Meaning ❉ Colonial Hierarchy, when considering textured hair, describes the historical framework where beauty standards, often rooted in European ideals, positioned hair textures different from straight strands at a lower societal tier. This perspective significantly influenced the understanding of Black and mixed-race hair, leading to a limited focus on its distinct structures and care requirements in scientific and cultural discourse. Consequently, the systematization of hair routines often saw the widespread adoption of methods and products designed to alter natural curl patterns, rather than genuinely tending to or supporting them, establishing standardized care principles that sometimes proved misaligned. For practical application, this historical lens continues to guide how individuals perceive their own hair and the choices they make, encouraging a thoughtful move towards adopting and applying care practices that truly acknowledge the unique characteristics of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, gently releasing inherited biases.
