Meaning ❉ The Coloniality of Beauty gently explains how historical power dynamics, rooted in colonial pasts, established standards of attractiveness that often overlooked the natural forms of textured hair. This concept helps us comprehend why certain hair types, particularly Black and mixed-race hair, faced systemic devaluation. For textured hair understanding, it means recognizing the historical suppression of authentic knowledge regarding diverse curl, coil, and wave patterns. This understanding promotes a deeper appreciation for their unique characteristics. Regarding hair care systematization, it highlights how routines and products were historically designed with European hair textures in mind, suggesting textured hair needed to be ‘managed’ or altered. This led to care practices that were not genuinely beneficial, perpetuating an automation-like cycle of seeking conformity rather than true nourishment. Practical application involves consciously working to dismantle these inherited beauty ideals in daily hair choices. It signifies implementing practices that celebrate the hair’s inherent structure and natural inclinations, prioritizing its health and well-being. This includes selecting products truly formulated for specific textured patterns and adopting gentle techniques. It encourages a mindful approach, moving away from external pressures toward a grounded sense of self-acceptance and genuine care for one’s hair heritage.
