From Straight to Kinky - Caring for your hair type using the Andre Walker Hair Typing System

Have you ever wondered why some hair products work better for you than others? Understanding your hair type is an essential step in choosing the right products and techniques to care for your hair. But with so many different hair types and textures out there, it can be challenging to figure out which category your hair falls into. That's where we bring in the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, and discuss just how accurate it is to use it as a guide to understand and care for your hair. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily/kinky hair, read on to learn more about your hair type and how to give it the care it deserves. Bookmark this comprehensive guide! 

Who is Andre Walker and what is this Hair Typing System?

Andre Walker is a British hair stylist and designer, best known for his work as the personal hair stylist for Oprah Winfrey for over 25 years. He has also worked with a number of other high-profile clients, including Michelle Obama, Halle Berry, and Iman. 

How to Get Perfect Hair - Oprah's Stylist Andre Walker's Advice

Walker is the creator of the "Andre Walker Hair Typing System," a widely used classification system for different hair types based on texture and curl pattern. The system is often used by hair care professionals and consumers to help determine the best products and styling techniques for different hair types.

This system categorizes hair into four main types based on its curl pattern and texture. Each type is further divided into three subtypes based on the amount of curl or wave present. More details below!

 TYPE 1: STRAIGHT HAIR

1A - Straight (Fine/Thin)

Generally very shiny and lacks volume, often looking flat and lifeless

Care tips: People with type 1A hair may benefit from using volumizing products to add body and texture to their hair. However, this hair type tends to be easy to manage and style, making it low-maintenance compared to other hair types.

1B - Straight (Medium)

Straight with a slightly thicker and coarser texture than type 1A. It still lacks volume, but it has more body and fullness than type 1a.

Care tips: Type 1B hair can be resistant to curling or styling, so it may require more effort to achieve a desired look. People with this hair type may benefit from using lightweight products that add volume without weighing down the hair.

1C - Straight (Coarse)

Type 1c hair is the straightest hair type within the Andre Walker Hair Classification System. It is the thickest and coarsest of all the straight hair types, but still lacks volume and may appear flat.

Care tips: This hair type is generally resilient and can hold styles well, although it can be difficult to curl. People with type 1c hair may benefit from using volumizing and texturizing products to add body and movement to their hair. This hair type is also prone to becoming oily quickly, so it may require frequent washing or the use of dry shampoo to maintain a fresh look.

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TYPE 2: WAVY HAIR

Type 2A - Wavy (Fine/Thin)

Loose "S" shape and may be prone to frizz and flatness. This hair type is relatively easy to style, as it has a natural wave pattern that can be enhanced with the right styling techniques and products.

Care tips: People with Type 2a hair may benefit from lightweight, volumizing products to add body and texture, as heavier products can weigh down the hair and cause it to look greasy. Condition regularly.

Type 2B - Wavy (Medium)

Wavy hair that is thicker and has a more defined "S" shape than Type 2A hair. This hair type is characterized by waves that are more pronounced, with a slight bend at the ends. It is also more prone to frizz and tangles. 

Care tips: Use lightweight, frizz-fighting products that enhance the natural wave pattern and add volume and texture. To maintain the natural wave pattern, avoid using a towel to dry the hair and instead gently squeeze out excess water and air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer.

Type 2C - Wavy (Coarse)

More defined "S" shape than Type 2b hair, with curls that are tighter at the roots and looser at the ends. Type 2c hair can be difficult to manage =(

Care tips: It is crucial to use a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing to help nourish and hydrate the hair. To enhance the natural wave pattern, scrunch the hair while drying with a diffuser or air-drying. To prevent frizz, avoid touching the hair while it's drying. This can disrupt the natural wave pattern and cause the hair to become frizzy or tangled.

TYPE 3: CURLY HAIR

Type 3A - Curly (Loose Curls)

Well-defined "S" shape with a lot of bounce and volume. Type 3A hair tends to be shiny and soft

Care tips: People with Type 3a hair may benefit from using a lightweight curl-enhancing product to define their curls and add moisture to their hair. They may also want to consider using a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush to gently remove tangles and reduce breakage.

Type 3B - Curly (Tight Curls)

Has a springy "S" shape that can vary in size and volume, with tighter and smaller curls compared to Type 3A hair

Care tips: Using a leave-in conditioner or curl serum will help to define curls and reduce frizz. Also avoid using a brush on the curls as it can disrupt the natural curl pattern and cause breakage. Instead, you can use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair when wet.

Type 3C - Curly (Tight Curls or Corkscrews)

A lot of volume and texture, but can be prone to dryness, tangles, and shrinkage.

Care tips: Leave-in conditioners, curl serums and hair oils are all great options for providing hydration and nourishment to Type 3c hair. Using a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush when wet can also help to reduce tangles and breakage. Protective hairstyles such as twists, braids, or buns can also be helpful for minimizing damage and promoting healthy hair growth.

TYPE 4: COILY/KINKY HAIR

Type 4A - Kinky (Soft)

Tightly coiled hair that forms an "S" or "Z" pattern with less defined curls compared to Type 3 hair. It has good volume.

Care tips: Regular deep conditioning treatments can help to nourish and strengthen Type 4a hair, along with protective styling, such as twists, braids, or buns, to minimize damage and breakage. 

Type 4B - Kinky (Wiry)

Tightly coiled hair that forms a "Z" or "Zigzag" pattern. It has a lot of volume and is very delicate and prone to dryness, breakage, and shrinkage.

Care tips: Along with conditioning treatments and protective styling, you can also opt for less frequent washing of your hair to prevent breakage and dryness. Wash once or twice a week, and use a dry shampoo on the other days. It's important to note that the frequency of hair washing will vary depending on individual factors such as hair texture, activity level, and scalp health. It's always best to listen to your hair and scalp and adjust your hair washing routine accordingly.

Type 4C - Kinky (Zingy)

Tightest and most fragile of all the Type 4 hair textures. It is characterized by densely packed, tightly coiled curls that have a zig-zag pattern. 4C hair has less defined curls compared to 4A and 4B hair types and can shrink up to 75% of its actual length when it dries.

Care tips: Apply a hair oil or conditioner before shampooing can help to add moisture and make detangling easier, and use a hair oil to seal in moisture after washing. You can also sleep on a satin pillowcase (or cover one with a silk scarf) to minimize friction and breakage.

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Overall, the Andre Walker Hair Classification System can be a useful tool in helping you understand your hair type and how to care for it properly. However, it's worth noting that everyone's hair is unique, and you may find that your hair doesn't fit perfectly into one of the categories outlined in this system. The most important thing is to listen to your hair and give it the care and attention it needs to look and feel its best.

In addition to specific care tips for different hair types, it is also important to eat a healthy diet, avoid harsh chemical treatments that offer short term benefits, and always be aware of what is inside the haircare products that you use daily. 


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