You have styled so many iconic looks over the years … Which was the look you enjoyed creating the most ?
I would have to say my most memorable and iconic hair look would have to be Harper ’ s Bazaar China August 2019 cover shoot with Rihanna . It was absolutely beautiful and I had the best time creating intricate Asian inspired hairstyles . It ’ s an editorial that I always draw inspiration from for new looks .
You express your creative energy through music , hairstyling , and your own brand of hairstyling tools The Y by Yusef … What brings you inspiration ? And what motivates you to keep creating ?
A myriad of things brings me creative energy ; people , travel , music , architecture . Sometimes the most simple things motivate me creatively as well . I can definitely say the main thing that motivates me to keep going and work harder each day is my family and my friends ! Seeing how supportive and happy they are for me gives me purpose to get up and take on any challenge that may come my way , especially being an entrepreneur with my brand , Y By Yusef .
You ’ re undoubtedly one of the most influential hairstylists of our time . Who are your hair / beauty idols ?
I am so honored to be called an influential hairstylist . That is the main goal when you are creating hairstyles for editorials and celebrities : ‘ Do you want it to be something that people will never forget ?’ I would have to say the hairstylists that influenced me the most in the beginning of my career would be Oribe , Chuck Amos , Odil Gilbert , and Oscar James . These are the names I saw in the magazines . They ’ ve inspired me so much , putting a fire in me to take my hairstyling talents to higher levels and showed me that I could be more than just a hairstylist .
When styling , is there a song or artist that gets you in the flow ?
When styling , I listen to all types of music , from gospel to R & B to house music . As long as music is playing when I ’ m doing hair , magic is definitely going to happen .
Best “ out the door in 5 minutes ” hairstyle ?
I believe the best hairstyle for when you ’ re in a rush would be a sleek ponytail with either a middle or side part . This look can be executed with a pixie , afro and long hair as well . Styling with Y by Yusef gold duck bill clips can hold the look as well as accessorize it to amp up the style factor .
Best quick fix for a bad hair day ?
For one of those days , a beautiful head scarf and some sexy eyewear always does the trick . You can quickly sculpt baby hairs using our Y by Yusef toothbrushes to add a streetwear vibe to the look .
How do you practice self-care ?
I take as much time for myself as possible . Working out , taking care of my skin , and the most important part , my mental health - therapy and meditation are key for me .
What is the best piece of advice you ’ ve ever received , or words of wisdom that have always stuck with you ?
The best advice I ’ ve received was : “ Always take risks ; don ’ t be afraid to step out of yourself and get what you deserve in life ,” “ Always push your creativity to the limit !” and lastly , “ Eliminate the things you don ’ t need .”
What hair / beauty products do you always keep on hand ?
Of course , I keep Y BY YUSEF tools always on hand . I crafted them specifically to be essential tools that any hairstylist , professional or non-professional , could use : from amazing combs to brushes , clips , and hair ties . You can ’ t go wrong with the Y , and very soon , there will be a wet line of products , which I ’ m excited to launch ! I ’ m sure everyone is going to fall in love with our shampoos , conditioners , hair sprays / serum . The line is luxurious with an amazing fragrance and I ’ m super excited to present it to the world .
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