Can historical communal grooming practices influence modern hair care routines?

Roots

The whisper of history often finds its way into the quiet moments of our daily lives, particularly when we consider something as personal as our hair. Each curl, coil, or wave holds a story, a connection to practices that span generations and continents. Can the deeply personal acts of historical communal grooming truly shape the way we care for our hair today? A gentle inquiry into this question reveals a profound resonance, showing how ancient traditions, far from being mere relics, continue to influence our modern routines in subtle yet powerful ways.

Ancestral Connections to Hair

Across various civilizations, hair served as far more than a simple physical attribute. It functioned as a living document, a testament to an individual’s place within society, their spiritual beliefs, and their very identity. In pre-colonial Africa, for instance, hairstyles communicated a person’s geographic origin, marital status, age, ethnic identity, religion, wealth, and rank.

The Yoruba people, for example, considered hair the most elevated part of the body, viewing braided styles as a means to send messages to the gods. This spiritual connection imbued hair care with a sacred dimension, making it a ritualistic practice rather than a mundane chore.

The careful styling processes, which could extend for hours or even days, involved washing, combing, oiling, braiding, or twisting, often with the addition of adornments such as cloth, beads, or shells. These sessions were not solitary endeavors; they were communal gatherings, opportunities for bonding with family and friends. This communal aspect fostered a sense of belonging and reinforced social ties. The shared experience of hair grooming solidified community identity and transmitted cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.

Hair, across cultures and epochs, has consistently served as a profound marker of identity, status, and spiritual connection.

Hair as a Societal Blueprint

The societal implications of hair design meant that those who groomed hair held respected positions, possessing skills that upheld local standards. These traditions, while aiming to create beauty, also conveyed marital status, age, religion, wealth, and rank. Consider the Himba tribe in Namibia, whose distinct dreadlocked styles, coated with red ochre paste, symbolized their connection to the earth and their ancestors, with styles varying according to age, marital status, and life stage.

The significance of hair in ancient African cultures extended to its spiritual energy, often considered a direct connection to the divine. The top of the head was often regarded as the entry point for spiritual energy. This perspective meant hair was not simply a personal attribute but a communal asset, linking the individual to their ancestors and the spiritual realm.

• Social Markers ❉ Hair indicated age, marital status, wealth, and social standing in many ancient societies.
• Spiritual Significance ❉ Certain styles or hair treatments were believed to hold protective or empowering properties, acting as conduits for spiritual energy.
• Communal Bonds ❉ Hair care sessions provided settings for shared confidences, laughter, and the passing of generational wisdom.

Ritual

As we move from the foundational understanding of hair’s deep roots, a natural progression leads us to the daily or periodic practices that give form to our hair’s experience. How do the rhythms of ancient hair care rituals echo in our modern routines? This exploration steps into a space of shared, practical knowledge, where techniques and methods are considered with gentle guidance, revealing how historical grooming, far from being obsolete, has shaped the very methods we employ today.

The Practice of Hair Care Through Time

The deliberate actions involved in caring for hair, passed down through generations, form a continuous line from antiquity to the present. Historically, these practices were not merely about hygiene or appearance; they were acts of self-preservation, cultural affirmation, and communal participation. For instance, the intricate hair styling processes in pre-colonial Africa, which involved washing, oiling, braiding, or twisting, often took hours or even days to complete. These lengthy sessions served as opportunities for social bonding, where cultural traditions and skills were shared and preserved.

During the transatlantic slave trade, the forced shaving of heads was a dehumanizing act, stripping enslaved Africans of their identity and connection to their heritage. Yet, even under such horrific conditions, practices like braiding persisted as acts of resistance and resilience, a way to maintain cultural ties and keep hair tidy while working. Enslaved Africans even used cornrows as a means of communication, hiding seeds within their braids to plant for survival.

Modern Echoes of Ancient Techniques

The legacy of these historical practices is evident in many contemporary hair care techniques, particularly within textured hair communities. Protective styles, for example, which shield hair from environmental damage and promote length retention, directly descend from ancient African braiding traditions. These styles, such as cornrows, box braids, and twists, are not only aesthetic choices but also practical methods for maintaining hair health, much as they were centuries ago.

The resurgence of interest in natural ingredients also reflects a return to historical practices. Ancient civilizations across the globe utilized natural elements for hair cleansing and conditioning. In ancient India, Ayurvedic texts detailed the use of ingredients like Amla, Shikakai, and Neem for nourishing the scalp and promoting overall hair health. Similarly, in ancient Egypt, natural oils such as castor oil and henna were common in hair remedies.

The enduring techniques of hair care, from protective styles to the use of natural ingredients, carry the wisdom of generations past into our present routines.

How Do Historical Grooming Rituals Persist in Modern Hair Care?

The persistence of historical grooming rituals in modern hair care is clear when we observe the enduring popularity of certain practices and ingredients. The focus on scalp health, for example, a cornerstone of many ancient traditions, is now a prominent aspect of contemporary hair care, with products and routines specifically designed to address scalp concerns. This understanding recognizes that a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth, a concept well-understood by our ancestors.

Moreover, the communal aspect of hair care, though altered by modern life, still finds expression. Hair salons and barbershops, particularly within Black communities, remain vibrant centers of socialization, where stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened, much like the communal braiding sessions of ancient Africa.

Relay

Our exploration now deepens, moving beyond the obvious practices to consider the intricate ways historical communal grooming has shaped the very fabric of modern hair care routines, particularly for textured hair. How do the deep currents of historical practices, societal pressures, and cultural reclamation converge to influence our contemporary hair journeys? This section invites a profound insight, where science, culture, and detailed historical context converge to provide a thorough understanding, backed by research and data, bypassing surface-level discussion.

The Enduring Weight of Historical Discrimination

The historical context of hair discrimination is a profound force that continues to influence modern hair care routines and self-perception, especially for Black individuals. During the transatlantic slave trade, the forcible shaving of African hair was a deliberate act of dehumanization, aimed at stripping individuals of their identity and cultural ties. This initial act set a precedent for centuries of hair-based oppression.

Following slavery, Eurocentric beauty standards gained dominance, associating straight hair with professionalism and acceptability. This societal pressure often compelled Black women to chemically straighten their hair, a practice that could be physically damaging and psychologically taxing. The concept of “good hair” versus “bad hair,” rooted in this discriminatory past, created a hierarchy that continues to impact self-esteem and product choices.

A striking contemporary reflection of this historical burden is seen in the continued experience of hair discrimination in professional and academic settings. Research indicates that Black women with natural hairstyles are perceived to be less professional, less competent, and less likely to be recommended for interviews compared to those with straight hair. A 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study found that Black women were 54% more likely to feel they must wear their hair straight to be successful at a job interview. This statistic, stark in its implication, underscores a persistent bias that directly links historical perceptions of hair to modern professional opportunities, compelling many to consider altering their natural textures.

How Does the CROWN Act Address Historical Hair Bias?

The CROWN Act, an acronym for “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair,” represents a significant legislative effort to combat this deeply rooted discrimination. California was the first state to enact this law in 2019, prohibiting hair discrimination based on hairstyles associated with race. The Act seeks to dismantle the systemic biases that have historically marginalized natural and protective styles like locs, cornrows, twists, and braids.

The legal framework behind the CROWN Act aims to close loopholes in existing civil rights legislation, such as Title VII, which historically failed to acknowledge the connection between hair texture, protective styles, and race. By protecting the right to wear natural hair, the Act not only addresses present-day discrimination but also acknowledges the historical context of hair as a marker of racial identity and a source of cultural pride.

• Legal Protection ❉ The CROWN Act directly prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles in workplaces and schools.
• Cultural Affirmation ❉ It validates natural hair as an authentic expression of racial and cultural identity, challenging Eurocentric beauty norms.
• Economic Impact ❉ By reducing discrimination, it can potentially alleviate economic disparities linked to hair bias, where individuals might face limited job opportunities or career advancement.

The Psychological and Economic Dimensions of Hair

The influence of historical practices extends beyond visible styles, permeating the psychological and economic aspects of modern hair care. Hair has long been a powerful symbol of self-perception and confidence. Studies on appearance and self-perception show that individuals often link their hair to their identity and attractiveness, making it a key factor in self-confidence. A positive perception of one’s hair can significantly boost morale and improve mood.

Conversely, hair-related issues, often exacerbated by historical pressures to conform, can lead to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. The psychological toll of constant microaggressions about hair or the pressure to chemically straighten hair to avoid discrimination is profound and often unspoken.

Economically, the textured hair care market is a significant segment. The global hair texturizer market alone was estimated at USD 4.14 billion in 2023, with projections for substantial growth. Black consumers, in particular, spend significantly on hair care.

In 2022, Black consumers in the US market spent $2.3 billion on hair care, making it their largest category of beauty and skin purchases. This substantial investment reflects not only a desire for healthy hair but also a response to the historical and ongoing need for specialized products that cater to diverse textured hair needs, often overlooked by mainstream offerings.

Reflection

The journey through historical communal grooming practices reveals more than a mere echo in our modern hair care routines. It uncovers a deep, living connection, a continuum where ancient wisdom, cultural resilience, and scientific understanding coalesce. Our hair, in its myriad forms and textures, carries stories of identity, resistance, and belonging.

As we move forward, a gentle understanding of these historical currents can empower us to approach our hair care with greater intention, celebrating its unique heritage while nurturing its health. The choices we make for our strands, whether rooted in ancient traditions or informed by contemporary science, contribute to a larger narrative of self-acceptance and cultural affirmation.

References

• 1. What Every Dermatologist Must Know About the History of Black Hair. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023.
• 2. Pre-Colonial African Hairstyles ❉ A Journey Through Time and Culture. Assendelft, 2024.
• 3. African Culture – Know Your Hairitage. Know Your Hairitage, 2024.
• 4. The Role of Hair in Shaping Identity. Cécred, 2025.
• 5. Black History Month ❉ The Rich History of Our African Hair. Livara Natural Organics, 2023.
• 6. African Hairstyles ❉ Cultural Significance and Legacy. Afriklens, 2024.
• 7. Hair Texturizer Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030. Grand View Research, 2023.
• 8. It’s Not Just Hair ❉ Historical and Cultural Considerations for an Emerging Technology. Anthony Synnott, 1987.
• 9. Hair talks about you ❉ discover the importance of its care for your self-esteem. UNITY, 2023.
• 10. It’s More Than “Just” Hair ❉ Revitalization of Black Identity. Folklife Magazine, 2022.
• 11. Hair and Hat Ritual Shaming Punishments in Nineteenth-Century Iran. ResearchGate, 2024.
• 12. A Cultural History of Hair in Antiquity. DigitalCommons@Fairfield, 2013.
• 13. The Legacy of Lathers ❉ Tracing the Historical Use of Natural Ingredien. Amazingy Magazine, 2023.
• 14. Phytochemicals in hair care ❉ A review of natural ingredients and their applications. GSC Online Press, 2025.
• 15. Don’t Tilt My Crown ❉ The Impact of Hair Discrimination on Minorities. ResearchGate, 2023.
• 16. How the Crown Act Could Remedy the Inadequacies of Title VII Hair Discrimination Protections in the En. Scholarly Commons @ FAMU Law, 2023.
• 17. Perceptions of beauty enhancement ❉ a case study on the use of hair extensions among Black women in the Pietermaritzburg central business district, KwaZulu-Natal. ResearchSpace@UKZN, 2022.
• 18. A History of Haircare. Amazingy Magazine, 2024.
• 19. The History of Black Hair. Creative Support, 2023.
• 20. The CROWN Act ❉ A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroom. Economic Policy Institute, 2023.
• 21. The connection between hair and identity. Seychelles Nation, 2022.
• 22. The SAGE Encyclopedia of African Cultural Heritage in North America Hairstyles, Traditional African. ResearchGate, 2015.
• 23. Hair Psychology and Impact on Self-Perception and Confidence. Bundle Factory, 2024.
• 24. Title VII ❉ What’s Hair (and Other Race-Based Characteristics) Got to Do With it?. Colorado Law Scholarly Commons, 2017.
• 25. African Hairstyles – The “Dreaded” Colonial Legacy. The Gale Review, 2021.
• 26. Beyond the roots ❉ exploring the link between black hair and mental health. Research, 2025.
• 27. Black Hair Care Market Growth Analysis | 2025 To 2033. Business Research Insights, 2025.
• 28. Hair Me Out ❉ Why Discrimination Against Black Hair is Race Discrimination Under Title VII. Digital Commons @ American University Washington College of Law, 2023.
• 29. The Deep-rooted Connection ❉ Hair, Self-esteem, and Feeling Good. 2024.
• 30. Religious Hair Display and Its Meanings. William Innes, 2021.
• 31. How Media Influence about Hair Texture Impacts Internalized Racial Oppression and Why The Crown Act Simultaneously Promotes. Journal of Psychology & Behavioral Science, 2020.
• 32. Phytochemicals in hair care ❉ A review of natural ingredients and their applications. GSC Online Press, 2024.
• 33. History of Natural Ingredients in Cosmetics. MDPI, 2020.
• 34. Beards, Braids and Moustachios ❉ Exploring the Social Meaning of Hair in the Mediaeval Muslim World. Taylor & Francis Online, 2018.
• 35. Tulane researchers studying impact of hair and skin discrimination on children. News, 2021.
• 36. The Evolution of Braiding Styles Across the World. Unclouded Hair, 2024.
• 37. The Art & Business of African Hair Braiding ❉ A Guide for Modern Cosmetologists. 2025.
• 38. The Texture Gap ❉ Type 4 consumers are continually left behind. The British Beauty Council, 2023.
• 39. Don’t Get It Twisted ❉ Untangling the Psychology of Hair Discrimination Within Black Communities. ResearchGate, 2024.
• 40. Natural Hair Care Products Market | Industry Report, 2030. Grand View Research, 2024.
• 41. Global Hair Braiding Market Size, Trends, Share 2032. Custom Market Insights, 2024.
• 42. Effects of pubic hair grooming on women’s sexual health ❉ a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2024.
• 43. Hair Discrimination in the Workplace ❉ How it Affects Mental Health. Consumer Notice, 2023.
• 44. Hair Braids in Latino Culture ❉ History or Appropriation?. URL Media, 2024.
• 45. History of Braids ❉ More Than Just a Hairstyle. Genesis Career College, 2023.
• 46. Effects of pubic hair grooming on women’s sexual health ❉ a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed Central, 2024.
• 47. Encyclopedia of Hair ❉ A Cultural History. ResearchGate, 2023.
• 48. Understanding the Textured Hair Care Market ❉ Growth & Trends. Voyant Beauty, 2024.
• 49. Men’s Perspectives on Their Grooming Practices and Appearance Concerns ❉ A Mixed Methods Study. ResearchGate, 2025.
• 50. Hair ❉ Untangling a Social History. Creative Matter, 2017.