Colonial suppression, in the gentle context of textured hair understanding, describes the historical imposition of aesthetic and care standards that quietly dismissed and often discouraged the natural patterns and ancestral practices inherent to Black and mixed-race hair. This systemic influence often led to a quiet devaluing of kinky, coily, and wavy patterns, promoting instead an artificial pursuit of straighter textures. Such historical currents impacted hair care systematization, leading to the widespread adoption of products and routines ill-suited for the unique needs of these hair types, often causing damage or hindering growth. It also affected practical application, as individuals learned to manage their hair in ways that aligned with imposed ideals rather than authentic hair health. A conscious movement now seeks to dismantle these lingering effects, guiding individuals towards practices that honor their hair’s innate structure and promote its vitality, reconnecting with generations of wisdom concerning scalp wellness and strand resilience. This process involves discerning past influences from current scientific understanding to construct effective, personalized regimens that celebrate natural hair identity.
