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Decolonization Practices

Meaning ❉ Decolonization Practices, concerning textured hair, gently guide individuals toward shedding inherited perceptions and care methods not rooted in the inherent qualities of Black and mixed-race hair. This involves a deliberate shift in understanding, acknowledging the distinct growth patterns and structural integrity of coils, curls, and waves, moving beyond external beauty standards. For hair care systematization, it means constructing routines that align with natural hair cycles and specific needs, applying principles akin to thoughtful design for efficient, intuitive daily maintenance. The practical application then becomes the discerning selection of formulations and techniques that truly serve one’s unique hair type, prioritizing its well-being and cultural connection. This thoughtful process allows for a genuine relationship with one’s hair, affirming its natural beauty and distinct history.

The stark black and white image reveals a Black woman with strikingly short, platinum blonde, coiled hair, a testament to expressive styling. Highlighting ancestral heritage through contemporary representation, the portrait showcases the contrast between skin tone and deliberately lightened texture. This invites reflection on identity.

Canadian Indigenous Studies

Meaning ❉ Canadian Indigenous Studies delineates the rich historical, cultural, and political landscapes of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, acknowledging hair as a vital cultural touchstone.
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A black and white studio portrait showcases a woman with dark skin and locs, some adorned with bright accents. The locs frame her face, partially obscuring one side. Her expression is serene yet intense, highlighted by a beam of light across her face. She wears an off-the-shoulder top, emphasizing her décolletage and the textures of her hair with ancestral heritage significance.

Hair and Decolonization

Meaning ❉ Hair and Decolonization is the intentional process of dismantling colonial beauty ideals to reclaim ancestral hair practices and celebrate textured hair heritage.
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