Dianne is the co-founder of Natural Haircare News and Coils To Locs.com. She's been blogging about natural hair ever since she made the decision to break free of the creamy crack in 2012.
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Andre Walker is a celebrity hair-stylist who developed a hair classification system to help people understand different properties related to their hair. You might know Andre as Oprah Winfrey’s stylist. He’s also the author of the book, Andre Talks Hair.
Andre Walker’s hair classification method uses a combination of numbers and letters to describe various hair textures. The system ranges from straight hair, classified as 1c to hair that is extremely kinky 4c hair that does not appear to curl without manipulation by styling in twist-outs or braid-outs for definition.
It is important to note that the system is not a method created to classify hair according to race. Anyone can have naturally bone-straight hair or kinky hair. The system classifies hair for people of all ethnicities. On his website, he writes that people should make peace with their hair. Just keep in mind, that he also suggests that people with extremely kinky hair use a straightener, chemical relaxer or a texturizer to manage their hair.
People use Walker’s hair classifications to describe their hair to others, and the system can also help users understand which techniques and products they could use to take care of their hair. For example, Walker recommends that specific types of hair receive more moisture. He has said that kinkier hair types, specifically the 4 range, are particularly fragile.
How you choose to use the classification, or whether you use it at all is up to you. The system can help you seek help for your hair care needs when communicating with others. If you are on a hair forum, for example, you can post a question and state that you have Type 4a or Type 4b hair. Some of the people on the forum will have a certain understanding of what your hair looks like, feels like, and how your hair will likely react when you use certain styling techniques.
You can also use the classification system to help you choose products to style your hair. Have you ever bought a product that was designed for people with loosely curled hair? Maybe you were disappointed, because the product didn’t curl your kinky hair. On the other hand, some people choose not to classify their hair for personal reasons. They simply do not like the sound of the system, or they do not like labeling their hair. Most people probably have different textures in their hair, anyway.
We want to know what you think. Be sure to leave your comment below.
Author: Dianne Shaddock
 “Changing attitudes about natural hair” is what we do at Natural Haircare News. Through informative articles, podcasts and videos, we go beyond just sharing the latest advice and tips on kinky, curly, wavy haircare – We shake things up and focus on the realities of wearing our hair natural. |
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