Achieve Rihanna’s Iconic NAACP Image Awards Ponytail: A Masterclass by Celebrity Stylist Yusef Williams

On February 22, 2020, the 51st Annual NAACP Image Awards radiated with star power, but one icon undeniably captivated every gaze: global superstar Rihanna. Honored with the prestigious President’s Award, a testament to her groundbreaking achievements and humanitarian efforts, Rihanna graced the stage in Pasadena, California, looking every inch the queen she is. Her choice of attire, a breathtaking purple Givenchy Spring 2020 ruffle dress boasting a dramatically voluminous skirt, was a statement in itself. Complementing this high-fashion ensemble, she opted for sleek black leather lace-up heels, allowing her truly unforgettable hairstyle to shine as the ultimate accessory. This stunning hair creation was the masterful work of her longtime hairstylist, Yusef Williams, who exclusively shared with HollywoodLife the precise steps he took to craft this iconic look, offering fans a unique opportunity to replicate Rihanna’s awards night glamour.

Rihanna’s hair, an exquisite display of precision and artistry, was pulled back into a high, sleek ponytail that cascaded dramatically long, extending well past her shoulders. Adding an intricate layer of detail, tight braids meticulously wrapped around the sides of her head, seamlessly integrating into the base of the ponytail. Yusef Williams revealed the direct inspiration behind this masterful look: “I took inspiration from her dress. It was so voluminous that I wanted to create a sleek hairstyle to complement the look.” This approach highlights the genius of a seasoned stylist – harmonizing every element to achieve a cohesive, show-stopping aesthetic. For those eager to recreate this sophisticated style, Yusef generously outlined his four-step process, promising a result that is both elegant and perfectly polished.

Step 1: The Essential Foundation – Cleansing and Conditioning for Optimal Health and Shine

Every great hairstyle begins with a pristine and well-prepared canvas, and Rihanna’s sleek ponytail was no exception. Yusef emphasized the crucial first step: thorough cleansing and conditioning. He explained, “I started by washing + prepping her hair with the Suave Professionals Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Suave Professionals Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Conditioner.” The choice of these particular products is strategic, especially when aiming for a sleek, healthy finish. The Suave Professionals Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Shampoo is formulated to gently cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping natural oils, which can often lead to dryness and frizz. Its sulfate-free composition is a significant advantage, as sulfates can be harsh, potentially dulling hair color and leaving strands vulnerable. Instead, this shampoo works to infuse vital moisture and impart a noticeable shine to the hair, laying the groundwork for a truly radiant look.

Following the shampoo, the Suave Professionals Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Conditioner plays an equally vital role. This conditioner is designed to provide deep hydration, an essential step for any hair type, but particularly beneficial for maintaining the health and elasticity of textured hair like Rihanna’s. It helps to replenish moisture lost during cleansing, smooth the hair cuticle, and significantly improve manageability. Furthermore, its protective qualities help to guard against breakage, a common concern when styling hair into tight ponytails or intricate braids. By ensuring the hair is thoroughly hydrated and strengthened from the outset, Yusef creates a resilient and supple foundation that is primed for styling, ensuring the final look is not only beautiful but also maintains the integrity of Rihanna’s hair.

Step 2: Achieving Unrivaled Sleekness – The Art of the Blowout and Flat Iron

With Rihanna’s hair cleansed and deeply conditioned, Yusef moved on to the critical step of drying and smoothing, aiming for an unparalleled level of sleekness and shine. “Once her hair was cleansed and conditioned, I used the new ghd Helios Hairdryer and my new The Y by Yusef Medium Round Brush to give her a sleek, shiny blowout,” he detailed. The choice of tools here is paramount for achieving salon-quality results. The ghd Helios Hairdryer is lauded for its advanced technology, featuring a powerful, lightweight, and long-lasting brushless motor. This design significantly reduces drying time while delivering precise control, resulting in a smoother, shinier finish with reduced frizz. Its ergonomic design and optimized airflow mean less strain on the stylist and a more comfortable experience for the client, all while enhancing hair’s natural luster.

Paired with his signature The Y by Yusef Medium Round Brush, this combination is a game-changer. Yusef explains the brush’s unique features: “which has a thermal barrel that retains maximum heat while drying and strong nylon bristles that easily grasp hair, I created a sleek base for the look.” The thermal barrel helps to lock in heat, creating tension that smooths the hair cuticle and adds body and shine. The durable nylon bristles are ideal for gripping even thick, textured hair, allowing for effortless detangling and seamless styling. This precise technique ensures every strand is perfectly aligned and smoothed, forming the immaculate foundation for the elaborate ponytail. After the blowout, Yusef took an extra step to perfect the hair’s texture: “After her hair was fully dried, I used the ghd Platinum+ Styler to eliminate any frizz and get her hair as shiny and smooth as possible.” The ghd Platinum+ Styler is renowned for its intelligent ultra-zone predictive technology, which monitors heat 250 times a second to ensure an optimal styling temperature of 365°F (185°C) across the entire plate. This minimizes heat damage while maximizing smoothness and shine, sealing the cuticle for a mirror-like finish that is absolutely essential for Rihanna’s red-carpet look.

Step 3: Constructing the Perfect Ponytail – Precision Braiding and Secure Hold

With the hair impeccably smoothed and primed, Yusef embarked on the intricate construction of Rihanna’s signature ponytail, a process that demanded precision and the right tools for a lasting hold. “Next, I sectioned off her hair and braided a few cornrows and secured them,” he explained. This initial step of creating cornrows isn’t merely decorative; it serves a crucial functional purpose. These tight, flat braids along the scalp act as anchors, helping to create an incredibly secure and taut base for the ponytail. They ensure that the sides of the head remain flawlessly smooth and pulled back, contributing to the overall sleekness and preventing any stray hairs from disrupting the refined aesthetic. This technique is particularly effective for managing and controlling hair with volume or texture, providing a clean canvas for the main ponytail.

Once the cornrows were in place, Yusef meticulously gathered the rest of Rihanna’s hair. “Then I used The Y by Yusef Cushion Paddle Brush, which has a wider surface to detangle and smooth thick hair, to pull her hair in a tight, sleek ponytail and secured with The Y by Yusef hair elastics and bungees to really keep it in place.” The choice of The Y by Yusef Cushion Paddle Brush is pivotal here. Its wider surface area allows for efficient detangling and smoothing of larger sections of thick hair, minimizing breakage while ensuring every strand is flawlessly directed. The cushioning provides flexibility, adapting to the contours of the head and ensuring comfort during the styling process. The ultimate secret to the ponytail’s enduring hold lies in the innovative use of The Y by Yusef hair elastics and bungees. These are not ordinary hair ties; Yusef specifically designed them with superior grip and durability. “They’re specifically designed to keep thick, curly hair in place without pulling on strands. Not a hair moved!” he proudly stated. This specialized design prevents slippage and minimizes tension on the hair follicles, ensuring the ponytail remains perfectly positioned and unbelievably secure throughout the entire event, even with Rihanna’s dynamic movements on stage.

Step 4: The Flawless Finish – Dimension, Shine, and Polished Details

The final stage of Rihanna’s iconic ponytail involved adding intricate details and ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish that blended sophistication with a touch of edgy dimension. Yusef revealed, “After the ponytail was secured, I pulled out a few pieces and braided them to add a cool layer of dimension.” This thoughtful touch of adding subtle, strategically placed braids within the flowing ponytail created visual interest and enhanced the overall depth of the style, preventing it from looking too uniform or flat. It’s a testament to Yusef’s artistry, showcasing how small details can elevate a look significantly.

To achieve the signature high-shine and sleekness, Yusef applied targeted products. “I used the Suave Professionals Natural Hair Define & Shine Gel Serum to make her hair super sleek and shiny,” he explained. This gel serum is formulated to deliver intense shine and definition without a heavy or greasy feel. It helps to smooth down any flyaways and imbue the hair with a brilliant, polished gleam, which is essential for capturing the red-carpet spotlight. To ensure the elaborate style would withstand hours of red-carpet appearances and award presentations, Yusef then locked it all in: “and then locked it all in with the Suave Professionals Firm Control Finishing Hairspray.” A firm-hold hairspray is crucial for securing intricate styles, providing maximum longevity without leaving a sticky residue or stiff texture. This ensures that every braid, every sleek strand, and the overall shape of the ponytail remains perfectly intact.

In a surprising yet brilliant move, Yusef introduced an unexpected product for a unique effect. He followed up the hairspray with “the Suave Professionals Refresh & Revive Dry Shampoo to get rid of excess oil and mess it up a little bit so it doesn’t look so pulled together.” This innovative use of dry shampoo after styling, rather than before, is a pro tip. It not only helps absorb any residual oils that might appear over time but also subtly diffuses the super-perfect look, adding a hint of lived-in texture and movement that makes the style appear effortlessly chic rather than overly rigid. This touch injects a modern, slightly undone vibe into an otherwise highly polished hairstyle. Finally, no Rihanna look is complete without perfectly sculpted edges. “I finished off the look by using The Y by Yusef Toothbrush to style her baby hairs,” Yusef concluded. A clean toothbrush is an indispensable tool for precisely laying down and shaping delicate baby hairs along the hairline, framing the face with exquisite detail and adding a final touch of polished perfection to Rihanna’s show-stopping NAACP Image Awards ponytail.