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Andre Walker System

Meaning ❉ The Andre Walker System offers an early framework for understanding the diverse world of textured hair, primarily classifying curl patterns into a numerical and alphabetical scale. This system, widely adopted within Black and mixed-race hair communities, provides a gentle guide for discerning individual hair characteristics. Its introduction presented a structured language for discussing the unique formations of coils, curls, and waves, moving beyond generalized care advice. Consequently, individuals gained a preliminary method for calibrating product selections and routine adjustments to their specific hair type. While a valuable starting point for many, it serves as an initial step in a broader assessment of hair needs, acknowledging that porosity and density also play significant roles in truly personalized care. Ultimately, this system aids in systematizing daily practices, helping to gently guide practical application of knowledge for consistent hair wellness.

A young person, photographed in black and white, styles textured hair with white barrettes, lifting a section to secure it. The dark hoodie contrasts with the hair's blonde sections highlighting varied undulations. The soft light emphasizes the hair's unique texture and personal aesthetic expression reflecting both ancestral heritage and evolving modern style.

Hair Classification History

Meaning ❉ Hair Classification History refers to the evolving systems and societal interpretations used to categorize human hair, profoundly influencing textured hair heritage.
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A monochromatic studio portrait reveals a striking woman, her off-shoulder garment contrasting with her voluminous Afro textured hair. The interplay of light accentuates her features and the texture of her coils, reflecting beauty, heritage, and authentic expression within Black hair traditions and ancestral narratives.

Eugenics Hair Classification

Meaning ❉ The Eugenics Hair Classification refers to pseudoscientific systems used historically to categorize hair texture and color, primarily to establish and justify racial hierarchies.
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A close up black and white portrait reveals a woman with tightly coiled textured hair. Radiant light illuminates her face, accentuating facial features, and healthy skin. This image conveys a quiet confidence and celebrates natural Black hair aesthetics, reflecting ancestral heritage and empowering beauty standards.

Andre Walker System

Meaning ❉ The Andre Walker System offers a fundamental categorization of hair textures, influencing care practices while sparking dialogues on heritage and identity.
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A striking monochrome portrait reveals a woman with close-cropped blonde coiled hair, emphasizing her features in stark relief. The play of light and shadow highlights the intricate formations and healthy sheen of her natural hair. This composition speaks to identity, confident self-expression, and the beauty of textured hair forms.

Racial Hair Classification

Meaning ❉ Racial Hair Classification categorizes hair textures, historically rooted in discriminatory racial ideologies and now influencing textured hair care and identity.
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