Meaning ❉ Systemic Othering, within the context of textured hair understanding, describes the pervasive historical and contemporary processes that position natural Black and mixed-race hair as diverging from a conventional standard. This phenomenon has historically limited dedicated scientific inquiry into its unique structures and needs, creating a gap in genuinely effective care systematization. For individuals with Black and mixed hair, recognizing this systemic exclusion is fundamental to the practical application of knowledge. It prompts a discerning approach to products and styling advice, acknowledging that many were not formulated with their hair’s distinct characteristics in mind. This awareness encourages the establishment of personalized care principles, gently guiding one towards practices that honor their hair’s inherent design rather than conforming to externally defined ideals.
