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CROWN Act

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act establishes legal protections against discrimination based on hair texture and styles frequently worn by individuals of Black or mixed heritage. This legislation provides a clear framework for understanding that hair, in its natural forms—such as coils, locs, braids, and twists—is a valid and respected presentation within schools and workplaces. For those seeking structured hair care, the Act supports systematization by removing barriers that might otherwise compel individuals to alter their hair’s natural state for professional or academic acceptance. It permits the practical application of care routines and styling choices aligned with hair health and cultural identity, without fear of adverse consequences. This legal measure grounds the ability to present one’s hair authentically, ensuring personal styling decisions align with inherent hair needs and cultural expression rather than prescriptive societal norms.

A captivating black and white portrait captures a young woman radiating joy, her radiant smile revealing healthy teeth. Her natural hair showcases a tightly compressed coily texture, styled short to frame her face. Her low manipulation styling preserves robust coil density demonstrating sebaceous balance. Silver hoop earrings add a touch of elegance, completing her authentic self-expression. The monochromatic palette accentuates her inner light.

Legal Safeguards

Meaning ❉ Legal Safeguards are the legal frameworks and policies protecting individuals from discrimination based on their hair texture and culturally significant styles.
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A close-up in monochrome captures hands gently applying a creamy emollient to densely coiled hair. The fingers work methodically, ensuring even distribution of the hydrating treatment designed to enhance the natural texture and resilience rooted in ancestral heritage with wellness and identity. Light and shadow emphasize the hair's intricate formations.

Natural Hair Discrimination

Meaning ❉ Natural Hair Discrimination is the unjust treatment of individuals based on their natural hair textures or styles, deeply rooted in historical and cultural biases.
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Black and white portrait captures a generational moment where an older African-American woman braids her biracial granddaughter's textured hair in a serene outdoor setting. The braid's formation, enhanced by diffused light, symbolizes shared heritage and hair traditions. The gentle care echoes holistic wellness practices.

Social Stratification

Meaning ❉ Social stratification defines how societies layer individuals, often using visible markers like hair to dictate access to power, resources, and societal esteem.
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A striking black and white studio portrait showcases a woman with intricately sculpted, high-volume coiled hair, haloing her face. Draped fabric softly frames her shoulders. This elegant composition highlights unique textured hair formations and the power of artistic expression through the beauty traditions of textured hair.

Black Hair Legal

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Legal is the evolving body of law protecting the right to wear natural, textured hair without discrimination, honoring its profound cultural and historical significance.
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A striking black and white portrait captures an elder with high density textured hair fashioned into locs showcasing a range of sebaceous balance from silvered beard to coiled ends. Beads accent some locs highlighting ancestral heritage and holistic hair care. Deep lines suggest wisdom reflected in expressive eyes while highlighting low manipulation styling and cultural affirmation. Traditional adornment completes the evocative image exploring Black hair traditions.

Legal Discrimination

Meaning ❉ Legal discrimination refers to unequal treatment enforced by laws or policies, often targeting textured hair and impacting Black and mixed-race communities.
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A contemplative Black woman immersed in water, hands gracefully framing her textured hair. Her direct gaze creates an intimate connection, amplified by the monochromatic palette emphasizing shadows and luminosity. Water mirrors her visage, embodying deep reflection and ancestral connection to natural hair care traditions.

Anti-Discrimination Legislation

Meaning ❉ Anti-Discrimination Legislation safeguards individuals from prejudice based on protected characteristics, notably protecting textured hair as a vital aspect of identity.
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A series of aligned horsetail stems create an abstract pattern in monochrome tones. The segmented structure of the plant is emphasized, evoking a sense of natural repetition. This highlights nature's geometric forms, resonating with afro botanical practices for hair strength and overall wellness.

Pencil Test Definition

Meaning ❉ The Pencil Test Definition is a historical, discriminatory method of hair classification based on curl retention, primarily used to enforce racial segregation.
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A young person with melanated skin and textured hair, accentuated by blonde highlights, playfully applies bobby pins. Wearing a casual hoodie, they stand against a muted background, with soft light highlighting the hair's pattern. The styling speaks to expressive individualism and showcases natural texture with emphasis on form.

Legal Equity

Meaning ❉ Legal Equity, for textured hair, means fair and impartial treatment under the law, ensuring freedom from discrimination based on hair texture or style.
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A black and white portrait presents a person with shaved head, adorned with parallel graphic lines. Subdued light sculpts facial features, highlighting the skin's textures. This evokes themes of strength, identity, and nonconformity. The sharp contrast against the dark background emphasize the smooth bare scalp and bold aesthetic choices.

Natural Hair Self-Governance

Meaning ❉ Natural Hair Self-Governance is the sovereign right to determine one's hair presentation and care, deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom and cultural identity.
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A group of women are depicted tending to their textured hair, freshly cleansed, in a sunlit outdoor setting. Their diverse afro hairstyles, ranging from tight coils to flowing spirals, are framed by their hands. The scene celebrates the beauty and ancestral heritage of Black and mixed-race hair.

Decolonization Practices

Meaning ❉ Decolonization Practices dismantle colonial legacies, reclaiming cultural integrity and self-determination, particularly for textured hair heritage.
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A striking black and white portrait captures a woman with voluminous textured hair adorned with two prominent white braids accentuating her face. Intense shadows emphasize her features, creating a high-contrast image highlighting heritage beauty and a sophisticated approach to expressive styling through braided elements near hairline.

Workplace Appearance Norms

Meaning ❉ Workplace Appearance Norms are societal and organizational expectations for professional presentation, often impacting textured hair due to Eurocentric biases.
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The black and white portrait captures a striking woman with meticulously styled locs cascading from a shaved head. Her direct gaze, precise makeup, and sleek top create an air of refined confidence. The image celebrates strength and unique styling, resonating with discussions of hair as a form of cultural expression.

Rastafarian Locs Heritage

Meaning ❉ Rastafarian Locs Heritage is a spiritual and cultural practice of growing naturally matted hair, embodying identity, resistance, and ancestral connection.
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Monochrome portrait shows a person from the back, securing a silk bonnet, indicative of nighttime hair care for textured hair. The bonnet's soft gathers and tied knot are visible, emphasizing protective styling within Black hair traditions. Gentle lighting accentuates texture. The image speaks to holistic hair wellness routines.

Holistic Student Health

Meaning ❉ Holistic Student Health is the comprehensive well-being of a student, deeply intertwined with their cultural identity and hair heritage.
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