any hair products that you would recommend for me?
Thanks so much
I have a extremely flaky scalp escpecially in the front. It flakes and it leaves the skin raw. It itches alot and I have tried several things to treat it except for the dermatologist. Is there something that I can do at home to help this???
Ursula please advise,
I have been diagnosed with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial. (CCC Alopecia) What hairstyles would you recommend or Is wearing wigs my only options?
Trying to be okay with all of this
Hello Ursula,
Hi I am a female athlete and it’s really hard for many of us to maintain our hair because we sweat so much. Can you give us any advice and product recommendations on how to keep our hair up. Also, for me personally, I have one specific spot(around the crown area) on my head that doesnt seem to grow, I dont believe it’s alopecia, can you give me any advice on what products to use in order to help this situation.
I have dry scalp very bad. My hair grows long but not out or thick like it use to.What kind of shampoo, conditioner and hair grease would you recommend.
I just went from fully natural to permed hair. I used docter miracles (relaxer), did not leave it in for a longtime. But now my hair seems to be suffering from the strength of the perm by falling out.
What can one do to save their hair from chemical damage? What are some perms that are not as strong for gals with hair less resistant to relaxers such as dr.miracle, olive oil perm, etc.?
I went natural 5 years ago and my hair is very long however I can’t blow dry it because it burns super easy and stinks. So all I can do is wash it,GEL it and go and yeah it looks great people are constantly saying how beautiful it is but GEEZ!!! I want to ware it straight at least a few times and I will not go to the salon for someone to burn it off with a super hot flat iron and the next day i’m bald. NO way….my hair is truly like cotton and I’m open for reasonable suggestions. Thanks so much for your time! p.s. the only way in the past my hair was able to endure heat I had to have a no-lye relaxer so if you are up for a challenge I totally game.
Hi Ursula!,
I am brown,(southasian) I have staright medium length hair. I was thinking of cutting it. So what hair cut styles are like new right now? And does short hair look good on thick ( not fat but no skinny ) girls?
rihannas last hai style was georgeos. the one where she had the gheri curls…ive tried to do it but never works…how did u work that magin on her head.
Ursula, my hair is a little bit above the shoulders and I want to get a bob but I’m nervous because I’m used to having ponytail length hair as a safety net, but I’m grown now and I wanna do something different. What should I do? Are there any important tips I should keep in mind or products I should use?
FORMERLY LONG HAIR DONT CARE but now i do care about having a full head of hair! After having long hair my whole life of 21 years i recently decided to chop it all off not knowing under my long locks i had lil’ bald spots here and there. They are not visibly noticeable but i notice when i brush or comb against the grain or try different hairs styles. Most hair products i use make my hair longer or changes the texture of my hair but truly giving me the full effect. I really want to go even shorter and pull an Amber Rose but when you go that low it shows flaws and all. Before i go from scissors to clippers i need to fill in these gaps! Do you have any recommendations such as products or daily regimes to achieve that “full head of hair look”
Hi Ursula,
My name is LaToija. I have went natural (no relaxers). Have been for 8 months. I’m debating on getting a PERM/RELAXER. So I am wondering, are relaxers such a bad thing. Whats you preference?
Hey Ursula!!
My name is Ashley and I love doing hair. I actually start Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School this July 7th. My main goal is to of course finish.. and move to Cali to become a Celebrity Hairstylist… I know that word of mouth is the best way to get your name out there…Did you work in a salon before going to work for celebs? What adivce can you give to me?
Hello Ms. Ursula,
My question is this i’ve been perm free for 8 yrs and my hair is a total mess. My beautician said in order for my split ends to be fixed she would have to cut just about all my hair off, so instead of that she gave me a bob with the back still long (the 90 mushroom with the back long) well needless to say my hair has grown back but my ends are still split and now my hair seems to be breaking worse one side is thinning out bad and there’s breakage in the middle. What advice do you have and what can i do or use to try and salvage the left side of my hair.
Hi Ursula,
I’ve had natural hair for over 8 years, but I started ALL OVER in November 2007 to get rid of 3 years of bleaching damage. Now my hair is pretty long again, as I’ve been VERY careful of what I put in my hair – no chemical straightening, very little heat, and no bleaching.
But I’ve been considering coloring my hair to the other end of the spectrum – jet black. My natural hair is very curly and a mousy, dull brown – the color isn’t dynamic at all. Would dying my hair darker damage it?
I wouldn’t want to have to start over a third time after I’ve come this far.
Thanks in advance. Love you work,
becca
Hey Ursula,
I am a “victim” of relaxed hair. I’ve recently stretched my hair for about 5 months , had a lot of new growth, got it blownout by the Dominicans during that time, went on a trip for 2 weeks, got it braided into singles, had a lot of new growth, washed it “improperly” and ended up tangling ALL my hair, which left me with the mere decision to cut off A LOT of my hair. I ended up getting a touch up and started to get a sew in to further my hair growth process. I have a horseshoe weave with A LOT of my hair out in the front and about 3 wefts in the back. Question, can weaves help my process of hair growth? What products do use suggest to use to help blend my real hair with the weave while flat ironing it? Lastly, is stretching for long periods of time and relaxing even a good method of maintaining hair? Thanks so much ! Hopefully my questions get acknowledged.
I recently went bald (à la Amber Rose but more extreme). My hair has since grown, I wanted to know what wud u advised me to do so that the new hair that grows is healthy and strong?
ps. Greetings from Europe!
Hey Ursula, I’m thinking about getting an afro weave. And I want it to look like this>>>https://www.hairsisters.com/ver2/ViewDetail.php?product_id=11154&intName1=&intValue1=&intName2=product_style_category&intValue2=10&intName3=&intValue3=&intName4=&intValue4=&sortName=product_sort&sortValue=desc&type=style
What im wondering is what type of hair is that? And how many inches should I buy to achieve this look? Also, should I leave some of my own hair in the front or should I just weave the whole thing?
—-Ms. Pam Grier
I’m thinking about getting an afro weave. And I want it to look like this>>>https://www.hairsisters.com/ver2/ViewDetail.php?product_id=11154&intName1=&intValue1=&intName2=product_style_category&intValue2=10&intName3=&intValue3=&intName4=&intValue4=&sortName=product_sort&sortValue=desc&type=style
…..What im wondering is what type of hair is that? And how many inches should I buy to achieve this look? Also, should I leave some of my own hair in the front or should I just weave the whole thing?
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Hi Ursula, I’m having an issue with my hair…. I was natural and do to the summer, I have recently did an at home texurizer to cut down on the frizz ( I live in Houston,TX…Humidity is my enemy)… But now my hair is dry and hard… But the dry is extreme… Not to mention my scalp is now dry and tight until it is a little tender? What can I do to restore the moisture back into my hair and scalp? Price doesn’t matter..
Hi ursula,
about a year ago i cut my relaxer off my hair. i couldn’t deal with it being short so i began to get a sew in so it could grow. I have had a sew in now off an on since i have cut my hair. Between every weave i condition my hair really well and get my ends trimmed. Do you think that my hair will weaken from keeping it in a sew it or will i be ok? also do you have any tips for keeping my hair healthy?
thank you
Hello Ursula,
I first just wanted you to know I took your advice on taking Biotin to help my hair grow (it actually worked) but I ended up taking a risk and cutting short it to try something new and to cut off all my dead ends. I am college student so sometimes it gets hard to take out to to go to the Hair Salon so i do it myself. So I wanted to know ways I can help my hair grow back healthy, longer, stronger, and even a little faster when at times I have to do it myself if I can make it to Salon?
hey Ursula,
My name is Minajiah Scott and I have followed your career since you began doing Rhianna’s hair. I like you attended cosmetoslogy school while in highschool and went straight to work. I have worked as a stylist for 3 years now and I feel like I am ready to work with someone as talented as yourself. I have worked in trendy, cutting-edge, upscale salons, and down-home beauty shops. I love the industry with all my heart and draw great inspiration from your work. I will be moving to New York City in August and I would love to meet you. I have no “ego” so I am easy to train and am open to whatever. So if you have the time could you please contact me as I have tried everything to contact you (u r a busy woman!! lol) Looking at you and your career gave me the guts to continue to improve my skills to be able to have the life I want. I would appreciate it.
Thank You
(Minajiah@gmail.com)
My hair tends to be very dry and breaks. When I try to keep it moisturized with using oil sheen it tends to way my hair down. I would like to have healthy, shiny hair that is strong. What is the best regimen for healthy hair and a great natural shine?
Hello i would have to say that my hair grow fast. I had my hair cut short a year ago. My hair has grown .The problem is that every so often my hair will break completly off on the crown or the top of my hair.i have my hair trimmed every month and the top does not seem to want to grow and i am using a system for damage hair and the top still has not grown.I am i have taken vitimans and only relax my hair only every other month the top is shot and shorter in some parts what can i do i keep it moisterized and oil it what can i do to get the top growing.i don’t tocut my hair short and start all over again. Please Help
Hey Girl, Hey.
My Question: I just want my hair to grow… So, how do I do it? lol
* Note – I’m a college student with out a summer job. I can’t afford to go
to the shop to constantly get my ends clipped and stuff like that. So, are
there any alternatives?? At the moment my hair (when straightened) comes
down about two inches past my ears… I want some more length!!! lol
So, Please Ursula… help me out. It’d be greatly appreciated. [=
Gracias,
Asha Jade
I have braids in my hair and i am planning on taking them out…whats product should i use to get my hire healthy or not so nappy from being braided for a couple of months? and im use to perms should i perm it or just leave it?
I have the infamous “rihanna cut” && have been wearing my hair short for years. I always flat iron my hair; whether I style it myself or my stylist does, but the constant heat styling on a daily basis to create my look drys my hair out! I get conditioning treatments regularly; but in between my stylist visits, do you have alternative styling tips for a “rihanna cut” without always having to use heat to style but still have a natural flowy look?