Photo courtesy:  Harpo Productions, Inc./Photographer George Burns

To be a celebrity hairdresser, not only must you be the best at what you do, but you also have to be highly trusted by the celebrity you’re working on.  Nobody is privy to more personal information and deepest thoughts than a celeb’s hairdresser which is exactly why so many stars become such close friends with their stylists.  For Andre Walker, being Oprah’s personal stylist for the entire duration of her daytime talk show, we can only imagine the conversations that have gone on between the two.  Now that Oprah has launched her TV Network OWN, it comes as no surprise that her long time companion has also launched his own hair care line, Andre Walker Hair. The line currently consists of Keratin based shampoos/conditioners, “Q” Oil which Andre uses on Oprah every day and hair make up which is a woman’s ‘secret weapon’ against gray hair and new root growth.  The man knows what he’s doing!!

The 7 time Emmy Award winning hairdresser answered a few questions with SalonSpotter and reveals what Oprah has taught him about life and personal success.  Here’s what he had to say:

SalonSpotter: Do you have a special hair tip for our readers?

Andre Walker: I have two tests, and a tip! My first test: What to look for when brushing. Many will find short strands of hair (shorter than their current length) at the brush side or in the brush itself. Though we naturally lose on average 100 strands per day, these shorter strands are often evidence of breakage caused by lack of moisture, or protein damage from styling stress along the hair shaft. During the dry, winter months, this breakage can be more frequent. Second Test: Hold a strand of hair between your fingers, and gently run your fingers down the strand of hair from the root. You can feel the smoothness of healthy hair, and the rough, frayed texture of dry, damaged hair as you slide your fingers down the hair strand. For anyone experiencing the above, and for everyone who wants to help prevent breakage and damage, my mantra hair tip is “condition, condition, condition”. Look for products that not only strengthen and repair the hair, but also deeply hydrate. I created Keratin Shampoo and Keratin Conditioner to not only infuse the hair with the highest quality keratin, but also incorporated Whole Leaf Aloe Vera, a very unique, pure plant extract that deeply hydrates, binds moisture and improves elasticity while amplifying shine. Andre Walker products were designed to be a very easy way to make peace with your hair, giving it exactly what it needs to look beautiful and so easy to manage! Also during the dry months of winter try a little Quench-Essential Oil to tame frizzes and fly aways.

SalonSpotter: Where do you keep your Emmys?

Andre Walker: My Emmys are kept on a shelf in the study of my Chicago apartment.

SalonSpotter: What has Oprah taught you about life and personal success?

Andre Walker: Two important things Oprah has taught me about life are to listen to my intuition and always let that direct my path. The other is to be very clear of your intention in all that you do because intention is the one thing that will manifest.

Sounds good to us!