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Oprah Winfrey’s Hair Guru Andre Walker Tells All (Including What She’ll Never Do)

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Oprah Winfrey may have ended her 25-year run as America’s favorite talk show host four years ago, but she hasn’t slowed down, making headlines with her new shows on OWN thanks to her interviews with celebrities including Danny Pintauro, Holly Madison and Ali MacGraw.

But longtime Oprah fans might really want a check in with her hairstylist of 30 years, Andre Walker. How longtime are we talking? “We started working together in 1985. We were both babies. I owned a salon in Chicago and Oprah had just started doing a local TV show,” he says. “When I saw her I thought this woman really has ‘it’ — but her hair was never consistent. So I sent her some flowers and a note saying, ‘I’d really like to get my hands in your hair.’ She called me the next day and the rest is history! There was no way either of us could have predicted back then what our lives would be like today.”

Oprah invited Walker on her show to talk about their latest adventures — and his brand new haircare line — and before the show airs, we chatted with him about all things Oprah hair. (You know you want to know.)

O MagazineRuven Afanador/Courtesy O Magazine

The mane behind her constantly changing mane (she’s had here’s the video evidence) has at least one look he never wants to see again: 1987’s layered bob. “Layered bobs were so popular then and I cut it so short where it sat right at her cheek line,” Walker tells PEOPLE. “She hated it, and I thought it was the greatest thing because it was a trendy hairstyle. Now, looking back at the photo she was absolutely right.”

O MagazineSioux Nexi/Courtesy O Magazine

Another look she’ll absolutely never go for again? Anything that could be worn under a plastic tiara. “She was going to a black-tie event and I had this idea for an updo,” Walker tells PeopleStyle. “I finally did it and she looked in the mirror when it was finished and said ‘I’m not going to the prom! I’m not the prom queen! What did you do to my hair?’ So I fixed it, but let’s just say she’s not very fond of updos.”

RELATED PHOTOS: 25 Years of Oprah’s Hair!

O MagazineDonna Alberico/Courtesy O Magazine

So what happens when Walker isn’t around to work his hair magic on her? “At night she pulls her hair up into a pony on the top of her head,” he says. “It’s a trick that I taught her because if you sleep with your hair down it becomes all messy the next morning, but pulling it up saves the style.” (She does that with natural or straight hair.) And you won’t see her with messy hair outside of the house either — even on “off” days, she’ll toss on a headband to look pulled together.

RELATED VIDEO: Oprah Winfrey’s Tina Turner Phase

And her at-home product arsenal comes, of course, from Walker’s own haircare line, the Gold System. “When I was developing the product, I tested everything on her,” adding, “I keep her fully supplied.”

O MagazineCourtesy O Magazine

So what’s next for the dynamic duo? “I don’t think we’ve ever done auburn on her before. I think a nice red would be really interesting to do on her,” he shares. “But it would take some convincing. She would say ‘Get a red wig — let’s try that.’”

Be sure to tune in to OWN TV on Saturday, October 10th at 10/9pm to see Walker on Oprah: Where Are They Now and catch a sneak peek in the clip above!

Which hairstyle is your favorite? Which should Oprah never try again? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

–Colleen Kratofil

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Big Steppa’s ‘Neva Fold’: A Motivational Anthem of Resilience

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Atlanta/Louisiana-based artist Big Steppa delivers a powerful message of perseverance and determination in his latest release, “Neva Fold,” which hit the airwaves on March 1st, 2024. Produced by the talented Au1rontheBeat, this track serves as a testament to Big Steppa’s personal journey, drawing inspiration from his own trials and triumphs.
 
“Neva Fold” stands out as a significant milestone for Big Steppa, marking his debut into the mainstream music scene. Reflecting on his motivation behind the song, he shares that it is a product of his life experiences, channeling the resilience he’s cultivated in the face of adversity. With its infectious beats and empowering lyrics, the track resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding them to stand tall in the face of challenges.
 
As Big Steppa gears up for an exciting lineup of projects, including music videos and upcoming live performances, fans can expect to witness his evolution as an artist firsthand. With the support of his dedicated followers and the creative process of his producer team, #Au1ronthebeat, Big Steppa is poised to make waves in the music industry. Follow him on Instagram @iambigsteppa6 to stay updated on his journey and be part of the movement towards greater heights of success.

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Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

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The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.

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Audio

Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single “Green A Go”

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Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.

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