Meaning ❉ Hair and Gender, within the Roothea framework, considers the interwoven relationship between textured hair and personal identity, societal perceptions, and self-expression. For individuals with coils, curls, and waves, this dynamic often extends beyond typical beauty standards, delving into ancestral lineage and cultural heritage. Understanding its historical significance for Black and mixed-race communities reveals how hair practices have long been linked to gendered roles, social status, and acts of self-determination. Systematizing hair care, then, becomes a mindful practice; it moves beyond prescribed gendered routines toward a logical, adaptable approach where product selection and styling choices are driven by hair health principles and individual preference. This approach enables practical application: individuals implement knowledge to select techniques and appearances that align with their authentic self, gently managing any external expectations. It’s about developing a hair regimen that supports individual well-being and expression, independent of historical or contemporary gendered assumptions about hair.
