Meaning ❉ Postnatal Hair Traditions signify the specific, often culturally informed, approaches to hair care adopted by individuals with textured hair, particularly those of Black and mixed heritage, during the postpartum period. This understanding acknowledges the significant physiological shifts that affect hair density and scalp vitality after childbirth, including the common, temporary follicular adjustments. These traditions frequently manifest as systematic routines, almost like gentle, pre-programmed care principles, focusing on tender manipulation, nutrient-rich applications, and strategic protective styling. The practical implementation of this inherited knowledge supports the delicate re-establishment of hair growth cycles and strand integrity. Such practices offer a thoughtful framework for navigating hair health through a period of profound bodily recalibration, ensuring continued connection to ancestral wisdom and maintaining the delicate balance of the hair ecosystem.