Meaning ❉ The Social Construct of Race denotes the idea that ‘race’ is a classification system created by societies, rather than a biological reality, impacting how hair types are perceived and valued. For textured hair understanding, this means recognizing that historical biases, rooted in these social categories, have often shaped scientific inquiry and general knowledge about coily, kinky, and curly hair patterns. Such frameworks have influenced what was deemed ‘standard’ or ‘difficult’ regarding hair growth and appearance. In hair care systematization, this construct highlights how product development and routine principles were historically tailored to specific groups, sometimes neglecting the true biological diversity within Black and mixed-race hair. An effective, automation-like hair care system prioritizes the hair’s unique structure and porosity, detaching from outdated racialized assumptions. Practical application then involves consciously implementing routines that honor individual hair biology, rather than adhering to external, socially constructed beauty ideals. This approach encourages a deeper connection to one’s heritage, guiding informed decisions about hair health and styling, free from historical constraints.
