Meaning ❉ Colonial Hair Norms describes the historical establishment of Eurocentric beauty standards, specifically concerning hair texture and presentation, upon indigenous and diasporic communities, notably impacting Black and mixed-race hair. This historical context frequently diminished the perceived worth of natural hair patterns—coils, kinks, and waves—impeding a full comprehension of their unique structural integrity and specific care needs. Such influence extended deeply into hair care systematization, leading to the development of practices and products designed to chemically or mechanically alter textured hair, aiming for forms divergent from its natural state and compromising its inherent health. Consequently, practical application now involves a mindful shift toward routines that affirm natural hair characteristics, prioritizing moisture balance, elasticity, and scalp vitality. This re-centering of hair knowledge supports methods attuned to the hair’s natural growth cycle and inherent beauty, guiding a grounded approach to daily hair management and personal identity.
