With the summer of ‘08 predicted to be one of the hottest summers on record. It’s time to not only opt for cool alternatives for those blazing days and muggy nights, but a cool new, no fuss and frills look that will have you looking as hot as the thermometer. Harlem World fashion editor, La Juana Johnson, spoke with celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephens to dish about the hottest looks for summer…..Harlem World: Thanks so much for speaking with me. Fashion is my forte, but everyone knows a chic outfit is nothing without an equally fierce hairstyle to go along with it.Ursula Stephen: Haha, no problem.

HW: The world of celebrity hair and beauty is pretty competitive. Tell me how you got started? Did you always know you wanted to be a hair stylist?

US: Well, I always had an interest in creative expression and my high school was a beauty school, so I guess it was a combination of the two. After graduating, I went on to get formal hair and beauty training and began working in a major salon in Brooklyn.

HW: Working in a Brooklyn salon compared to being called on to work with the likes of R&B superstar Keyshia Cole, Saleshia Stowers of America’s Next Top Model and being the woman behind the image makeover of Rihanna are two completely different worlds.

US: I chalk it all up to word of mouth. Working in a major salon gave me the opportunity to meet so many people in A&R and the entertainment industry. They liked my work and would go back and tell others. BeforeI knew it my celebrity client base was growing.

HW: I must say kudos on the Rihanna’s drastic hair transformation, going from the long and curly look, to the tailored bob, to her pixie look now. Whose idea was it and how did you guys decide on this particular look?

US:  It was a collaborative thing but more on my part, and she got inspiration from my own look. Like you said, so many other artists were doing the long and curly look and she wanted to differentiate herself. I came in one day and was like “I’m cutting your hair today.” It was time and I made the final choice.

HW: So many women are envious of the precision and healthy sheen of Rihanna’s new cut. It just looks healthy, how did you achieve that?

US: I use a lot of heat protection. A product I use a lot is Ojon Shine and Protect which is a shine spray.

HW: Besides Ojon, what are some of the best products out there? Some products you use yourself?

US: Bed Head Manipulator and Carol Daughter’s Hair Mimosa

HW: Speaking of Carol’s Daughter, you recently did an in-store event at their Harlem location, where you provided one-on-one hair care and styling tips for customers. What was that like? By the end of the event, what piece of advice were you tried of telling women over and over again?

US: Well that event was really nice. The owners heard about me from a mutual friend and I never did an in store so it was a great opportunity. As far as advice, so many had problems with heat damage and breakage because they were skipping conditioning. Conditioning your hair is so important in preventing damage and preserving the condition of healthy hair.

HW: That’s true.

US: And another thing, women, especially women of color, need to get over the braids. Hair should be treated as an accessory and so many women are dependent on keeping one look for years and years. Hairstyles can and should be versatile. Keeping any one look for too long, places stress on your hair.

HW: I can see you are pretty passionate about this. But maybe some of that apprehension comes from the fact that not all styles work well for every woman. Getting a drastic cut or color can change a person’s entire look.

US: I agree, never do a drastic change just to follow a trend or if you don’t feel it. But my advice for those that are looking for a change is to do it in moderation. Take a day out and go to a wig store, and try out as many wigs in your desired cut and color as possible. If you find something that fits your personality, go ahead and try the cut but don’t go as short and gradually go into it. For instance, the hot look for the summer is a short, yet feminine cut, with short, heavy bangs and short in the back. If you want to keep
some length, the short bangs may only be an option for you. It’s about what you feel comfortable with.

HW: Change, but in moderation, sounds good to me. Besides working with more celebrity clients, what’s next for you?

US: Oh so many things, I’ve been travelling and providing tips and trade secrets for a number of publication. Hopefully, I can do more in store events and work with product lines. Either way, I’m here to
stay, so look out for me.

HW: We sure will.