Colonialism Hair

Meaning

‘Colonialism Hair’ points to the lasting impact of historical colonial beauty standards on how textured hair is perceived and cared for, especially among Black and mixed-race individuals. This understanding recognizes how past systems often uplifted European hair types as the ideal, lessening the inherent beauty and specific requirements of coils, curls, and waves. Gaining insight into this history is vital for growth in textured hair knowledge, enabling us to discern the systemic beginnings of particular hair biases and product voids. It guides our approach to hair care systematization, encouraging a thoughtful reassessment of routines to confirm they truly align with the unique biology of natural hair, rather than upholding methods created for different hair structures. Practical application of this awareness means deliberately selecting products and practices that respect ancestral hair traditions and current scientific understanding of textured hair, supporting acceptance and gentle attention for one’s distinct crown. It is about separating inherited viewpoints to tend to hair with clarity and self-determination.