Hair Texture Discrimination

Meaning

Hair Texture Discrimination gently describes the societal or individual bias directed towards specific curl patterns, coil types, or strand formations, particularly those deeply connected to Black and mixed-race heritage. This bias often obscures the inherent beauty and unique needs of textured hair, slowing the natural growth of genuine textured hair understanding. It often overlooks the nuanced genetic blueprint of coily, kinky, and curly strands, which truly flourish with distinct, patient care. Such perception can disrupt the methodical approach to hair care systematization, leading to routines that do not serve hair’s actual structure. When textured hair is unfairly perceived as challenging or less polished, individuals may find it difficult to implement consistent, nurturing regimens designed for their hair’s inherent characteristics. Furthermore, this bias influences the practical application of learned hair knowledge, affecting daily styling choices, product selections, and the joyful expression of one’s natural hair. It can subtly encourage alterations to hair’s natural state, sometimes through processes that compromise strand integrity, simply to align with conventional beauty ideals.