Environmental Injustice

Meaning

Environmental injustice, within the delicate world of textured hair understanding, refers to the uneven presence of environmental influences and systemic disparities that directly impact the vitality and care journey of Black and mixed-race coils and curls. This includes scenarios where communities with a higher proportion of textured hair individuals face disproportionate exposure to environmental stressors, such as less-than-ideal water quality essential for gentle cleansing, or air pollutants that can compromise scalp health and the inherent resilience of hair strands. Furthermore, it touches upon the availability and quality of hair care products in local markets, often reflecting historical market oversight where formulations truly suited for the unique needs of kinky, coily, or wavy patterns are scarce or laden with less-than-ideal ingredients. Such awareness guides hair care systematization, encouraging a thoughtful approach to sourcing pure water for rinses or choosing product lines that genuinely support hair integrity despite challenging external conditions. Recognizing these societal and environmental pressures is a grounding step towards practical application, fostering informed choices for hair growth and overall well-being, acknowledging the inherent strength and beauty of one’s hair heritage even when facing these realities.