This article originally ran on Ultimate Rihanna on June 5th but is now being archived here to showcase Rihanna’s short hairstyle. Thanks for the reminder Nadieh!

Meet Ursula Stephen: The Shear Genius Behind Rihanna’s Fabulosity

Ursula Stephen is not only a celebrity hairstylist but a new image make-over expert and the shear genius that gave Rihanna the hairdo that caused her career to sky rocket.

What was Rihanna’s initial reaction to the brilliant cut and your inspiration behind the ‘do?

At first she was in shock…

More about the color than the cut, because she had never worn her hair so dark. Then her attitude changed, she grew to love it and then she basically came into her own and I’m happy that I helped to bring that out!

As for inspiration, the Bob cut is fun and the Bob itself is one of my favorite haircuts; it is the best of both worlds- it can be edgy and classy at the same time. Fashion always inspires me and (I felt) it was time for a change. I was tired of all these artist looking the same, and I wasn’t about to fall into that routine.

As an expert that gives specializes in giving celebrities a completely different look, what process do you go through to get them to agree and feel comfy with the change?

Well I think (my personal style) helps that because I change my look pretty often, they see the possibilities. I (also) take time to talk them through different looks-giving them the pros and cons. Instead of just telling them what to do, I listen to them and we collaborate. Because they have to be comfy or it will not work.
Keyshia Cole has often been compared to a young Mary J. Blige for both her sound and personal style. Has the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul ever inspired some of your looks for Cole? Do you ever purposefully direct Keyshia’s ‘dos away from MJB signature looks?

there is no inspiration from Mary. I think the two are compared to each other more for their passionate performance style, but not necessarily their look. What I would say is that they both change their look pretty often. As far as keeping their looks different- yes, that’s my job to keep my artist distinctive. Though sometimes it’s hard in a world where we all like the same things.

To all of our Hair Apparent readers, what are some tricks they can try in order to see what a particular cut will look like on them before they take the plunge?

A great way to do that is by trying on wigs or be like Nike and “just do it” after all its only hair and it will grow back; or start at a manageable length and work your way down. It’s easier that way – this way you don’t get stuck.

Breakdown for us your look right now.

Right now my look is very T-boz inspired minus the big side burns; it’s one length all around, like an old school bowl cut with heavy blunt bangs which are going to be a big hair trend straight through fall, whether or not you are wearing your hair short or long.

Until next time…keep it shiny!

Courtesy of http://www.blackvoices.com/