Andre Walker Hair Typing System

Last updated

The Andre Walker Hair Typing System, also known as TheHair Chart, is a classification system for hair types created in the 1990s by Oprah Winfrey's stylist Andre Walker. [1] [2] [3] It was originally created to market Walker's line of hair care products but has since been widely adopted as a hair type classification system. [4] [5] [6] Walker's system includes images of each hair type to aid classification. [7] [8] [9] [10] The system has been criticized for an apparent hierarchy which values Caucasian hair over other hair types. In 2018 the system was the subject of episodes of the podcasts 99% Invisible and The Stoop. [2] [11]

Contents

Types

The system is split into four types with subtypes labeled A, B and C for some of the types. [12] [13] [14] The system has added new subtypes since its original version to Type 1. [15] [2] [16] [17]

TypeHair textureHair description
1aStraight (fine)Hard to hold a curl, hair tends to be oily, hard to damage.
1bStraight (medium)Has much body. (i.e. more volume, more full).
1cStraight (coarse)Hard to curl (i.e. bone straight).
2aWavy (loose waves)Can accomplish various styles. Loose "S" pattern. Hair sticks close to the head.
2bWavy (defined waves)A bit resistant to styling. Hair has more of a defined "S" pattern. Hair tends to be frizzy.
2cWavy (wide waves)Hair has wider waves. Resistant to styling. Hair tends to be frizzy.
3aCurly (loose curls)Thick and full with much body. Definite curl pattern. Hair tends to be frizzy. Can have a combination texture.
3bCurly (tight curls)Medium amount of space of the curls. Can have a combined texture.
3cCurly (corkscrews)Tight curls in corkscrews. The curls are very tightly curled.
4aKinky-coily (defined coil)Tightly coiled. Has a very defined O-shaped pattern.
4bKinky-coily (z coil)Tightly coiled. Little less defined kink pattern. Has more of a Z-shaped pattern.
4cKinky-coily (tight coil)Tightly coiled. Almost no visible defined kink pattern, unless seen from up close. Has more of a very tight O-shaped pattern.

Evaluation

There has been a lot of debate in the black/curly hair community over the validity of the classification. [18] The Walker system has been judged an improvement on some earlier systems that ranked black hair as less desirable, but is criticized for not taking into account the full variation in density and scalp types or that people's hair can vary on different parts of their heads. [19]

Research in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology has suggested Walker's curl-classification system may be useful in conversations about alopecia and other health conditions. [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair</span> Protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis, or skin

Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types, and hair care, but hair is also an important biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably alpha-keratin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cornish Rex</span> Breed of cat

The Cornish Rex is a breed of domestic cat. The Cornish Rex has no hair except for down hair. Most breeds of cat have three different types of hair in their coats: the outer fur or "guard hairs", a middle layer called the "awn hair"; and the down hair or undercoat, which is very fine and about 1 cm long. Cornish Rexes only have the undercoat. The curl in their fur is caused by a different mutation and gene than that of the Devon Rex. The breed originated in Cornwall, Great Britain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair iron</span> Hair styling tool with heating element

A hair iron or hair tong is a tool used to change the arrangement of the hair using heat. There are three general kinds: curling irons, used to make the hair curl; straightening irons, commonly called straighteners or flat irons, used to straighten the hair; and crimping irons, used to create crimps of the desired size in the hair.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pseudofolliculitis barbae</span> Medical condition

Pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is a type of irritant folliculitis that commonly affects people who have curly or coarse facial hair. It occurs when hair curls back into the skin after shaving, causing inflammation, redness, and bumps. This can lead to ingrown hairs, scarring, and skin discoloration. PFB can be treated with various methods, including changing shaving habits, using topical creams or ointments, and undergoing laser hair removal. Prevention measures include proper shaving techniques, using sharp razors, and avoiding too close a shave.

A relaxer is a type of lotion or cream generally used by people with tight curls or very curly hair which makes hair easier to straighten by chemically "relaxing" the natural curls. The active agent is usually a strong alkali, although some formulations are based on ammonium thioglycolate or formaldehyde.

Andre Walker is a hairstylist from the United States who has won seven Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling for his work on The Oprah Winfrey Show. He is best known for being the personal hairstylist of Oprah Winfrey and for creating Halle Berry's signature short pixie haircut. Other celebrity clients of Walker's have included Barbara Bush and Michelle Obama.

Artificial hair integrations, more commonly known as hair extensions, hair weaves, and fake hair add length and fullness to human hair. Hair extensions are usually clipped, glued, or sewn on natural hair by incorporating additional human or synthetic hair. These methods include tape-in extensions, clip-in or clip-on extensions, micro/nano rings, fusion method, weaving method, and wigs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flame maple</span>

Flame maple, also known as flamed maple, curly maple, ripple maple, fiddleback or tiger stripe, is a feature of maple in which the growth of the wood fibers is distorted in an undulating chatoyant pattern, producing wavy lines known as "flames". This effect is often mistakenly said to be part of the grain of the wood; it is more accurately called "figure", as the distortion is perpendicular to the grain direction. Prized for its beautiful appearance, it is used frequently in the manufacturing of fine furniture and musical instruments, such as violins, guitars, and bassoons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kinky hair</span> Human hair texture indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, Melanesia, and Australia

Kinky hair, also known as afro-textured hair, is a human hair texture prevalent in the indigenous populations of many regions with hot climates, mainly African and some areas of Melanesia, and Australia. Each strand of this hair type grows in a repeating pattern of small contiguous kinks which can be classified as tight twists and sharp folds. These numerous kinks make kinky hair appear denser than straight, wavy, and other curly hair types.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">English Water Spaniel</span> Dog breed

The English Water Spaniel is a breed of dog that has been extinct since the first part of the 20th century, with the last specimen seen in the 1930s. It was best known for its use in hunting waterfowl and for being able to dive as well as a duck. It is described as similar to a Collie or to a cross between a Poodle and a Springer Spaniel with curly fur and typically in a white and liver/tan pattern.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair straightening</span> Hair styling technique

Hair straightening is a hair styling technique used since the 1890s involving the flattening and straightening of hair in order to give it a smooth, streamlined, and sleek appearance. It became very popular during the 1950s among black males and females of all races. It is accomplished using a hair iron or hot comb, chemical relaxers, Japanese hair straightening, Brazilian hair straightening, or roller set/blowdryer styling. In addition, some shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels can help to make hair temporarily straight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waves (hairstyle)</span> Hairstyle

Waves are a hairstyle for curly hair in which the curls are brushed and/or combed and flattened out, creating a ripple-like pattern.

Plush Lop is a breed of domestic rabbit with two varieties: Miniature and Standard. There is also a Canadian Plush Lop breed in development. Similar in appearance, the Velveteen Lop breed is also in development. Miniature Plush Lops were the first to be developed. Devie D'anniballe began creating this breed in 1995 in the United States. She succeeded in developing them by combining the previously existing breeds of Holland Lop, Mini Rex, and Mini Lop. Her aim was to create the perfect pet by retaining the good qualities of these breeds, while "breeding out" all the problems existing in these breeds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">African-American hair</span> Afro-textured hair types

African-American hair or Black hair refers to hair types, textures, and styles that are linked to African-American culture, often drawing inspiration from African hair culture. It plays a major role in the identity and politics of Black culture in the United States and across the diaspora. African-American hair often has a kinky hairy texture, appearing tightly coiled and packed. Black hair has a complex history, culture, and cultural impact, including its relationship with racism.

The natural hair movement is a movement which aims to encourage people of African descent to embrace their natural, afro-textured hair; especially in the workplace. It originated in the United States during the 1960s, and resurged in popularity in the 2000s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curly Girl Method</span> Curly hair maintenance method

The Curly Girl Method is an approach to hair care designed by author Lorraine Massey for textured hair in its natural state that has not been chemically relaxed. This method discourages the daily use of sulfate shampoo, which is considered too harsh for curly hair. Among other things, it calls for the use of a cleansing conditioner in place of shampoo, no silicones, the use of a diffuser when blowdrying, and no combs, brushes, or terrycloth towels. It also includes tips for using hair gel and other styling products. The aim in general is to treat naturally curly hair gently, minimizing damage to the hair cuticle; to keep it moisturized, since curly hair is more prone to dryness than straight hair; and to accentuate rather than interfere with the hair's natural curl pattern.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frizz</span> Hair that does not align with the surrounding hair

Frizz is hair that does not align with the surrounding hair, but stands up or curls independently, creating a fuzzy or irregular texture. The three main causes of frizz are genetics, hair damage, and humidity. Frizzy hair can be seen as a positive or a negative trait depending on the current fashion and one's personal preference. Many hair products, such as gels, pomades, and hair waxes, are designed to reduce frizz.

DevaCurl is an American brand of hair care products.

References

  1. ↑ "Andre Walker hair typing system - Women Health Info Blog". Women Health Info Blog. 2017-02-01. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  2. 1 2 3 "The Hair Chart - 99% Invisible". 99% Invisible. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  3. ↑ "Q&A with Andre Walker". Oprah.com. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  4. ↑ "The Controversial History of the Hair Typing System". Byrdie. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  5. ↑ "Towards Creation of a Curl Pattern Recognition System". Int'l Conf. IP, Comp. Vision, and Pattern Recognition. IPCV'18.
  6. ↑ "Why Following Bloggers Who Share Your Hair Texture Is Actually Helpful". Essence. 2020-10-26. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  7. ↑ Mamona, Sheilla (2023-03-11). "There are 12 hair types, so which one is yours?". Glamour UK. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  8. ↑ Hurly, Adam (2016-04-05). "The Best Products for Curly Hair of Every Type and Texture". GQ. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  9. ↑ "Towards Creation of a Curl Pattern Recognition - ProQuest". www.proquest.com. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  10. ↑ Gaines, Michelle; Page, Imani; Miller, Nolan; Greenvall, Benjamin; Medina, Josh; Irschick, Duncan; Southard, Adeline; Ribbe, Alexander; Grason, Gregory (2023-04-10), Reimagining Hair Science: A New Approach to Classify Curly Hair Phenotypes via New Quantitative Geometrical & Structural Mechanical Parameters, doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-35bt7-v2 , retrieved 2024-11-01
  11. ↑ "Episode 13: Are you a 4C?". The Stoop. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  12. ↑ Sabrina (2016-11-25). "The Only Guide You Ever Need For Hair Typing Natural Hair". Seriously Natural. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  13. ↑ Trebilcock, Jennifer. "Andre Walker Hair System: Hair Type or Hair Hype? – Black Hair Spot" . Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  14. ↑ "Two Basic Hair Typing Systems and How To Use Them". HairFlair.
  15. ↑ "The Only Hair Typing System Article You'll Ever Need". Curl Centric® | Rewrite the Rules of Natural Hair Care. 2017-03-09. Retrieved 2018-04-25.
  16. ↑ Gaines, Michelle; Page, Imani; Miller, Nolan; Greenvall, Benjamin; Medina, Josh; Irschick, Duncan; Southard, Adeline; Ribbe, Alexander; Grason, Gregory (2023-04-10), Reimagining Hair Science: A New Approach to Classify Curly Hair Phenotypes via New Quantitative Geometrical & Structural Mechanical Parameters, doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2022-35bt7-v2 , retrieved 2024-10-14
  17. ↑ Paolo. "Get to know your hair type with the Andre Walker method - Divina BLK - Cosmetic products for curly, super-curly and afro hair". www.divinablk.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  18. ↑ Blay, Annie (April 4, 2024). "How to Figure Out Your Curl Type". Allure.
  19. ↑ Grant-West, Charlotte (21 Aug 2023). "Is the Hair Typing System Due an Update?". Hairdressers Journal.
  20. ↑ Krueger, Loren (5 April 2022). "Curl pattern classification: A potential tool for communication and risk stratification". International Journal of Women's Dermatology. 8 (2): e015. doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000015. PMC   9112386 . PMID   35619674.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.