Meaning ❉ Decolonial Hair Studies gently reorients our perspective on textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals. It presents a quiet inquiry into the historical forces that shaped perceptions of coils, kinks, and waves, moving beyond inherited beauty standards. This academic discipline, yet deeply personal approach, encourages a return to the inherent strength and unique patterns of indigenous hair. It offers a framework for discerning how ancestral practices and modern care can thoughtfully converge. Within hair care systematization, it advocates for routines built upon hair’s natural properties, prioritizing moisture retention and scalp well-being, rather than external pressures. This leads to practical application through informed product choices and styling methods that respect the hair’s inherent structure, supporting genuine hair wellness. It is about acknowledging the natural identity of Black hair, allowing its natural form to be celebrated and sustained with intention.
