# How Did Historical Attitudes about Textured Hair Develop? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-03
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

_
![A mindful hand utilizes a comb to carefully detangle wet, textured hair, showcasing a commitment to holistic hair care rooted in ancestral practices. This image captures the dedication to defining and enhancing natural wave patterns, reflecting wellness and deep cultural respect for unique hair heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/person-combing-wet-textured-hair-to-detangle-and-define-natural-waves.jpg)

## Roots

Consider for a moment the very fibers of our being, the strands that spring from the scalp, holding within their coiled contours not simply proteins and pigments, but generations of knowing. They bear the impress of ancient suns, the touch of ancestral hands, and the whisper of forgotten songs. To chart how historical attitudes about [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) emerged, we must first attend to the elemental nature of hair itself, not as an inert appendage, but as a living record, a testament to heritage. This begins with understanding the physical reality of textured hair, recognizing the wisdom woven into its very structure, a wisdom understood by our forebearers long before modern scientific inquiry gave it labels. 

The anatomy of textured hair, from the intricate undulations of its follicle to the spiraling helix of its cortex, speaks of an evolutionary design for diverse climates and cultures. Unlike straight hair, which typically emerges from a round follicle, textured hair often springs from an elliptical or flattened follicle, guiding the hair shaft into its characteristic curl pattern. This unique shape causes the hair strand to twist as it grows, creating points of tension and areas where the cuticle layer may be more open, yet also contributing to its extraordinary volume and resilience. For centuries, ancestral communities across the African continent understood these inherent qualities, developing sophisticated care practices that honored the hair’s natural inclinations, practices rooted in observation and communal wisdom. 

> The coiled contours of textured hair hold within them not just biology, but generations of ancestral knowing and heritage.
Early systems of categorization, though not formalized in the way we classify hair types today, were deeply embedded in cultural understanding. In pre-colonial African societies, hair was a powerful marker, a living encyclopedia of identity, status, and community affiliation. Hairstyles could signal a person’s age, their tribal lineage, their marital status, or even their spiritual role within the community. The elaborate cornrow styles, dating as far back as 3000 B.C.

served as a complex system of communication, conveying a person’s socioeconomic standing or their family background. This intricate system of hair symbolism, far from being a superficial aesthetic, was a fundamental part of societal fabric and historical attitudes about textured hair.

![This intimate monochromatic image showcases a mindful approach to dark, coiled hair maintenance through controlled combing, symbolizing a deep connection to ancestral grooming traditions and the art of nurturing one](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/person-combing-dark-coiled-hair-with-wooden-wide-toothed-comb.jpg)

## What Ancient Practices Reveal about Textured Hair Care?

The essential lexicon of textured hair, in its ancestral context, was less about scientific terms and more about practices and the spiritual weight given to the scalp and hair. Terms would relate to the specific tools carved from wood or bone, the plant-based ingredients gathered from the earth, or the names of intricate braiding patterns that told stories. For instance, the Wodaabe people applied rancid butter to their hair, not for mere shine, but as a deeply cultural practice that also cleansed and softened the strands, a testament to ingenious solutions derived from their surroundings (Bovin, 2001, p.

56). This points to a holistic view of hair, where its physical state was inseparable from its cultural and spiritual significance.

Consider the hair growth cycle, a biological marvel, and how it was understood through the lens of ancient beliefs. While modern science details anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) might have viewed hair growth as a continuous connection to the earth’s cycles, the moon’s phases, or the life force itself. Some traditionally held beliefs across Africa suggested that hair should be cut on a full moon day for it to grow longer, or that two people should not braid a person’s hair simultaneously, for fear of ill fortune. These beliefs shaped attitudes, guiding daily rituals and influencing communal norms around hair care, cementing a deeply rooted heritage of attention to the strands. 

The physical properties of textured hair, its coily structure, and its tendency towards dryness, demanded specific care. The rich history of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) in Africa, before the brutal disruptions of colonialism, involved the use of natural ingredients such as shea butter, various plant extracts, and essential oils, all harvested from the surrounding environment. These substances were not merely for aesthetics; they were integral to maintaining the health and vitality of the hair, preventing breakage, and facilitating growth. This understanding of hair as a living, breathing part of the body, deserving of reverence and precise care, formed the bedrock of historical attitudes. 

![The monochromatic study centers a Black woman, her short hair enhanced with silver leaf, reflecting a blend of artistic expression and ancestral reverence, inviting contemplation on the intersection of personal style and cultural identity, while honoring her natural hair formation.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-with-textured-hair-adorned-with-silver-leaf.jpg)

![The monochromatic image conveys a sense of timeless ritual, highlighting the intentionality behind crafting herbal hair treatments rooted in cultural heritage, a deeply connected practice for textured hair health and reverence for ancestral hair care knowledge and holistic self care practices.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-herbal-hair-treatment-infusion-black-and-white-photography.jpg)

## Ritual

From the profound wisdom of hair’s very structure, we move to the living traditions of its adornment and maintenance, the myriad rituals that have shaped how textured hair has been perceived and treated through the ages. These were not simply acts of beautification; they were sacred practices, deeply intertwined with identity, community, and resistance, reflecting the evolution of historical attitudes about textured hair. The artistry involved in styling textured hair, passed down through generations, speaks to an inherited understanding of its unique capabilities and needs. 

The legacy of protective styling, so vital to textured hair today, draws directly from ancient practices. Styles such as braids, twists, and locs were not only aesthetic expressions but strategic interventions for hair health and preservation. They minimized daily manipulation, shielded strands from environmental harshness, and allowed for sustained growth. In pre-colonial West Africa, these styles were also sophisticated forms of nonverbal communication, relaying everything from tribal affiliation to readiness for marriage.

For instance, certain cornrow patterns could indicate a person’s age or status within their tribe. This historical continuity grounds our contemporary understanding of protective styling as a heritage practice.

> Styling textured hair transcended mere aesthetics, becoming sacred rituals of identity, community, and resistance across generations.
The arrival of the [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) marked a cataclysmic shift in attitudes towards textured hair. Captured Africans were often forced to shave their heads upon arrival, a deliberate act of dehumanization intended to strip them of their identity and cultural connections. This profound act of erasure was the first, brutal step in dismantling their heritage, forcing them to shed the visual markers that once defined their families, tribes, and social standing. The value placed on hair in African societies was so immense that this forced shaving was understood as a profound humiliation, a tactic to disconnect individuals from their roots. 

![This black and white portrait captures the essence of heritage and self-reflection, illuminating the beauty of textured hair through an ethereal gaze, symbolizing a deep connection to ancestry and the intrinsic value of embracing one](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-coiled-hair-gazing-in-reflection-black-and-white.jpg)

## How Did Enslavement Alter Perceptions of Textured Hair?

Amidst the horrors of enslavement, the traditional practices of hair care and styling persevered as acts of quiet rebellion and resilience. Enslaved Africans, denied access to their customary tools and ingredients, ingeniously adapted. They used whatever was available ❉ bacon grease, butter, or even kerosene ❉ to care for their hair, demonstrating an incredible will to maintain a semblance of their cultural self.

On Sundays, often the sole day of rest, hair care became a communal ritual, a time for sharing, connecting, and passing down techniques in hushed tones. These gatherings allowed for the continuation of ancient practices, creating a collective memory that defied their captors’ intentions.

A powerful historical example of hair as a tool of survival and resistance comes from the enslaved rice farmers of West Africa, who, during the transatlantic slave trade, braided rice seeds into their hair before forced migration to the Americas. This audacious act preserved both their sustenance and a vital part of their cultural legacy. Cornrows were also employed to create maps, guiding escape routes from plantations, effectively turning hair into a clandestine tool for freedom. This demonstrates the profound utility of hair as a means of communication and survival when other avenues were denied. 

- **Colonial Erasure** ❉ During the slave trade, forced head shaving severed connections to African identity and heritage.

- **Subtle Resistance** ❉ Enslaved people adapted traditional styling techniques with available materials, transforming hair care into acts of defiance.

- **Tignon Laws** ❉ In 18th-century New Orleans, laws mandated that Black women cover their hair, a direct attempt to suppress their cultural expression and status.
The 18th century saw the imposition of laws like the Tignon Laws in New Orleans, which required free Creole women of color to cover their elaborately styled hair with a tignon or scarf. These laws were designed to enforce social hierarchy and diminish the perceived status of these women, whose vibrant hairstyles often drew admiration and challenged racial norms. This was a direct assault on the heritage of hair as a symbol of personal pride and community, pushing the idea that natural textured hair was uncivilized or improper. 

In the post-slavery era and early 20th century, societal pressures to conform to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) led to widespread adoption of hair straightening methods, such as hot combs and chemical relaxers. This was a complex period, where altering [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) was often seen as a necessary step for social and economic acceptance, a way to navigate a world that deemed [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) unprofessional or “bad”. The pursuit of “good hair” ❉ meaning straight hair ❉ became a painful yet understandable response to systemic discrimination, a reflection of how attitudes about textured hair were shaped by a pervasive imperial aesthetic (Yerima, 2017). 

![An evocative image showcasing minimalist adornment emphasizing elegance in afro hair, her silver head jewelry speaks to ancient African hair traditions and modern aesthetic principles. This portrait explores heritage and self-expression within the nuanced conversation of textured hair and identity, with deep cultural roots](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-sleek-short-hair-adorned-jewelry.jpg)

![Intense contrasts in the monochrome shot bring forth the beauty of coiled textured hair formations, a testament to ancestral heritage. The artful play of light and shadow highlights skin](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-highlighting-textured-hair-coils-and-radiant-skin-tone.jpg)

## Relay

The story of textured hair, its struggles, and its triumphs, continues to unfold, passed along like a sacred family heirloom. From the deliberate acts of erasure during enslavement to the subtle pressures of assimilation, the journey of how historical attitudes about textured hair have been transmitted is one of enduring resistance and reclamation. In recent decades, there has been a powerful movement to re-center textured hair, not just as a style, but as a living heritage, a source of pride and a profound connection to ancestral roots. This relay of knowledge, beauty, and resilience is profoundly shaping our present. 

The mid-20th century saw the emergence of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, a transformative period that directly challenged Eurocentric beauty standards and championed the inherent beauty of Black features, including natural hair. This cultural awakening saw the Afro rise as a powerful symbol of defiance, pride, and a visual link to African ancestry. Activists like Angela Davis wore their Afros as statements of Black power, asserting a collective identity that rejected centuries of imposed inferiority. This moment significantly shifted the dialogue around textured hair, reclaiming it as a marker of strength and heritage, not shame. 

> The contemporary movement for textured hair is a powerful reclamation, transforming historical attitudes through pride and ancestral connection.

![The intricate arrangement of textured citrus becomes a visual ode to the natural ingredients celebrated in ancestral hair rituals, reflecting a deep connection between the earth](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-citrus-pattern-symbolic-of-natural-hair-health-and-heritage.jpg)

## What Does Modern Legislation Reveal about Hair Attitudes?

Despite these powerful cultural shifts, legal and professional discrimination against natural textured hair persisted. For decades, Black individuals faced barriers in employment and education for wearing styles like braids, locs, or twists, often deemed “unprofessional” or “unruly”. The landmark 1976 case of <i>Jenkins v.

Blue Cross Mutual Hospital Insurance_, though upholding protection for Afros under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, did not extend protections to other natural styles like braids or locs, creating a problematic legal distinction. This highlighted a fundamental misunderstanding, a persistent bias rooted in historical attitudes that viewed textured hair, in its natural state, as inherently less acceptable.

The ongoing struggle against [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) culminated in legislative efforts such as the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This legislation, first passed in California in 2019, prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles like locs, cornrows, twists, and braids in schools and workplaces. As of July 2024, 25 U.S.

states have prohibited discrimination based on hair texture, signaling a societal recognition of the deep-seated issues that have historically impacted textured hair. This is a direct legal response to centuries of imposed norms and biases, asserting the right to cultural expression through hair without fear of penalty.

The CROWN Act’s success reflects a broader cultural reckoning, a collective recognition that hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination. Research by The Perception Institute’s 2016 “Good Hair” study indicated that a majority of people, regardless of race and gender, held some bias toward [Black women](/area/black-women/) and their hair. A 2020 Duke University study found that Black women with natural hairstyles were perceived as less professional and competent, and less likely to be recommended for job interviews, compared to candidates with straight hair. This data powerfully illuminates the insidious nature of historical attitudes and their continued influence in modern society, reinforcing the urgent need for legal protections. 

- **Ancestral Oils** ❉ Palm oil and shea butter were commonly used for conditioning and protecting hair in West African traditions.

- **Clay Treatments** ❉ Certain clays were used for cleansing and detoxification, drawing impurities while nourishing the scalp.

- **Herbal Infusions** ❉ Leaves and barks from specific plants were steeped to create rinses that strengthened strands and promoted growth.
The modern focus on holistic hair care often echoes ancestral wisdom, particularly in its emphasis on nourishing ingredients and gentle practices. Contemporary hair wellness advocates speak of hair as an extension of overall well-being, a concept deeply ingrained in traditional African philosophies where the head, or ‘ori’ in Yoruba, holds significant spiritual meaning. This renewed appreciation for natural ingredients ❉ like the very [shea butter](/area/shea-butter/) that our ancestors used ❉ and methods that honor the hair’s intrinsic patterns, represents a powerful relay of heritage. It is a dialogue between ancient knowing and modern science, where each validates the other in the pursuit of vibrant, healthy hair. 

_
![The textured surface of the shea butter block, captured in monochrome, speaks to the rich heritage of natural hair care. Its emollient properties, a staple in ancestral African and Black hair traditions, offer deep hydration and coil strengthening, essential for healthy, resilient hair textures](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-close-up-of-shea-butter-block-for-textured-hair-care.jpg)

## Reflection

To gaze upon a single strand of textured hair is to witness a profound chronicle, a living archive of generations, resilience, and boundless spirit. The journey charting how historical attitudes about textured hair developed is a complex one, etched with moments of profound reverence, brutal suppression, and tenacious reclamation. Yet, through every shift in societal perception, through every challenge faced, textured hair has maintained its intrinsic power as a carrier of heritage, a beacon of identity. It reminds us that our hair is not merely a biological feature; it is a profound connection to those who came before us, a continuous flow of ancestral wisdom. 

Roothea’s ethos, the ‘Soul of a Strand,’ calls us to recognize this deep lineage. It invites us to honor the enduring legacy of textured hair, not as a static historical artifact, but as a dynamic, living force within our communities. The ongoing conversation about hair discrimination, the legislative changes being forged, and the growing collective pride in natural textures all bear testament to this living heritage.

Every twist, every coil, every loc carries the stories of survival, artistry, and self-definition. As we continue to care for our textured hair, whether through time-honored rituals or modern practices informed by ancient wisdom, we participate in an unbroken chain, ensuring that the legacy of textured hair remains a radiant declaration of who we are, where we come from, and the unbound future we shape.

![Radiant smiles reflect connection as textured hair is meticulously braided affirming cultural heritage, community and the art of expressive styling. This moment underscores the deep rooted tradition of Black hair care as self care, celebrating identity and skilled artistry in textured hair formation for wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-braiding-textured-hair-black-hair-traditions-expressive-styling-portrait.jpg)

![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)

## References

- Omotoso, Adetutu. (2018). <i>African Hairstyles ❉ The “Dreaded” Colonial Legacy_. Journal of Pan African Studies.

- Byrd, A. and Tharps, L. L. (2001). _Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Press.

- Sieber, Roy and Herreman, Frank. (2000). _Hair in African Art and Culture_. Museum for African Art/Prestel Verlag.

- Bovin, M. (2001). _Nomads of the Sahara_. (As cited in “Hairdressing In The Acacus – African Rock Art,” British Museum).

- Tharps, L. L. and Byrd, A. (2001). _Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Press. (As cited in “Gender and Hair Politics: An African Philosophical Analysis”).

## Glossary

### [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.

### [Hair Discrimination](https://roothea.co/area/hair-discrimination/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Discrimination, a subtle yet impactful bias, refers to the differential and often unfavorable treatment of individuals based on the natural characteristics or chosen styles of their hair, especially those textures and forms historically worn by Black and mixed-race persons.

### [Transatlantic Slave Trade](https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/)

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.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ African Hair History gently unfolds as the foundational understanding of textured hair's unique structural characteristics and its diverse styling expressions, spanning centuries of cultural practice and scientific observation.

### [Black Women](https://roothea.co/area/black-women/)

Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands.

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

Meaning ❉ "Hair Care Rituals" for textured hair denote a thoughtful, sequential approach to maintaining the distinct beauty and well-being of coils, kinks, and waves.

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

Meaning ❉ Natural hair ingredients refer to substances sourced directly from the earth, including botanical extracts, plant-derived oils, and mineral clays, chosen for their beneficial properties when applied to textured hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Anatomy describes the distinct structural blueprint of hair strands that form curls, coils, and kinks, particularly relevant to Black and mixed-race hair.

### [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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Did Textured Hair Symbolize Resistance during Historical Periods?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-textured-hair-symbolize-resistance-during-historical-periods/)
![The high-contrast monochrome elevates the model](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-intricate-hair-adornment-and-structured.jpg)

### [What Cultural Meanings Did Textured Hair Hold in Historical African Societies?](https://roothea.co/question/what-cultural-meanings-did-textured-hair-hold-in-historical-african-societies/)
![This floral display mirrors the careful selection of natural ingredients for optimal Afro hair hydration and resilience. The monochrome palette enhances the organic textures, symbolizing a deep connection to ancestral heritage and the art of textured hair care.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-floral-arrangement-black-background-textured-hair-care-ingredients.jpg)

### [How Did Textured Hair Heritage Survive Historical Challenges?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-textured-hair-heritage-survive-historical-challenges/)
![This detailed braid pattern embodies the cultural legacy of hair expressions, highlighting both structured artistry and ancestral hair traditions. The interlocked structure is a complex visual representation of deep interconnectedness, care practices, and the enduring narrative woven through heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intricate-braided-hair-strand-formation-showing-ancestral-interlocking-textural.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Historical Braiding Techniques Preserve Textured Hair Health and Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-historical-braiding-techniques-preserve-textured-hair-health-and-identity/)
![Under dappled sunlight, the stylist](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-receiving-protective-hairstyle-braids-underneath-sunlight-detailed-black.jpg)

### [Did Historical Communities Understand Textured Hair's Fragility?](https://roothea.co/question/did-historical-communities-understand-textured-hairs-fragility/)
![The bristle brush symbolizes a commitment to healthy, textured hair ancestral practices embraced modern wellness through specialized tools, aiding gentle detangling and styling. This thoughtful care fosters both physical and cultural pride, reflecting the unique beauty of inherited hair patterns.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dense-bristle-brush-for-textured-hair-care-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Historical Meaning Did Textured Hair Hold?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-meaning-did-textured-hair-hold/)
![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)

### [How Did Historical Black Hair Care Traditions Inform Current Hydration Methods for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-black-hair-care-traditions-inform-current-hydration-methods-for-textured-hair/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-protective-hairstyle-locs-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Practices Shape the Resilience of Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-practices-shape-the-resilience-of-textured-hair-heritage/)
![An evocative glimpse into ancestral wisdom, the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-grinding-herbs-ancestral-hair-care-ritual-textured-hair-wellness.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Environmental Factors Shape Hair Care for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-environmental-factors-shape-hair-care-for-textured-hair/)
![The quiet moment of detangling textured hair reflects a deeper commitment to holistic self-care practices rooted in honoring ancestral hair traditions, where each coil and spring is gently nurtured and celebrated, showcasing the beauty and resilience of Black hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-detangling-textured-hair-near-window.jpg)

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        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/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/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-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/hair-discrimination/",
            "name": "Hair Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Discrimination, a subtle yet impactful bias, refers to the differential and often unfavorable treatment of individuals based on the natural characteristics or chosen styles of their hair, especially those textures and forms historically worn by Black and mixed-race persons."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act/",
            "name": "CROWN Act",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act establishes legal protections against discrimination based on hair texture and styles frequently worn by individuals of Black or mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "name": "Black Women",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/african-hair-history/",
            "name": "African Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Hair History gently unfolds as the foundational understanding of textured hair's unique structural characteristics and its diverse styling expressions, spanning centuries of cultural practice and scientific observation."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care-rituals/",
            "name": "Hair Care Rituals",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care-rituals/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Hair Care Rituals\" for textured hair denote a thoughtful, sequential approach to maintaining the distinct beauty and well-being of coils, kinks, and waves."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-ingredients/",
            "name": "Natural Hair Ingredients",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-ingredients/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural hair ingredients refer to substances sourced directly from the earth, including botanical extracts, plant-derived oils, and mineral clays, chosen for their beneficial properties when applied to textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-anatomy/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Anatomy",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-anatomy/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Anatomy describes the distinct structural blueprint of hair strands that form curls, coils, and kinks, particularly relevant to Black and mixed-race hair."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-attitudes-about-textured-hair-develop/
