Rihanna closed out Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium residency in typical showstopping fashion, and behind that final-night hair moment was celebrity stylist Yusef. Known for his work with Rihanna and his own tool line, The Y by Yusef, Yusef broke down exactly how the look came together, the products that kept it humidity-proof, and how to recreate it at home.
Keep reading to catch our full conversation with Yusef.
The Tease: Briefly walk us through your stunning hairstyling process for Rih. Was it planned or impromptu?
Yusef: It was definitely impromptu. Honestly, that’s how most of our best looks come together. I’d say about 80% of the time, we don’t go in with a set plan, and we let the moment, the fashion, and Rih’s energy lead the creative process. I always keep a variety of True Hair Company textures in my kit at all times along with a wide range of tools and brushes from my personal The Y by Yusef, because we never know where inspiration is going to take us. Being prepared gives me the flexibility to create something that feels fresh, intentional, and completely authentic to the moment.
With the summer weather and humidity at its peak, can you share what products were used to achieve the look?
Yusef: We started with Fenty Hair Shampoo and Conditioner to create the perfect foundation, followed by The Protective Type Frizz-Smoothing Heat Protectant Styling Cream to protect the hair from heat while smoothing and controlling frizz. To finish the look, I used The Flashy One 9-In-1 Treatment Oil for added shine, softness, and a polished finish. These products work beautifully together to help maintain the style and keep humidity at bay throughout the day.
Any key tips for recreating this hairstyle at home?
Yusef: Start with a fresh, clean foundation that’s always the key. If your hair is long enough, a silk press creates the perfect base, and adding extensions, like we did, is always a great option for extra length. The beauty of this look was its simplicity. Divide the hair into two sections, leaving the back down and enough hair to shape the ponytail. The goal is to keep it effortless, polished, and natural-looking.
Proof that the best hair moments don’t always come from a moodboard, sometimes they come from staying prepared and letting the energy of the night take over. Shop Yusef’s go-to tools at The Y by Yusef and the products behind Rihanna’s look at Fenty Beauty, then tag @readthetease to show us your version of the effortless ponytail.
