When stylist Andre Walker reached out to Oprah Winfrey in 1985, he knew he had to be bold. So the Chicago salon owner sent the up-and-coming talk show hostess a note, simply stating, “I’m dying to get my hands on your hair.” His honesty worked: she hired him, and he’s kept her hair looking healthy ever since. “I’m happiest with the [looks] that she’s been happiest with,” Walker shares in the April issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. “For her 50th birthday, we did a short, choppy look with a bit of a flip. She often looks back and says, ‘I really love that hairstyle.’ ” However, there have been some not-so-happy hair moments in Winfrey’s past. “She also reminds me of the styles that weren’t so great,” Walker admits. “But in my defense: It was the ’80s!” To keep Winfrey’s locks lush on a regular basis, Walker avoids using blow dryers or irons on her hair more than three times per week. “Lately, I’ve been doing ponytails to stretch the time between blow dries,” he shares. “With a little height on the top, a pony can look very polished.” And his cardinal hair care rule? “Condition. Condition. Condition,” he says. “Whether you think you need it or not, use a conditioner every time you shampoo, and slather on a thick hair mask once a week. Restoring moisture to the hair is really important to help repair dry ends and add shine.” For more on Winfrey’s hair, check out the April issue of O, on newsstands March 15 or go to oprah.com.