black hair

Throughout her career, Rihanna has made her mark as a hair chameleon with her frequent changes in cut and colour and over the weekend, she premiered a new jet-black hue as she travelled to Japan doing press for her film Battleship. Even though the look is more serious than her previous platinum blonde with peekaboo roots, she keeps it fresh and edgy with shaved sides. It's reminiscent of her short cut from several years back that yielded many copycats but the songstress admitted on her Twitter page that she isn't quite ready for the big chop just yet.

Celebrity stylist Ursula Stephen is the woman responsible for taking Rihanna's hair from demure to dashing. By lopping off Rihanna's long, straight hair, eventually taking it to an asymmetric razored cut, Stephen helped the singer become an international style icon. As you can imagine, Rihanna's ever-changing hairstyles require as much hair care as creativity so find out how Stephen keeps her hair in healthy condition now.

It seems like Rihanna's always changing up her hair. How do you decide what's next? Yes, we are always changing it up, experimenting, and having fun with hair. That’s what I love to do! Her hairstyle typically changes depending on what’s on our agenda, what she’s wearing, or how she’s feeling. We take it day by day and event by event, and usually will both bring ideas to the table. It’s always a collaboration, which is such a great way to work. It’s all about the products that we use to maintain moisture in between all the styling. If we’re going heavy with colour, we’ll lay off the chemical treatments; if her hair needs a break, we’ll try a wig or weave. It’s all about knowing and understanding the clients' hair.

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There was an eerie sense of déjà vu at this morning's Dion Lee show as once again models hair was painted backstage in the wings of Sydney's Opera House by ghd hair director Sophie Roberts. Unlike last year's white clay, which only adorned six models' heads, this year all of the girls had black-sprayed tight ballerina buns. Like last year, the makeup was all about luminosity and light with the skin being the focus of the whole look.

• Makeup: Napoleon Perdis for Napoleon Perdis
• Look: Natural, inner glow
• Colours: Nudes, creamy metallics
• Key products: Mighty Concealer Pen, Light Patrol Luminizer Palette
• Hair: Sophie Roberts for ghd
• Nails: Orly

Before she went back to the blonde bob that 63 percent of you LOVE, Nicole Richie covered the October 2010 issue of UK InStyle looking fierce with her long bangs curled in a Bettie Page fashion and her black ponytail sleekly draped over either shoulder. Similar to Kate Hudson's look for British ELLE, Nicole's eyes are awash with pinks and purples. It's a strong, statement eye so it's been paired with a camouflaged lip and gentle contouring. I think I prefer Kate's makeup as I've never really been a fan of pink eyeshadow: too close to red. Whaddya reck? Is it a good look for the reality-star-turned-jewellery-designer or do you prefer seeing her more fresh-faced? In the interview, she talks Harlow, pregnancy and the past, saying that her 16-year-old self wasn't quite ready for body art: “I’m a Virgo and the sign is a virgin. So when I was 16, I got the word virgin tattooed on my wrist, thinking I was sooo deep and cool. And now I just look really weird having virgin written across my wrist and I have to explain it.”

We're used to seeing Alessandra Ambrosio all bronzed and bubbly, classic Victoria's Secret stuff. But the Brazilian model is looking decidedly different on the September cover of LOVE Magazine. Her usually honey- and caramel-toned hair has been replaced by a grungy black hue, gone is the bronze-a-licious wash of colour on her skin, in its place a piercing porcelain white and brows — MIA. Bleached out in the style of Lara Stone, making way for the statement lip, a rich pop of orangey-red. Hmmm. It's striking and exactly what we've come to expect from the UK mag that featured a naked Beth Ditto on its cover and dressed Aggy up as Queen but is it a step too far? Was her RUSSH spread as edgy and raw as you we willing to see her? Or do you like that the Brazilian bombshell has stepped out of her box? Freaky or freakin' amazing?

Peeps, you are in for a treat. I've just been hanging out backstage with Team Illamasqua ahead of tonight's Myer Spring/Summer 2010/11 Parade. I'll tell you more about the two makeup looks created by Illamasqua's ah-mazing Creative Director, Alex Box first thing tomorrow. But for now, it's time to meet the delightful Jess Hart, who I'm pleased to report was every bit as gorgeous and funny as you'd hope. Here she talks desert island essentials, working with Jen Hawkins and BAD beauty blunders.

BellaSugar: How does it feel to be working with Myer?

Jess Hart: It's such a big honour. I really couldn't ask for anything more.

Bella: And how is it hanging out with the lovely Jen Hawkins?

JH: She's great, but we've both been so busy we barely get a chance to catch up. It's just a quick "Hi!" But she is really lovely.

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I love dry shampoo. I think it's even better than sliced bread because of the following reasons a) it helps you get another wear out of your blow-dry, b) it allows you to easily add some matted texture to clean hair if you're looking to create an up 'do that will stay in place and c) it even pumps up the volume, making it a saviour for those with few and far-between strands.

My only complaint is that it can often leave a white powdery residue in your hair. Handy if you're looking for youths to give up their seat on the bus for you, not so much when you're looking to impress The Hot Guy.

But, as always, Batiste has come to the rescue with its latest launch. Batiste Coloured Dry Shampoo ($12.95) is available in two shades: Brunette and Black. It's the exact same formulation that we know and love, it just has a shot of colour in to rid us of that whole working-on-a-construction-site look. LOVE.

Stockists: Batiste (02 8709 8800)