Inspiration

Interview with Motions Salon Hair Care celebrity stylist Ursula

It's officially fall season and we are excited to have spoken with Motions Salon Hair Care celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen on giving Keke Palmer her first grown and sexy haircut. Stephen's cut Palmer's hair a week before her Broadway debut of as the first African American Cinderella—surprising all her fans, including myself, with her last minute decision to spice up her look. Stephen's has been a busy bee thus far this season, from Palmer's cut to styling New York City Fashion Week, we see her creativity continue to flourish. I was honored to ask the hair guru a few questions about the haircut and how to treat our hair as we make our way into the season!

1. When Keke Palmer contacted you to do her haircut, what was your first reaction?
I was excited! She had been talking about doing it for a while, but it was just never the right timing. I was actually on vacation when she called me saying she was ready. So we set up a hair date upon my return.

2. How are your feelings overall on short haircuts on maturing young women, like Palmer?
I love it! Keke is in a great place right now. She just turned 21, she’s embarking on this new Broadway role and her talk show is a hit. She’s blowing up right now and why not celebrate that with a new look? I think it's more of a personality thing than a maturing thing.

3. You are no stranger to haircuts, seeing you have done styles for Rhianna, Mary J Blige, etc., how was it cultivating Keke’s hair transformation?
I really enjoyed the process – mostly because I love working with Keke in general. She was smiling and giggling throughout the entire process. It’s always nice to work with someone who is enjoying every moment. We made it fun. There was no hesitation so it was an easy ride.

4. As we transition out of the summer, what are some fun hairstyles for African American women for the season?
Braids are huge right now – And there are so many different braided style options… and so many different types of braids too. My advice is to flip through magazines and online – don't be afraid to experiment- but, do it in moderation so your edges don't suffer.

5. As a Motion stylist, what are some products women can use this season to keep their hair fresh while wearing hats and head wraps to stay warm?
Keep your hair conditioned! From daily moisturizers to deep conditioners. I say why not use this season as the time to treat your hair. Before wrapping, work a moisturizer through your ends. I really like the Motions Deep Conditioning Masque – it’s great for natural and relaxed girls. This can be done on a bi-weekly basis.

6. For our readers at Black Bride, are there any short hairstyles or styles in general you recommend for fall/winter brides?

When comes to brides I always advise to wear a style that makes you feel beautiful. Don't be pressured by what people deep as "traditional." Keep in mind that there is a difference between traditional and timeless – timeless is what we want. Keep it soft!

Tell us what hairstyles and fashions you plan to rock this season?

 

Curated by our Editorial Intern, Starr Davis, who currently studies Creative Writing at City College of New York. Keep up with Starr’s work by following her on Twitter here: @Metaphorqueen_

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