Meet the Original Texture Man: Andre Walker

The inventor of the famous hair typing system and Oprah Winfrey’s personal stylist of 25 years, Andre Walker shares his knowledge when it comes to curly hair

What are top three tips for curly hair?
Clean healthy hair always makes the best curls. Shampoo and condition often, at least once but twice a week is best. Keep straightening with hot tools to a minimum. Overuse of heat can damage your curls making them permanently straight.

Tell us about your product line…
My line is called the Gold System. The system is designed to work together. It consist of one shampoo that all hair types can use called Ultimate Moisture Shampoo. One conditioner, TKO Conditioner for all hair types. Three stylers- Beautiful Kinks Creme Gelee, Beautiful Curls Styling Creme, and Get It Straight Styling Creme. Lastly the Q Oil which is enriched with argan and mongongo oils. Mongongo oil is very nutritious high in vitamin E. All of the products in the Gold System are infused with it.

Is it only for natural hair or can it be used on other textures?
The stylers are for specific hair types although the Ultimate Moisture Shampoo and TKO Conditioner are for all hair types.

You have two curl stylers, the Curls Styling Crème and Styling Crème Gelee. What’s the difference?
Beautiful Curls is great for Type 3 curls that range from soft loose to corkscrew. It defines your curls and adds moisture without making them hard or greasy. Beautiful Kinks Creme Gelee is great for Type 4 coils and kinks. It adds more moisture which Type 4 hair loves and hold to help define your coils and kinks. It’s great to use for air dry styling and for sets. Either twist-outs, braid sets, and rod sets

You’re credited with creating the famous Hair Typing System, what made you develop it?
I developed the Hair Typing System in 1997 to describe the four different hair textures and how to care for them. I used it in my book Andre Talks Hair as a way to simplify determining your hair type.

What’s your advice to someone who is rediscovering their natural hair?
I believe that it’s best for everyone to make peace with your hair. Know that natural hair has many style options. Experiment until you find options that work for your hair type. Do you think the natural movement is a trend that’s here to stay? Yes most definitely! People realise the many style options they have, as well as, the ability to maintain strong healthy hair.

You’re best known for being Oprah’s stylist, what’s her hair journey been like over the past 25 years?
Oprah has always been open to try new styles. As you look at her over the years she’s gone from short to long and back… from relaxed to natural… lowlights to highlights and even tried extensions and wigs. I think overall she mostly prefers easy over high maintenance.