# How Did Colonialism Change Textured Hair Practices? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-02
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The monochrome study emphasizes the woman’s elegant features framed by her platinum blonde afro textured hair, a nod to expressive style within mixed-race hair narratives. The close crop fosters an intimate connection with the viewer, reinforcing holistic beauty ideals and textured hair pride through ancestral heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-short-platinum-blonde-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

![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)

## Roots

Consider a strand of hair, not merely as a biological filament, but as a living archive, a whisper of generations. For countless centuries before the shadow of colonialism stretched across continents, [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) held profound meaning for Black and mixed-race communities. It was a language spoken through coils and kinks, a narrative etched in every braid and adornment.

This intricate heritage, deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom, formed the very bedrock of identity, reflecting social status, spiritual beliefs, and communal bonds. To understand how colonialism reshaped these practices, we must first truly apprehend the sophisticated world it sought to dismantle.

![This striking black and white portrait celebrates natural hair expression through intricate cornrow designs styled into tight coils. The image echoes historical braiding traditions, elevated by contemporary styling and sharp makeup, merging ancestral artistry with modern aesthetics and showcasing the beauty and versatility of Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-cornrows-and-defined-edges-portrait-showing-natural-hair-artistry.jpg)

## The Architecture of Ancestral Hair

Human scalp hair, broadly categorized, demonstrates remarkable variations across populations, often linked to distinct genetic ancestries. While some inherit strands that lie straight or form gentle waves, individuals of African descent almost invariably possess hair with a high curvature, characterized by elliptical cross-sections and follicles that curve beneath the scalp. This unique biological architecture results in the tight curls and coils that distinguish Afro-textured hair.

Far from being a mere aesthetic variation, this structure evolved over millennia, offering protective advantages in diverse environments. The density and inherent coil pattern of textured hair, for example, could offer insulation or defense against solar exposure, reflecting an intimate biological adaptation to the environments our ancestors inhabited.

The pre-colonial understanding of hair went beyond its physical properties. It was believed that the head housed the spirit, making hair an elevated, sacred part of the body. Among the **Yoruba** people, for instance, hair was considered the highest point, a conduit for messages to the divine. Braided styles carried spiritual weight, acting as a medium connecting individuals to their ancestors and deities (Byrd & Tharps, 2014).

This deep reverence meant that [hair care](/area/hair-care/) was not a casual act; it was a ritual, a communal undertaking that strengthened familial ties and social connections. The time spent washing, oiling, twisting, and decorating hair was an opportunity for intergenerational bonding, a practice that continues to echo in many families today.

![The woman’s striking Afro, a showcase of coils and helix structure, presents a balanced sebaceous vitality reflective of holistic hair care, echoing ancestral Black hair traditions. The radiant beauty and soft glow highlight the importance of balance and overall vitality in embracing expressive styling and celebrating natural hair forms](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-afro-elegance-natural-hair-beauty-sebaceous-balance-holistic-shine.jpg)

## Hair as Communication before Colonial Imposition

Across pre-colonial Africa, hairstyles served as a visual lexicon, communicating a wealth of information without a single spoken word. A person’s coiffure could instantly reveal their geographic origin, marital status, age, ethnic identity, religion, wealth, or rank within society. Intricate patterns and specific adornments were not arbitrary choices; they were intentional declarations.

For women, the emphasis was frequently on thick, long, and neat hair, often braided, signifying the capacity to produce bountiful farms and bear healthy children. A woman whose hair appeared “undone” in certain Nigerian societies might signify depression or a state of spiritual disarray.

Consider the myriad ways hair informed social interactions:

- **Social Status** ❉ Warriors, chiefs, and elders wore distinct styles that broadcasted their positions within the community.

- **Age Markers** ❉ Specific styles marked transitions from childhood to adulthood, or indicated rites of passage.

- **Tribal Affiliation** ❉ Unique styles and methods of adornment served as powerful identifiers for particular ethnic groups.

- **Spiritual Connections** ❉ Some styles were linked to sacred practices, ceremonies, and beliefs, often thought to hold protective or empowering properties.
This deep, cultural understanding of hair, its forms, and its meaning, formed an unbreakable link between a person and their heritage. It was a source of collective pride and individual expression, a vibrant testament to ingenuity and artistry.

> Pre-colonial textured hair practices were deeply embedded in African societies, serving as vital expressions of identity, spirituality, and social standing.
Then, the ships arrived. The transatlantic slave trade, commencing in the fifteenth century, initiated a systematic assault on this very heritage. One of the initial acts of dehumanization inflicted upon enslaved Africans was the forced shaving of their heads.

This brutal act aimed to strip individuals of their identity, severing their connection to their ancestral lands and traditions. It was a deliberate, violent erasure, designed to reduce people to mere commodities and eradicate the rich significance hair held for them.

The journey itself, the horrific Middle Passage, further compounded this loss. Without access to traditional tools, nourishing oils, or the time for meticulous care, hair became matted and tangled. This physical degradation mirrored the psychological trauma, reinforcing the systematic dismantling of self that defined enslavement. The groundwork for a profound and painful transformation of [textured hair practices](/area/textured-hair-practices/) was thus laid, impacting generations to come.

![This monochromatic portrait captures the essence of modern African diasporic identity, showcasing a short, textured afro style that celebrates natural hair. The image embodies strength, confidence, and a reclamation of self-expression, resonating with ancestral heritage and holistic beauty ideals](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-young-black-woman-with-short-tapered-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

![This monochromatic portrait captures a striking woman with intricately sculpted textured hair, celebrating the beauty and artistry of natural hair formations. The elegant style reflects ancestral heritage while embracing contemporary beauty standards, resonating with themes of self-expression and hair wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-sculpted-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## Ritual

The forced passage across the Atlantic did not merely relocate bodies; it initiated a profound disruption of ancestral rituals, particularly those surrounding hair. In the new, brutal landscapes of the Americas, the conditions of enslavement rendered traditional hair care practices almost impossible. The very elements that sustained the intricate styling and communal care of pre-colonial Africa ❉ time, specific tools, and native ingredients ❉ were systematically denied. Yet, within this devastating loss, an incredible testament to resilience and ingenuity emerged, as [enslaved people](/area/enslaved-people/) adapted and re-created rituals, transforming hair care into acts of quiet, powerful resistance.

![The photograph captures the essence of confidence in Black beauty, featuring a woman with intricately braided hair. Her expressive eyes convey resilience, mirroring the rich cultural legacy woven into her protective hairstyle, honoring ancestral techniques and celebrating the artistic expression found in Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bold-black-woman-with-braided-protective-style-asserting-natural-beauty.jpg)

## Adapting under Duress How Did Enslaved People Care for Hair?

Stripped of their traditional combs and implements, enslaved Africans found themselves in an unimaginable predicament regarding hair maintenance. Historical accounts reveal a poignant resourcefulness. They turned to whatever crude materials were available, fashioning combs from wood or bone, or even using sheep fleece carding tools to untangle their hair. These were not tools designed for delicate strands, yet they became instruments of survival, facilitating moments of essential care.

The traditional practice of cleansing hair with ingredients such as **dudu osun** (black soap) was replaced by what was available, sometimes including cornmeal or kerosene for scalp cleaning. For moisture, nourishing elements like [shea butter](/area/shea-butter/) and palm oil, staples in pre-colonial Africa, gave way to more readily available, albeit less suitable, alternatives like bacon grease, butter, or goose grease. This adaptation was not a choice of preference but a stark necessity, reflecting profound deprivation.

Despite the immense challenges, hair remained a locus of identity and self-expression. Sundays, often the sole day of rest, became the time for communal hair care. This tradition of styling hair together, passed down through generations, served as a powerful act of community bonding and cultural preservation.

Women would plait or thread each other’s hair, using these brief respites to maintain a semblance of their heritage. These communal grooming sessions, while dramatically altered, echoed the social opportunities that defined pre-colonial hair rituals, allowing for shared stories and the quiet assertion of selfhood.

![Monochrome evokes ancestral tones, the intricate fruit patterns serving as a metaphor for textured hair, weaving a narrative of heritage, holistic wellness, ancestral beauty, and self-care traditions that embrace the beauty of distinctive formations within a family or community.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-fruit-with-intricate-surface-pattern-symbolic-of-diverse-hair-forms.jpg)

## The Rise of a New Aesthetic and Its Consequences

Colonialism propagated a pervasive ideology: [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards. This system valued straight, smooth hair as the ideal, simultaneously demonizing the tightly coiled textures inherent to Black people. This was not a subtle preference; it was a deliberate strategy to dehumanize and subjugate.

Terms such as “kinky” or “woolly” were used to describe African hair, directly associating it with inferiority and lack of professionalism. This ideology became deeply internalized, leading many to perceive their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) as “ugly” or “inferior,” a belief that continues to affect perceptions across generations.

The societal pressure to conform to European beauty ideals led to the widespread adoption of hair straightening methods. Early attempts were often improvised and incredibly harsh, using heated butter knives or lye-based mixtures that could inflict severe burns. The mid-20th century saw the popularization of chemical relaxers, a product designed to permanently straighten textured hair by altering its chemical structure. While offering a path to “social acceptability” in a racially biased world, these chemicals often contained harmful ingredients like parabens and phthalates, associated with increased health risks such as uterine fibroids and certain cancers.

> The imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards during colonialism led to the stigmatization of textured hair, driving communities to adopt often harmful straightening practices in pursuit of social acceptance.
The concept of “good hair,” often signifying looser curls or straighter textures closer to European hair, created internal hierarchies within Black communities, a phenomenon known as **texturism**. This division underscored the insidious power of colonial ideology, turning a natural variation into a marker of social and economic advantage. The **pencil test**, a degrading practice used during apartheid in South Africa, starkly illustrates this: a pencil placed in one’s hair determined racial classification; if it stuck, the person was deemed “colored” or Black, impacting their freedoms and opportunities (Stankovic, 2013). Such mechanisms were not merely aesthetic preferences; they were tools of racial stratification, designed to maintain systems of oppression.

Even as the centuries progressed, the effects lingered. Missionary schools in colonial contexts, for example, often imposed strict rules, sometimes requiring African children to shave their heads or prohibiting traditionally significant styles like dreadlocks, enforcing punishments for non-compliance. This institutionalized discrimination continued to alienate and erase African cultural practices, reinforcing the colonial agenda.

![The monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty of braided textured hair, echoing ancestral strength and cultural expression. The meticulous braiding technique highlights the diverse styling possibilities within Black hair traditions, while the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

![This vintage hair pick, immortalized in monochrome, speaks volumes about ancestral beauty rituals and the enduring legacy of textured hair traditions. Its robust form emphasizes the enduring practices in textured hair care, echoing ancestral wisdom passed through generations and holistic wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-vintage-hair-pick-detailed-texture-ancestral-heritage-beauty-tool.jpg)

## Relay

The enduring impact of colonialism extends far beyond the initial impositions, influencing the very understanding of hair health and the systems of care that developed across the African diaspora. As the echoes of historical trauma persist, so too does the resilience of ancestral wisdom, offering a path towards holistic wellness and the reclamation of heritage in textured hair practices.

![Captured in monochrome, the child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-a-child-with-beaded-braids-black-and-white-beauty.jpg)

## Disruption and Adaptation in Hair Wellness

Prior to colonization, hair care was intrinsically linked to overall wellness, with ancestral practices often reflecting a deep understanding of botanical properties and the protective needs of textured hair. Natural ingredients sourced from the environment formed the basis of these regimens. For example, in parts of West Africa, oils like palm oil and shea butter provided rich moisture and protection, while natural clays and plant-based soaps cleansed the hair and scalp. The Chad-based **Chebe ritual**, passed down through generations, involves a paste made from cherry seeds, cloves, and Chebe seeds, celebrated for promoting length and luster (Premium Beauty News, 2024).

Similarly, in the Horn of Africa, clarified butter or ghee was used for thousands of years to nourish hair and cool the scalp. These practices were holistic, tending to the physical hair strand and the spiritual and communal dimensions of self.

The imposition of slavery and subsequent colonial rule shattered these integrated systems of care. Enslaved people were severed from the very lands that provided their ancestral ingredients, and the harsh realities of plantation labor left little time or resources for proper hair maintenance. This led to hair becoming tangled and matted, contributing to scalp diseases such as ringworm and head lice. The subsequent widespread use of [chemical relaxers](/area/chemical-relaxers/) and hot combs, a response to Eurocentric beauty ideals, caused further physical damage, including burns and long-term scalp issues.

A 2023 survey noted that Black respondents reported the most frequent use of chemical straighteners compared to other races, with 61% stating they used them because they felt “more beautiful with straight hair”. This stark statistic reveals the deep, enduring psychological impact of colonial beauty standards.

![This portrait embodies cultural expression and strength. Styled locs frame the subject’s thoughtful expression, emphasizing her striking facial features and cultural richness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-locs-showcasing-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

## Resilience and Reclaiming Hair Identity

Despite centuries of systematic denigration, textured hair has consistently served as a symbol of resistance and a powerful canvas for reclaiming identity. Even in the depths of slavery, subtle acts of self-expression persisted. The famous oral tradition of enslaved West African rice farmers braiding rice seeds into their hair before being transported to the Americas is a profound example of this resistance, ensuring a future food source and a link to their homeland. Cornrows, a style deeply rooted in ancient African culture, also became a means of communication, potentially serving as secret maps for escape routes.

> The resurgence of natural hair today represents a powerful act of decolonization, reconnecting individuals with their ancestral beauty and rejecting imposed standards.
The mid-20th century saw significant shifts, particularly with the Civil Rights movement and the “Black is Beautiful” era. This period marked a powerful resurgence of pride in natural hair, with styles like the **Afro** becoming a symbol of Black nationalism and a rejection of Eurocentric norms. This was a deliberate, collective act of decolonization, affirming the inherent beauty of African features and textures.

While the journey of reclamation is ongoing, with continued discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) in professional and academic settings, there is a growing global movement towards celebrating natural hair. The natural hair movement has prompted a deeper exploration of traditional care practices, fostering a return to ancestral ingredients and protective styles that honor the unique biology of textured hair.

![This image presents the cultural practices and indigenous beauty of a Mursi woman, emphasizing the symbolism of her unique tribal adornments. It is a visual exploration of identity and ancestral traditions, highlighting the intricate beauty of the Mursi people](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mursi-woman-black-and-white-portrait-lip-plate-tribal-adornment.jpg)

## How Does Understanding Hair Genetics Inform Our Heritage Practices?

Modern hair science offers new perspectives on the deep past of textured hair. Genetic factors play a substantial role in determining hair texture, whether straight, wavy, or coiled. Research indicates that different genes influence hair texture and thickness in people of various ethnic backgrounds.

For example, studies have linked specific gene variants to hair thickness in Asian populations and hair texture in Northern European ancestry. For textured hair, a specific cross-sectional shape and the distribution of keratins within the hair fiber contribute to its curl pattern.

This scientific understanding validates the inherent diversity of human hair, dismantling past colonial-era classifications that pathologized textured hair. The term **ulotrichy**, meaning ‘curly-haired,’ was historically used in human taxonomy, often with negative connotations stemming from colonial views. By understanding the genetic underpinnings of textured hair, we can move beyond these biased classifications and appreciate the unique biological adaptations that characterize each hair type.

This knowledge encourages a personalized approach to care, one that honors the specific needs of textured hair rather than attempting to force it into a mold shaped by foreign ideals. It allows for a deeper appreciation of ancestral ingenuity, recognizing that many traditional practices align with what contemporary science now confirms as beneficial for hair health.

The journey from enduring [colonial hair practices](/area/colonial-hair-practices/) to the present-day reclamation is complex, marked by both struggle and profound strength. It underscores the vital role of textured hair as a beacon of heritage, memory, and unwavering identity across the diaspora.

![This striking portrait captures the essence of natural beauty, celebrating the strength and resilience embodied in tightly coiled afro hair. The image evokes a sense of empowerment and pride, connecting textured hair to ancestral heritage and a modern expression of self-acceptance, styled with minimalist modern afro aesthetic](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-tapered-afro-showcasing-natural-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

![The black and white portrait showcases the beauty of Afro coiled hair, creating an intimate connection with the viewer. The lighting adds depth to the image, capturing the essence of her texture and heritage, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and natural beauty within beauty standards](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-beautiful-woman-with-natural-afro-hair-style.jpg)

## Reflection

The story of textured hair, as it flows through the currents of colonialism and beyond, is a profound testament to the human spirit’s unwavering capacity for resilience. It is a narrative etched not just in history books, but in the very fiber of each strand, a living, breathing archive of [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) and enduring beauty. The assault of colonialism sought to unravel this precious legacy, to impose a singular vision of beauty that denied the inherent magnificence of textured hair, thereby seeking to erase the very identity it represented. Yet, as the sun warms the scalp and the fingers work through coils, we remember.

We remember the forced shaves on slave ships, the denial of traditional tools, the insidious messages of “good” and “bad” hair that tore at communities and individuals. These were not mere aesthetic shifts; they were systemic attacks on the soul, designed to diminish and control.

Today, as we reconnect with the rhythms of ancestral care, unearthing forgotten rituals and embracing the nuanced biology of textured hair, we participate in an act of deep decolonization. We celebrate the unique curl patterns, the inherent strength, and the historical significance embedded within each helix. This journey of reconnection allows for a re-centering of self, aligning mind, body, and spirit with the wisdom of those who came before.

It is a mindful choice to honor the legacy of resilience, to understand that our hair is more than a crown; it is a profound link to a heritage that refused to be severed. The path ahead is one of continuous discovery, affirming that the soul of a strand pulsates with the power of memory, the quiet strength of survival, and the radiant promise of a future where all textures are celebrated in their unbridled glory.

![This evocative portrait invites contemplation on Maasai beauty ideals the short, meticulously coiled hairstyle is a profound expression of cultural identity and ancestral heritage, while her direct gaze and traditional adornments narrate stories of resilience and the enduring strength of indigenous traditions.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-maasai-woman-displaying-traditional-hairstyle-and.jpg)

![This captivating portrait celebrates the artistry of braided hairstyles as expressions of cultural identity and personal strength. The halo braid symbolizes beauty, resilience, and timeless elegance, reflecting the traditions passed down through generations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-braided-hairstyle-radiating-natural-beauty-and-cultural-identity-in.jpg)

## References

- Ayana D. Byrd and Lori L. Tharps. (2001). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.

- Nonkoliso Andiswa Tshiki. (2021). African Hairstyles ❉ The “Dreaded” Colonial Legacy. The Gale Review.

- Stankovic, Isidora. (2013). The Culture of Curls: What Hair Really Means in Mixed Race Societies. The Yale Globalist.

- Emma Dabiri. (2020). Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Harper Perennial.

- Library of Congress. (2022). Heavy is the Head: Evolution of African Hair in America from the 17th c. to the 20th c.

- Know Your Hairitage. (n.d.). African Culture.

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

- MDPI. (2022). The Genomic Variation in Textured Hair: Implications in Developing a Holistic Hair Care Routine.

- MedlinePlus. (2022). Is hair texture determined by genetics?

- Premium Beauty News. (2024). Ancestral hair-paste ritual gains new life in Chad.

## Glossary

### [Anti-Colonialism](https://roothea.co/area/anti-colonialism/)

Meaning ❉ Anti-Colonialism, within the gentle sphere of textured hair understanding, points to a deliberate redirection from externally imposed beauty norms that historically overshadowed the intrinsic beauty of Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Puberty Hair Change](https://roothea.co/area/puberty-hair-change/)

Meaning ❉ Puberty hair change denotes a pivotal physiological period where fluctuating hormones subtly influence the inherent qualities of hair, especially apparent in textured, Black, or mixed heritage hair types.

### [Colonialism Palm Oil](https://roothea.co/area/colonialism-palm-oil/)

Meaning ❉ Colonialism Palm Oil gently reveals the enduring impact of historical economic structures, particularly the plantation systems established during colonial eras, upon the modern global supply chain of palm oil.

### [Colonialism's Legacy](https://roothea.co/area/colonialisms-legacy/)

Meaning ❉ Colonialism's Legacy, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, denotes the lasting effects of historical dominion on how Black and mixed-race hair is perceived, cared for, and discussed.

### [Black Hair History](https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/)

Meaning ❉ Black Hair History represents the accumulated knowledge and evolving practices surrounding textured hair care and styling across generations and continents, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals.

### [Hair Texture](https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Texture identifies the inherent physical configuration of individual hair strands, from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns, a fundamental characteristic for those with Black and mixed heritage hair.

### [Natural Hair](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/)

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.

### [Ancestral Wisdom](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Wisdom, for textured hair, represents the enduring knowledge and discerning observations gently passed through generations concerning the unique character of Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Hair Structure Change](https://roothea.co/area/hair-structure-change/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Structure Change refers to the discernible alteration in the physical morphology and inherent qualities of individual hair strands, often manifesting as variations in curl pattern, porosity, elasticity, or diameter.

### [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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Did Ancestral Hair Practices Influence Modern Sun Care for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/did-ancestral-hair-practices-influence-modern-sun-care-for-textured-hair/)
![The aloe vera, a cornerstone in ancestral botanical practices, illuminates textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/aloe-vera-composition-exploring-ancestral-herbal-traditions-and-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Social Change Advocacy](https://roothea.co/term/social-change-advocacy/)
![Eloquent advocacy meets natural hair excellence in this monochrome study, showcasing defined coils, high-density hair, and cultural heritage. The subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-speaks-out-natural-coily-hair-with-low-porosity-definition.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Hair Care Practices Influence Modern Textured Hair Regimens?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-hair-care-practices-influence-modern-textured-hair-regimens/)
![A striking black and white composition celebrates heritage, showcasing elongated spiral pattern achieved via threading, a testament to ancestral hair traditions, emphasizing holistic hair care, self-expression, and intricate styling within narratives of Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-woman-with-low-porosity-spirals-in-madras-head-wrap.jpg)

### [Did Ancient Egyptian Hair Care Practices Reflect Textured Hair Needs?](https://roothea.co/question/did-ancient-egyptian-hair-care-practices-reflect-textured-hair-needs/)
![The image celebrates the intimate act of nurturing textured hair, using rich ingredients on densely coiled strands, reflecting a commitment to holistic wellness and Black hair traditions. This ritual links generations through ancestral knowledge and the practice of self-love embodied in natural hair care.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hair-cream-to-coiled-hair-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Protective Hair Practices from Antiquity Persist in Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-protective-hair-practices-from-antiquity-persist-in-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This striking portrait captures the essence of modern African diaspora beauty, showcasing elaborate blonde locs cascading beautifully. Adorned with elegant silver jewelry, she embodies identity and power, offering a unique celebration of ancestral heritage in contemporary hairstyling expression and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-with-long-blonde-locs-and-modern-jewelry.jpg)

### [How Did Textured Hair Oiling Change after Emancipation?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-textured-hair-oiling-change-after-emancipation/)
![Women braid textured hair, passing down ancestral techniques in a scene celebrating Black hair traditions. This practice demonstrates deep commitment to heritage while emphasizing beauty, self-expression, and the significance of communal support for holistic hair wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-braiding-textured-hair-cultural-exchange-and-hair-care-practices.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Traditions Influence Hair Care Practices for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-traditions-influence-hair-care-practices-for-textured-hair/)
![This finely-milled ingredient, presented in monochromatic tones, whispers of ancestral beauty practices—a cornerstone of holistic textured hair wellness. It evokes traditions centered on hair strength, rooted in time-honored herbal formulations handed down through generations for lasting heritage and self expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-powdered-ingredient-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-rituals.jpg)

### [How Did the Tignon Law Change Hair Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-the-tignon-law-change-hair-expression/)
![This image celebrates the legacy of textured hair through intergenerational African diaspora women, highlighting the enduring connection between cultural identity and ancestral hair styling with intricate braids and a headwrap, illuminating a profound narrative of heritage, beauty, and shared experience.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intergenerational-portraiture-of-african-descent-women-displaying-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Hair Practices Safeguard Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-hair-practices-safeguard-textured-hair/)
![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)

---

## Raw Schema Data

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "Question",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "How Did Colonialism Change Textured Hair Practices?",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonialism-change-textured-hair-practices/"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonialism-change-textured-hair-practices/"
    },
    "headline": "How Did Colonialism Change Textured Hair Practices? ❉ Question",
    "description": "Colonialism drastically altered textured hair practices by imposing Eurocentric beauty ideals, leading to suppression of ancestral traditions. ❉ Question",
    "url": "https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonialism-change-textured-hair-practices/",
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Roothea",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/author/roothea/"
    },
    "datePublished": "2025-06-03T04:55:06+08:00",
    "dateModified": "2025-06-03T04:55:06+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Question"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-fruit-with-intricate-surface-pattern-symbolic-of-diverse-hair-forms.jpg",
        "caption": "Monochrome evokes ancestral tones, the intricate fruit patterns serving as a metaphor for textured hair, weaving a narrative of heritage, holistic wellness, ancestral beauty, and self-care traditions that embrace the beauty of distinctive formations within a family or community."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Adapting Under Duress How Did Enslaved People Care for Hair?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Stripped of their traditional combs and implements, enslaved Africans found themselves in an unimaginable predicament regarding hair maintenance. Historical accounts reveal a poignant resourcefulness. They turned to whatever crude materials were available, fashioning combs from wood or bone, or even using sheep fleece carding tools to untangle their hair. These were not tools designed for delicate strands, yet they became instruments of survival, facilitating moments of essential care. The traditional practice of cleansing hair with ingredients such as dudu osun (black soap) was replaced by what was available, sometimes including cornmeal or kerosene for scalp cleaning. For moisture, nourishing elements like shea butter and palm oil, staples in pre-colonial Africa, gave way to more readily available, albeit less suitable, alternatives like bacon grease, butter, or goose grease. This adaptation was not a choice of preference but a stark necessity, reflecting profound deprivation."
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does Understanding Hair Genetics Inform Our Heritage Practices?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Modern hair science offers new perspectives on the deep past of textured hair. Genetic factors play a substantial role in determining hair texture, whether straight, wavy, or coiled. Research indicates that different genes influence hair texture and thickness in people of various ethnic backgrounds. For example, studies have linked specific gene variants to hair thickness in Asian populations and hair texture in Northern European ancestry. For textured hair, a specific cross-sectional shape and the distribution of keratins within the hair fiber contribute to its curl pattern."
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonialism-change-textured-hair-practices/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@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/hair-care/",
            "name": "Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Care, when understood through the lens of textured hair, signifies a mindful discipline for preserving the vigor of coily, kinky, and wavy strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-practices/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Practices define the considered, gentle approaches individuals with coil, curl, or wave patterns adopt to truly know, attend to, and style their distinct hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/enslaved-people/",
            "name": "Enslaved People",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/enslaved-people/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ 'Enslaved People' denotes individuals subjected to forced servitude, whose deep ancestral knowledge, encompassing careful hair practices and plant-based applications, faced significant disruption through forced displacement and oppressive conditions."
        },
        {
            "@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/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric Beauty describes an aesthetic framework that historically positions features and hair textures common in European populations as the prevailing ideal."
        },
        {
            "@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/chemical-relaxers/",
            "name": "Chemical Relaxers",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/chemical-relaxers/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Chemical Relaxers represent a category of strong alkaline agents, typically lye- or no-lye based, meticulously formulated to permanently reconfigure the natural curl pattern of highly textured hair by breaking and reforming its disulfide bonds within the hair's cortex."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/",
            "name": "Hair Texture",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Texture identifies the inherent physical configuration of individual hair strands, from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns, a fundamental characteristic for those with Black and mixed heritage hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-practices/",
            "name": "Colonial Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Colonial Hair Practices delicately describe the historical period where European beauty conventions and hair care methodologies were widely presented as superior, influencing how Black and mixed-race individuals perceived and attended to their unique hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "name": "Ancestral Wisdom",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Wisdom, for textured hair, represents the enduring knowledge and discerning observations gently passed through generations concerning the unique character of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/anti-colonialism/",
            "name": "Anti-Colonialism",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/anti-colonialism/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Anti-Colonialism, within the gentle sphere of textured hair understanding, points to a deliberate redirection from externally imposed beauty norms that historically overshadowed the intrinsic beauty of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/puberty-hair-change/",
            "name": "Puberty Hair Change",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/puberty-hair-change/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Puberty hair change denotes a pivotal physiological period where fluctuating hormones subtly influence the inherent qualities of hair, especially apparent in textured, Black, or mixed heritage hair types."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/colonialism-palm-oil/",
            "name": "Colonialism Palm Oil",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonialism-palm-oil/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Colonialism Palm Oil gently reveals the enduring impact of historical economic structures, particularly the plantation systems established during colonial eras, upon the modern global supply chain of palm oil."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/colonialisms-legacy/",
            "name": "Colonialism's Legacy",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonialisms-legacy/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Colonialism's Legacy, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, denotes the lasting effects of historical dominion on how Black and mixed-race hair is perceived, cared for, and discussed."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/",
            "name": "Black Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair History represents the accumulated knowledge and evolving practices surrounding textured hair care and styling across generations and continents, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-structure-change/",
            "name": "Hair Structure Change",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-structure-change/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Structure Change refers to the discernible alteration in the physical morphology and inherent qualities of individual hair strands, often manifesting as variations in curl pattern, porosity, elasticity, or diameter."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonialism-change-textured-hair-practices/
