Beauty Of 5: Ursula Stephen On What Not To Do To Your Hair In Quarantine

Source: Unilever / Dove, Suave

This quarantine is stressing us out in more ways than one. We can’t go outside, which means we can’t go to the hair salon. Suddenly, we can’t touch up our roots, get our bangs cut by a professional, or even get that new hairstyle we wanted to try out for spring. It can be more than a little jarring not to be able to get the services that were so easily accessible just a couple of months ago. But before you go and make rash decisions while you’re under quarantine, know that it can create some long-term problems that may not be easily fixable.

We spoke to celebrity stylist and Unilever global haircare brand ambassador Ursula Stephen and asked her what the dos and don’ts are of haircare during this quarantine. Ursula has given celebrities like Zendaya, Taraji P. Henson, and Rihanna some of their most sought after hairstyles and is the owner of Ursula Stephen The Salon in Brooklyn. If there’s anyone whose advice you should take, it would be hers. Check out 5 things we should not be doing to our hair while we’re in quarantine, based on the advice of the pro celebrity stylist.

Source: Unilever / Dove, Suave

Can you wash your hair too much?

“Shampooing too often can remove essential moisture that your hair needs and causes hair to become dry and brittle,” she said. “If you already suffer from dry hair or need to wash your hair a little more than usual, I’d recommend a moisturizing shampoo followed by a great conditioner. Try the new Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo (MSRP $6.99). The sulfate-free formula infused with aloe gently removes build-up while restoring moisture and shine.”

Source: Unilever / Dove, Suave

How many days are too many to go without doing much of anything to your hair?

“You shouldn’t go more than two days without doing much to your hair unless it’s in a protective style. Your hair can become tangled and dry if it’s not maintained regularly, which will eventually cause it to become brittle and break off,” she said.

“If you have natural hair, using a product like the Suave Professional for Natural Hair Cream Detangler Spray  (MSRP $5.99) is a great low-maintenance solution to keep the hair manageable and soft,” she added. “For hair that needs a little extra care, try Dove Amplified Textures Moisture Spa Recovery Mask (MSRP $6.99). This creamy mask provides nourishment to revive hair that’s been a little neglected. It strengthens the hair shaft from within and reduces breakage, leaving hair shiny and protected.”

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How long should you let protective styles sit?

“I give protective styles a life span of one month, two months max if absolutely necessary,” she said. Protective styles, for the record, run the gamut, and aren’t just your variety braid styles. They also include top knots and buns, cornrows and two-strand twists and flat twists and halo braids.

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Are there any products and ingredients we should stay away from while caring for hair in quarantine?

“Stay away from hairsprays and products that contain too much alcohol,” she said. “I would stick with penetrating moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut. Both the Dove Amplified Textures Collection and Suave Professionals for Natural Hair have an incredible product range with these amazing ingredients.”

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What’s the worst thing you’ve seen people do to their hair while stuck inside and why shouldn’t we do that? 

“One of the worst things I’ve seen people do while stuck at home is to try to relax their own hair,” she said. “Any chemical treatments should be done by a licensed professional. If done the wrong way it can cause long-term damage to the hair and scalp.”