# How Did Colonial Rule Devalue Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-13
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The photograph elegantly frames a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-asymmetrical-bob-hairstyle-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![Bathed in radiant sunlight, these Black and Brown women engage in the practice of styling their diverse textured hair patterns, highlighting ancestral heritage, affirming beauty standards, and demonstrating holistic haircare routines that honor coils, waves, springs, and undulations in a shared setting, reflecting community and self-love.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-brown-women-in-sunlight-styling-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

## Roots

Consider the deep, living archives held within each strand, a silent testament to journeys across continents and generations. For textured hair, this living memory speaks volumes about an intricate biological makeup and a profound heritage. Yet, within this rich lineage lies a historical wound: the deliberate devaluation exacted by colonial rule. This was not a simple shift in fashion; it was a systemic assault on identity, a calculated effort to dismantle ancestral connections that found expression in the very crowning glory of Black and mixed-race peoples. 

The origins of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) are as ancient as humanity itself, shaped by evolutionary adaptation over millennia. Its distinct helical structure, its varying densities, and its singular patterns of growth served not only biological functions but also acted as canvases for profound cultural expression. Before the shadow of colonial powers lengthened across the globe, hair in [African societies](/area/african-societies/) was a language. It communicated lineage, marital status, age, social standing, religious affiliation, and even the triumphs or sorrows of a community.

The meticulous crafting of hairstyles was a communal ritual, a moment of connection that wove individuals into the collective story of their people. Each twist, each braid, each adornment carried meaning, a vibrant, visible lexicon of belonging.

> The systematic devaluation of textured hair by colonial forces represented a direct assault on the inherited self-expression and social cohesion rooted in ancient African practices.

![This elegant study in monochrome celebrates the inherent beauty of textured hair in full afro form, framed by a minimal aesthetic and conveying the power of cultural identity. Radiant complexion enhances heritage, highlighting beauty standards, and affirming self-expression in the wearer](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-profile-of-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-textured-hair-elegance.jpg)

## Understanding Hair’s Ancestral Architecture

The very anatomy of textured hair, often classified along scales that attempt to categorize its varied forms, holds stories. From a scientific viewpoint, the unique elliptical shape of the hair follicle and the distribution of [disulfide bonds](/area/disulfide-bonds/) within the cortex lead to the characteristic coils and curls. This biological blueprint, honed by centuries of environmental interaction, produced hair inherently suited to diverse climates and protective needs. Yet, colonial narratives sought to redefine this biological strength as a weakness, a mark of something lesser.

The language of description itself shifted, replacing terms of veneration with labels of disdain. Hair once described with reverence for its strength or its connection to the divine became “nappy” or “wooly,” aligning it with animalistic traits and severing its human connection.

![The monochrome braided fiber embodies the resilient spirit and intertwined legacies within textured hair communities. The meticulous weave symbolizes the dedication to preserving ancestral techniques, celebrating diverse beauty standards, and fostering holistic self-care practices for healthy textured hair growth](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/braided-white-fiber-close-up-revealing-intricate-texture-and-weave.jpg)

## How Did Early Classifications Devalue Hair?

The colonial project often involved creating hierarchies, and hair was readily conscripted into this scheme. European classifications, often rooted in pseudoscience and overt racism, positioned straight hair as the norm and textured hair as an aberration. This was not merely about scientific observation; it was about establishing a visual hierarchy that supported narratives of supposed racial superiority. The impact on understanding textured hair’s fundamental nature was immense.

Instead of celebrating its protective qualities or its unique aesthetic, colonial systems implied a need for correction, for assimilation into a Eurocentric ideal. This historical distortion continues to cast long shadows over contemporary conversations around textured hair’s innate qualities, a legacy we still untangle.

Consider the intricate interplay of **hair growth cycles**, historically influenced by diet, climate, and ancestral health practices. Pre-colonial communities possessed knowledge passed down through generations, observing how seasons, available nutrients, and specific herbs affected hair’s vitality. This wisdom, often dismissed by colonial interlopers, held keys to maintaining hair’s strength and length without the aid of chemical alterations. The forced displacement and dietary shifts experienced during the [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) severely disrupted these traditional approaches, contributing to [hair health](/area/hair-health/) issues that were then, ironically, attributed to the hair itself rather than the systemic oppression. 

![Through expressive braiding and adornments, the portrait captures the essence of cultural identity and beauty standards. The monochromatic palette accentuates the intricate details of the braids, symbolic of resilience and the enduring legacy of Black hair traditions and holistic hair care practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-braided-hair-and-feathers.jpg)

![The image celebrates cultural heritage by highlighting a striking woman whose textured hair is framed by an elaborate headwrap, creating a composition of poise. It subtly speaks to the importance of self-expression, tradition, and holistic beauty standards, and evokes contemplation about identity and ancestral connection](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-wearing-headwrap-with-intricate-hair-texture.jpg)

## Ritual

The imposition of colonial rule did not simply alter political landscapes; it reached into the most intimate corners of daily life, transforming ancient rituals and practices, particularly those surrounding textured hair. [Pre-colonial African societies](/area/pre-colonial-african-societies/) considered hair styling a powerful art, a practice deeply woven into communal bonds and personal identity. These traditions, spanning millennia, were more than mere aesthetics; they were living expressions of cultural belonging, spiritual connection, and ancestral memory. The devaluation of textured hair was thus a direct attack on these sacred practices, aiming to strip individuals of their visual heritage and collective spirit. 

When African peoples were forcibly taken from their homelands and subjected to the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade, one of the first acts of dehumanization involved the shaving of their heads. This was a deliberate severing, a violent attempt to erase not only individual identity but also the communal and ancestral ties signified by their hairstyles. In colonial contexts, legislative measures sometimes mirrored this intent to suppress visible markers of Black identity.

A telling example emerges from 18th-century Spanish colonial Louisiana, where the Governor Esteban Miró enacted the **Tignon Laws** in 1786 (Thrifts & Tangles, 2021). These decrees mandated that free women of color, who were increasingly asserting their economic independence and social presence through elaborate hairstyles adorned with jewels and feathers, must cover their hair with a simple knotted headwrap, or tignon (JouJou Hair Studio, 2022).

> Colonial legal systems, like the Tignon Laws, directly targeted visible expressions of textured hair heritage to enforce social hierarchies and suppress self-determination.
The intent behind such laws was clear: to reinforce racial and social hierarchies, positioning these women visibly lower than their white counterparts and limiting their perceived attractiveness and influence (JouJou Hair Studio, 2022). This legislative act aimed to extinguish the radiance and self-possession embodied by their hairstyles, seeking to replace pride with shame (JouJou Hair Studio, 2016). Yet, in a powerful act of defiance, these women transformed the very instrument of their oppression into a symbol of resistance.

They fashioned their tignons from sumptuous fabrics, often in vibrant colors, and wrapped them with intricate artistry, once again drawing upon African traditions of headwrapping (Thrifts & Tangles, 2021). The tignon, intended as a badge of subordination, became a statement of enduring beauty and unyielding spirit, a testament to the resilience of cultural heritage.

![This monochromatic portrait exudes timeless elegance, showcasing the beauty of structured hair juxtaposed with soft, coiled patterns. Her poised expression and the satin shirt](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-elegant-woman-with-coiled-hairstyle-and-satin-shirt.jpg)

## The Unraveling of Traditional Hair Care Systems

Beyond legislative dictates, colonial forces also eroded [ancestral hair care](/area/ancestral-hair-care/) systems through indirect means. The disruption of traditional community structures meant the loss of communal grooming practices, which were central not just to hair health but to social bonding. The scarcity of traditional ingredients and tools, replaced by foreign commodities, also meant a detachment from the natural bounty that had sustained hair health for generations. 

- **Palm Oil** ❉ Historically a staple in West African hair care, its properties for conditioning and protecting strands were known for centuries. Its presence in hair rituals signified abundance and well-being.

- **Shea Butter** ❉ A rich emolient, sourced from the karite tree, used across various African cultures for its deep moisturizing qualities, a testament to ancestral botanical wisdom.

- **Kukui Nut Oil** ❉ Utilized in Polynesian traditions, offering lightness and sheen, indicating diverse global practices rooted in natural resources.

![The braided hairstyle, a celebration of textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-woman-portrait-artistic-braided-hairstyle-textured-hair-expressions.jpg)

## How Did Colonial Tools Shape Styling Habits?

The introduction of new tools and techniques under colonial influence further altered hair practices. While pre-colonial societies developed specific combs, pins, and weaving instruments suited to textured hair, the emphasis shifted towards tools designed for straight hair. This often meant the forceful manipulation of coily strands through excessive heat or harsh chemicals in an attempt to mimic European textures (BLAM UK CIC, 2022).

Such practices, while presented as a path to “modernity” or “acceptability,” frequently caused irreversible damage to hair structure and scalp health, disconnecting individuals from their hair’s inherent nature. The shift was not just practical; it carried immense psychological weight, suggesting that the natural form of textured hair was somehow inadequate or uncivilized.

![The image evokes a serene yet intense presence, showcasing rich cultural heritage through traditional braided styling, emphasizing cowrie shells and white cosmetic markings on the textured Afro hair. The child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-person-with-braided-hair-adorned-with-cowrie-shells.jpg)

![The delicate placement of a patterned headwrap upon the girl, shows intergenerational care, and respect for Black hair traditions and beauty standards. This visual conveys ancestral strength, and the beauty of cultural heritage, and the importance of shared wellness practices passed down through generations, defining identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-receiving-traditional-headwrap-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## Relay

To truly understand how colonial rule devalued textured hair, one must consider the complex interplay of imposed ideologies, scientific misrepresentations, and the resulting societal structures. The colonial project was not merely about territorial acquisition; it was a deeply ideological endeavor, seeking to establish a racial hierarchy that positioned European features as the epitome of beauty and civilization. Textured hair, with its unique coily and kinky structures, became a prime target for this ideological assault.

It was often classified as closer to animal fur or wool than human hair, serving as a supposed justification for dehumanization, enslavement, and systemic exploitation (Halo Collective, 2023). This insidious narrative, circulated through media and educational institutions, was internalized across generations, creating enduring psychological imprints.

Beyond overt legislation like the Tignon Laws, the devaluation occurred through the very language used to describe textured hair. Terms like “nappy,” which held deeply derogatory connotations, were widely disseminated, perpetuating a stigma that was far removed from the celebratory descriptions prevalent in pre-colonial African societies (Thrifts & Tangles, 2021). This semantic weaponization aimed to chip away at self-worth, pushing Black and mixed-race individuals to perceive their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) as problematic, needing correction or concealment. The long-term societal impact of this linguistic degradation created an environment where Eurocentric hair standards became the default, permeating professional spaces, educational settings, and even internal community dynamics. 

![The portrait captures a young girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-young-black-girl-with-high-density-afro-and-shadow-play.jpg)

## How Does Pseudoscience Justify Hair Devaluation?

A particularly insidious aspect of colonial devaluation involved the fabrication of pseudoscientific “data” to assert racial dominance. European explorers and governments sponsored spurious studies that attempted to “prove” the African person as a lesser human, often scrutinizing physical attributes like hair texture (NativeMag, 2020). These fabricated findings were then used to rationalize the subjugation of African peoples. One stark example of this scientific distortion manifesting in policy was the **“Pencil Test”** used during Apartheid in South Africa (Halo Collective, 2023).

This discriminatory practice required individuals to hold a pencil in their hair while shaking their head. If the pencil remained, the person was classified as Black, thereby subjected to segregation and denied privileges reserved for those classified as white (Halo Collective, 2023). This test, a crude yet effective instrument of racial classification, unequivocally demonstrates how textured hair was weaponized to enforce social stratification.

The persistence of hair discrimination, even post-colonialism and post-apartheid, reveals the enduring legacy of these imposed standards. The notion that “good hair” is straight, sleek, and manageable persists in many societies, leading to a host of anxieties and pressures for those with textured hair (BLAM UK CIC, 2022). This cultural inheritance of devaluation speaks to the depth of the colonial impact on the collective psyche. 

![Hands gently massage a scalp treatment into tightly coiled hair, amidst onlookers, symbolizing a deep connection to heritage and holistic self-care. The black and white aesthetic underscores the timelessness of these ancestral practices, reflecting the enduring beauty standards and communal bonds associated with textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-young-woman-receiving-scalp-treatment-outdoors.jpg)

## Unpacking the Internalized Impacts of Devaluation

The psychological ramifications of colonial [hair devaluation](/area/hair-devaluation/) are multifaceted. Centuries of being told that one’s natural hair is unprofessional, unkempt, or unattractive resulted in widespread internalized racism. This manifests as anxiety around hair appearance, a preference for chemically straightened styles, and a disconnect from traditional practices (NativeMag, 2020).

The constant pressure to conform, to make one’s hair “socially acceptable,” often led to self-hate and a rejection of ancestral beauty. This internal struggle is a direct consequence of the colonial legacy, which sought to sever the spiritual and cultural ties that hair once represented.

- **Forced Shaving** ❉ A primary act of dehumanization during the slave trade, aiming to erase identity and cultural connections (TikTok, 2025).

- **Tignon Laws** ❉ Legislative mandates in colonial Louisiana compelling free women of color to cover their vibrant hairstyles, a clear suppression of visible status (JouJou Hair Studio, 2022).

- **“Pencil Test”** ❉ An Apartheid-era classification method in South Africa, using hair texture to enforce racial segregation (Halo Collective, 2023).
The resurgence of the [natural hair movement](/area/natural-hair-movement/) in contemporary times stands as a powerful counter-narrative, a decolonial act that seeks to reclaim heritage and re-center ancestral beauty. This movement acknowledges the historical trauma but pivots towards healing, emphasizing self-acceptance, traditional care practices, and a celebration of the diverse forms of textured hair. It signals a collective remembering, a return to the roots of identity that colonial rule attempted to bury. 

![This monochrome image captures the beauty of black hair traditions embodied in protective styling. The contrast of light and shadow accentuates the texture of her locs, reflecting both strength and vulnerability](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-protective-hairstyle-locs-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

![Captured in monochrome, the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-naturally-coiled-hair-in-sunlight.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the devaluation of textured hair by colonial rule is a poignant reminder of how deeply systems of power can penetrate the fabric of human existence, reaching even to the individual strands that crown us. Yet, in this telling, we have not simply recounted loss; we have traced the unwavering spirit that held fast to ancestral wisdom and beauty. Roothea’s ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos finds its very pulse in this historical unfolding, recognizing that the heritage of textured hair is not a static artifact of the past, but a living, breathing archive of resilience. 

To truly honor textured hair is to acknowledge its profound past: the communal rhythms of ancient styling, the rich lexicon of its varied forms, and the intricate knowledge of natural botanicals that sustained it. The colonial project sought to shatter this connection, to enforce a singular, narrow vision of beauty that stood in stark contrast to the diverse splendor of indigenous hair. But through legal impositions, pseudoscientific assertions, and the insidious whispers of internalized negativity, the spirit of textured hair has persisted. It has witnessed countless acts of quiet defiance and jubilant reclamation, moments when a coil or a braid became a powerful declaration of identity. 

Our understanding of textured hair today is richer because of the arduous path it has traversed. It invites us to consider not just its biological intricacies, but also its social gravitas and its spiritual resonance. The ongoing movement to celebrate natural hair, to understand its unique needs, and to embrace its vast expressiveness, is a continuation of this heritage.

It is a collective act of remembering, a gathering of fragmented stories into a cohesive narrative of strength and enduring beauty. The journey of textured hair through the ages reflects a deeper truth: that what is inherited cannot truly be broken; it can only wait to be re-discovered, re-celebrated, and passed on with renewed reverence.

![The artful chiaroscuro accentuates the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sophisticated-black-woman-short-natural-hair-portrait-studio-black-and-white.jpg)

![Through focused hands shaping hair, artistry unfolds, preserving Black haircare heritage. This intimate moment reveals beauty standards while honoring ancestral methods and providing versatile styling options to promote scalp health and celebrate community through intricate woven patterns and design](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intricate-braiding-process-showcases-textured-hair-artistry-and-cultural.jpg)

## References

- BLAM UK CIC. (2022). The history of Black Hair.

- Halo Collective. (2023). End Hair Discrimination.

- JouJou Hair Studio. (2022). Looking back at the Tignon Laws.

- NativeMag. (2020). Examining the history and value of African hair.

- Thrifts & Tangles. (2021). The Evolution of Black Hair for Beauty & Resistance.

- TikTok. (2025). Impact of Hair Cutting on African Identity.

## Glossary

### [Hair and Spirituality](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-spirituality/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Spirituality denotes the tender bond between an individual's inner landscape and the physical presence of their hair, especially for those with textured hair.

### [Eurocentric Beauty Standards](https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/)

Meaning ❉ Eurocentric beauty standards denote a historical leaning towards hair characteristics commonly found within European lineages, such as straightness, fineness, or gentle waves, alongside particular color and density ideals.

### [Hair and Identity](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Identity signifies the tender link between one's hair and their very sense of self, particularly for individuals with Black or mixed-race textured hair.

### [Shea Butter](https://roothea.co/area/shea-butter/)

Meaning ❉ Shea Butter, derived from the fruit of the African shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, represents a gentle yet potent emollient fundamental to the care of textured hair.

### [African Hair Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ African Hair Traditions signify the enduring legacy of hair care customs and styling practices established across generations within African and diasporic communities.

### [Hair and Social Status](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Social Status addresses the historical and current relationship between hair presentation ❉ particularly for textured hair ❉ and societal assessments of standing or acceptance.

### [Cultural Identity](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Identity, when considered through the lens of textured hair, represents a soft, abiding connection to the deep-seated wisdom of ancestral hair practices and the shared experiences of a community.

### [African Societies](https://roothea.co/area/african-societies/)

Meaning ❉ "African Societies," within the scope of understanding textured hair, systematizing its care, and applying knowledge, points to the gentle wisdom and communal practices that have long supported hair well-being across varied African cultures.

### [Ancestral Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-care/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Care describes the thoughtful reception and contemporary application of time-honored practices and deep understanding concerning Black and mixed-race textured hair, passed through generations.

### [Textured Hair](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Did Pre-Colonial Practices Align with Textured Hair's Needs?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-pre-colonial-practices-align-with-textured-hairs-needs/)
![This study in textures invites contemplation on the intricate beauty and resilient nature of organic patterns found both in botanical forms and dense hair helixes, reflecting the interconnectedness of nature, ancestral heritage, and holistic hair care rituals.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-spheres-organic-hair-patterns-bw-botanical-study.jpg)

### [How Did Hair Oils Shape the Cultural Identity of Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-hair-oils-shape-the-cultural-identity-of-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This dramatic portrait celebrates the elegance and resilience embodied by the afro, highlighting its geometric form. The stark contrast between light and shadow accentuates the beauty of her natural hair, serving as a statement of cultural pride and a powerful expression of ancestral heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-natural-afro-textured-hair-form.jpg)

### [How Did Colonial Rule Shape Beauty Ideals for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonial-rule-shape-beauty-ideals-for-textured-hair/)
![A timeless monochrome portrait evokes strength and grace, celebrating the beauty of naturally textured hair, and the heritage and wellness within ancestral styles. The headband subtly accents the afro](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-wearing-headband-and-strapless-top.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Textured Hair Become a Symbol of Resistance to Colonial Rule?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-textured-hair-become-a-symbol-of-resistance-to-colonial-rule/)
![This evocative portrait captures the essence of natural beauty, highlighting the resilience and strength embodied in the woman’s short, coiled afro. The play of light and shadow accentuates the intricacies of her hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-natural-hair.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Ancestral Hair Care Principles Influence Contemporary Textured Hair Wellness?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-ancestral-hair-care-principles-influence-contemporary-textured-hair-wellness/)
![A tender gesture of ancestral hair care traditions, captured in monochrome, showcases the application of natural ingredients, symbolizing heritage and wellness. This image honors cultural practices while nurturing tightly coiled textures, fostering self-love and communal connection with time-honored Black hair traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-of-heritage-hair-care-black-hair-traditions-and-ancestry.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Ancestral Hair Wisdom Influence Modern Hydration Methods for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-ancestral-hair-wisdom-influence-modern-hydration-methods-for-textured-hair/)
![Seven moringa seeds are showcased, their internal complexities highlighted, suggesting powerful natural elements for enriching textured hair formulations and routines. This composition symbolizes holistic wellness and reflects ancestral heritage](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/seven-moringa-seeds-displaying-seed-structures-and-potential-hair-care-uses.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Colonial Laws Impact Textured Hair Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-colonial-laws-impact-textured-hair-identity/)
![This striking monochrome portrait celebrates the artistry of textured hair, skillfully fashioned into sculpted buns and braids, a testament to ancestral heritage and personal expression. The woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-woman-showcasing-sculptural-textured-hair-braids-and.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Hair Practices Address Moisture Retention in Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-hair-practices-address-moisture-retention-in-textured-hair/)
![This striking study in chiaroscuro reveals a commitment to scalp health and showcases the application of a nourishing hair mask. The emphasis lies on enriching high porosity coils while fostering sebaceous balance, revealing the timeless beauty of textured hair forms, thus honoring ancestral care.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hydrating-hair-mask-to-wet-high-porosity-coils-for-curl-definition.jpg)

### [How Did Colonial Impact Shift Perceptions of Textured Hair Length?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonial-impact-shift-perceptions-of-textured-hair-length/)
![Within an intimate, intergenerational setting, women collaborate, passing down ancestral braiding techniques, celebrating diverse hands styling while addressing the nuances of low porosity high-density coils, applying emollient products and showcasing Fulani braiding artistry and holistic hair care. The Madrasi head tie is showcased for identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-braiding-heritage-diverse-hands-styling-natural-textured-hair-coils.jpg)

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                "text": "\nA particularly insidious aspect of colonial devaluation involved the fabrication of pseudoscientific \"data\" to assert racial dominance. European explorers and governments sponsored spurious studies that attempted to \"prove\" the African person as a lesser human, often scrutinizing physical attributes like hair texture (NativeMag, 2020). These fabricated findings were then used to rationalize the subjugation of African peoples. One stark example of this scientific distortion manifesting in policy was the \"Pencil Test\" used during Apartheid in South Africa (Halo Collective, 2023). This discriminatory practice required individuals to hold a pencil in their hair while shaking their head. If the pencil remained, the person was classified as Black, thereby subjected to segregation and denied privileges reserved for those classified as white (Halo Collective, 2023). This test, a crude yet effective instrument of racial classification, unequivocally demonstrates how textured hair was weaponized to enforce social stratification.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonial-rule-devalue-textured-hair/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-societies/",
            "name": "African Societies",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-societies/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"African Societies,\" within the scope of understanding textured hair, systematizing its care, and applying knowledge, points to the gentle wisdom and communal practices that have long supported hair well-being across varied African cultures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "name": "Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/disulfide-bonds/",
            "name": "Disulfide Bonds",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/disulfide-bonds/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Disulfide bonds are quiet, steadfast connections within the keratin protein of our hair, acting as invisible anchors that give textured strands their unique curl patterns and inherent strength."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "name": "Transatlantic Slave Trade",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Transatlantic Slave Trade represents a deeply impactful historical period, where the forced displacement of African peoples significantly altered the lineage of textured hair understanding."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-health/",
            "name": "Hair Health",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-health/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Health, for textured strands, denotes a state of optimal scalp vitality and fiber integrity, where each coil and kink displays balanced hydration and intrinsic resilience."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/pre-colonial-african-societies/",
            "name": "Pre-Colonial African Societies",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/pre-colonial-african-societies/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Pre-Colonial African Societies represent the rich, organized ways of life across the continent before widespread colonization, holding significant wisdom for those tending to textured hair today."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-care/",
            "name": "Ancestral Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Care describes the thoughtful reception and contemporary application of time-honored practices and deep understanding concerning Black and mixed-race textured hair, passed through generations."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "name": "Natural Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hair describes hair that maintains its original structural configuration, untouched by chemical processes like relaxers, texturizers, or permanent color that alter its natural coil, curl, or wave definition."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-devaluation/",
            "name": "Hair Devaluation",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-devaluation/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The concept of 'Hair Devaluation' gently points to a gradual lessening of perceived worth or actual vitality of textured hair, a phenomenon often rooted in historical misinterpretations and an incomplete understanding of its distinct biophysical makeup."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/",
            "name": "Natural Hair Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-spirituality/",
            "name": "Hair and Spirituality",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-spirituality/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Spirituality denotes the tender bond between an individual's inner landscape and the physical presence of their hair, especially for those with textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric beauty standards denote a historical leaning towards hair characteristics commonly found within European lineages, such as straightness, fineness, or gentle waves, alongside particular color and density ideals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/",
            "name": "Hair and Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Identity signifies the tender link between one's hair and their very sense of self, particularly for individuals with Black or mixed-race textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/shea-butter/",
            "name": "Shea Butter",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/shea-butter/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Shea Butter, derived from the fruit of the African shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, represents a gentle yet potent emollient fundamental to the care of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/",
            "name": "African Hair Traditions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Hair Traditions signify the enduring legacy of hair care customs and styling practices established across generations within African and diasporic communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/",
            "name": "Hair and Social Status",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Social Status addresses the historical and current relationship between hair presentation ❉ particularly for textured hair ❉ and societal assessments of standing or acceptance."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/",
            "name": "Cultural Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Identity, when considered through the lens of textured hair, represents a soft, abiding connection to the deep-seated wisdom of ancestral hair practices and the shared experiences of a community."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonial-rule-devalue-textured-hair/
