Meaning ❉ Colonial Hair Practices delicately describe the historical period where European beauty conventions and hair care methodologies were widely presented as superior, influencing how Black and mixed-race individuals perceived and attended to their unique hair textures. This era systematically suppressed inherent knowledge of textured hair’s distinct growth patterns and hydration requirements, replacing it with a preference for styles that mimicked European hair, often involving harsh alteration. Consequently, routines were developed around principles of concealment or forceful straightening, leading to practices that disregarded the natural structure of curls and coils, prioritizing conformity over true hair health. Today, understanding these historical influences is key to dismantling residual biases within modern hair care; this knowledge guides the development of truly supportive systems and thoughtful product selections that honor the inherent strength and beauty of Black and mixed-race hair, leading to genuine wellness from root to tip.
