# How Did the CROWN Act Redefine Race for Hair Protection? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-05
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The botanical abstract offers a visual poem celebrating ancestral connections, hair texture, and the rich heritage woven into the care of textured hair. These floral structures mirror the strength and beauty inherent in wellness and traditions, expressing both history and resilience](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-floral-forms-a-study-in-light-texture-and-ancestral-heritage.jpg)

![This portrait celebrates the beauty and cultural significance of finger waves, a classic black hair tradition. The glossy texture, enhanced by monochromatic lighting, signifies both timeless elegance and modern flair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-cascading-finger-waves-and-statement-earring.jpg)

## Roots

Imagine, if you will, the whispered stories carried on ancestral winds, tales of strands that served as maps, messages, and declarations of being. Our hair, a testament to time, holds within its very structure the indelible markings of lineage. It is not merely a collection of protein fibers; it is a living archive, a repository of wisdom passed through generations. For those with textured hair, this connection runs particularly deep, an undeniable echo from the source.

The very coiled helix, the varying densities, the unique growth patterns speak of ancient landscapes and resilient spirits. Yet, for too long, this beautiful, storied aspect of our being has been a site of contention, a canvas upon which society has painted its unfounded judgments.

The journey to understand how the **CROWN Act** began to redefine race for hair protection starts not in legislative chambers, but in the very fibers that distinguish one hair type from another, and in the traditions that honored them for millennia. Before the advent of modern understanding, societies across the African continent read stories in hair. A woman’s braids could tell of her marital status, her age, or her spiritual devotion.

A warrior’s locks might signify strength or a connection to the divine. Hair was a language, a complex system of identity.

> Hair, particularly textured hair, has long served as a profound declaration of identity, heritage, and ancestral connection.

![This refined study in monochrome evokes classic Hollywood glamour, showcasing beautifully styled hair with cascading undulations and radiant shine. The contrasting light and shadow play accentuate the hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-sleek-waves-and-undulating-texture.jpg)

## What Is Textured Hair’s Ancestral Blueprint?

To truly grasp the legislative movement of the **CROWN Act**, one must first understand the fundamental biology of textured hair, viewed through a lens of its ancient origins. Textured hair, often characterized by its spirals, coils, and waves, possesses a unique anatomical structure distinct from straight hair. The follicular opening, for instance, is typically flatter and more elliptical, causing the hair shaft to grow in a curvilinear path. This curved growth contributes to the hair strand’s coiling nature, which, in turn, affects how oils distribute and how light reflects upon its surface.

The very shape of the follicle dictates the curl pattern, a blueprint carried through generations. Ancestral knowledge, predating microscopy, understood hair’s unique needs, recognizing its propensity for dryness and fragility, leading to the development of specific care rituals.

The natural curvature of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) also means that the cuticle layers, the protective outer scales, may be more lifted at the curves, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to moisture loss and breakage if not tended with mindful practice. This elemental biology underpins many traditional care practices, which historically focused on retaining moisture and shielding the strands from environmental stressors. 

![This arresting image celebrates the richness and versatility of textured hair through the elaborate braided crown. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the intricate formations, reflecting a narrative of cultural heritage, expressive styling, and the enduring beauty of Black hair traditions in this stunning visual exploration](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-elegant-woman-with-braided-crown-hairstyle.jpg)

## How Did Ancient Hair Practices Reflect Cultural Significance?

Long before colonial gaze sought to diminish its grandeur, hair in various African civilizations was never merely a physical feature; it was a profound symbol, steeped in **cultural significance** and **spiritual power**. Hairstyles conveyed intricate messages: a person’s age, marital status, social rank, ethnic identity, or even their spiritual beliefs. Communal grooming sessions were not simply acts of beautification; they strengthened familial bonds and communal ties, serving as vital social activities. 

Consider the Yoruba people of Nigeria, where hair was revered as a medium of spiritual energy, connecting individuals to their ancestors and deities. Hairstyles like “Irun Kiko,” a form of thread-wrapping, carried deep meaning related to femininity and rites of passage. The Himba tribe of Namibia utilized red ochre paste on their dreadlocked styles, symbolizing their connection to the earth and their ancestors. These traditions highlight a holistic view of hair, seeing it as part of the body, spirit, and community. 

- **Cornrows** ❉ Ancient patterns that sometimes served as maps for escape during the transatlantic slave trade, or signified family lineage and status.

- **Dreadlocks** ❉ A symbol of spiritual connection, strength, and resistance across various cultures, particularly for Rastafarians.

- **Bantu Knots** ❉ Tracing back to the Bantu-speaking communities, these protective styles are named after a linguistic and ethnic group that spread across Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa.

![This evocative portrait celebrates textured hair through a complex crown braid. It symbolizes cultural artistry, embracing heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-crown-braid-hairstyle-textured-hair-cultural-heritage.jpg)

![Through monochrome artistry, the portrait showcases the interplay of texture and form, emphasizing beauty and confident expression. Highlighting the platinum blonde, short natural texture and smooth skin tones, it invites contemplation on identity, personal style and the power of individual self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-person-with-short-textured-platinum-blonde-hair.jpg)

## Ritual

The journey of textured hair through history is a testament to resilience, an enduring act of preservation against forces that sought to strip away identity. The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) stands as a modern iteration of this struggle, a legal acknowledgement of a truth long understood by communities of color: hair is not separate from race. This legislative stride does not merely prohibit discrimination; it invites a profound realignment of societal perceptions, challenging ingrained biases that have historically marginalized Black and mixed-race hair expressions. The very act of codifying protection for [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) and [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) speaks to the urgent need for a shift in how professional and educational spaces define acceptability. 

Historically, legislative efforts have often fallen short, or worse, actively perpetuated harm against textured hair. One potent example is the **Tignon Laws** of 1786 in colonial Louisiana. These laws compelled free [Black women](/area/black-women/) to cover their hair with a headscarf, a “tignon,” ostensibly to prevent them from “enticing white men.” This oppressive measure was a deliberate attempt to assert social control, visually marking free Black women as closer to enslaved individuals than to white women.

Yet, in an act of powerful defiance, Black women transformed these mandates into new cultural expressions, crafting colorful and ornate headwraps that became symbols of dignity and resistance. This historical act of legislative oppression, and the subsequent reclamation, sets a powerful precedent for the CROWN Act’s contemporary mission.

![The repetitive arrangement of bamboo stalks, accentuated by light and shadow, creates a visually captivating texture, resonating with the interwoven narrative of heritage. These stalks mirror the strength found in traditional hair care philosophies, reflecting holistic approaches to textured hair health and expressiveness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-bamboo-texture-demonstrating-natural-patterns-of-growth-and.jpg)

## Why Does Protective Styling Bear Ancestral Roots?

Protective styling, far from being a modern invention, has roots that reach back thousands of years into African tradition. These styles, such as braids, twists, and locs, were developed not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their functional benefits: preserving hair health, promoting growth, and minimizing damage from environmental elements. The meticulous process of creating these styles often involved washing, combing, oiling, twisting, and decorating the hair, sometimes taking hours or even days. These extended sessions were communal events, fostering intergenerational learning and strengthening social bonds, serving as a conduit for passing down cultural practices. 

The practice of protecting the hair, particularly in harsh climates, was a form of ancestral ingenuity. Hair wraps, for instance, were used to shield hair from intense sun and to retain moisture. This foresight in hair care, born from deep understanding of natural hair’s needs, lays a clear foundation for contemporary protective styling. 

![The monochrome portrait captures a timeless beauty, celebrating the diverse textures within Black hair traditions light plays across the model](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-monochrome-portrait-of-a-black-woman-with-natural-hair-texture.jpg)

## How Does History’s Shadow Influence Present Day Hair Prejudice?

Despite the [civil rights](/area/civil-rights/) advancements of the 1960s, which aimed to prohibit discrimination based on race, hair-based discrimination continued to persist through a subtle, yet insidious, loophole. The [Civil Rights Act](/area/civil-rights-act/) of 1964 did not explicitly protect against discrimination based on phenotypical markers that manifest race, such as hair texture. This omission allowed employers and schools to enact policies that, while seemingly neutral, disproportionately impacted Black and mixed-race individuals. These policies, often disguised as “professionalism” or “grooming standards,” effectively policed Black identity and perpetuated [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) ideals. 

A 2020 study from Duke University offers empirical evidence of this societal bias, revealing that Black women with natural hairstyles were perceived as less professional and less competent, and were less likely to be recommended for job interviews compared to candidates with straightened hair. Similarly, 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 and their hair, often rating textured hair as less beautiful or professional than smooth hair. This enduring bias created a tangible barrier to educational and economic opportunity for Black individuals. 

> Deeply ingrained societal biases against textured hair, often cloaked in notions of professionalism, continue to restrict Black and mixed-race individuals in academic and professional settings.
The CROWN Act emerged from this historical context, a necessary response to the persistent discrimination. Its formal name, “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” encapsulates its purpose: to prohibit discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective styles like braids, locs, twists, and [Bantu knots](/area/bantu-knots/) in workplaces and public schools. By expanding the definition of race to explicitly include traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, the CROWN Act aims to dismantle the lingering effects of systemic racism and ensure dignity and respect for cultural expression. 

![Bathed in sunlight, these Black and mixed-race women actively engage in hair care, highlighting the beauty and diversity inherent in textured hair formations. Their engagement is an act of self-love rooted in ancestral heritage, echoing a commitment to holistic hair wellness and empowered self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-mixed-race-women-combing-out-natural-hair-freshly-washed.jpg)

![The monochrome gradient and ash-like texture symbolize resilience, echoing the strength of tightly coiled hair and diverse textured hair narratives. Each grain mirrors individual ancestral strands woven into a rich tapestry, a testament to the timeless heritage of natural texture and formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-volcanic-ash-sedimentation-representing-dense-textured-hair.jpg)

## Relay

The passage of the CROWN Act, state by state, represents a significant relay in the ongoing quest for racial equity, a profound legal recognition that the identity etched in hair is inseparable from one’s racial being. This legislation moves beyond a surface-level protection, asserting that the very concept of race encompasses the physical expressions of heritage, particularly hair texture and protective styles. It dismantles the arbitrary lines drawn by biased policies that have historically deemed natural [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) as unprofessional or unkempt, a direct challenge to the legacy of white supremacy in institutional settings. 

Consider the economic and social toll exacted by hair discrimination. A 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study, co-commissioned by Dove and LinkedIn, reveals striking data: Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as “unprofessional” than white women’s hair. This study also found that 66% of Black women change their hair for a job interview, with 41% altering their hair from curly to straight.

These statistics speak to the tangible pressures individuals face to conform, often incurring significant financial and emotional costs through chemical treatments or extensive heat styling. The CROWN Act directly addresses this burden, aiming to alleviate the pressure to spend time and money conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards.

> The CROWN Act stands as a modern legal anchor, affirming that racial identity extends to the deeply personal and culturally significant expressions of hair texture and style.

![The monochromatic palette emphasizes the inherent texture of the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-timeless-elegance.jpg)

## How Does Legal Language Shape Societal Understanding of Race and Hair?

The power of the CROWN Act lies in its precise redefinition of “race” within legal frameworks. Prior to this legislation, general anti-discrimination laws, while prohibiting race-based discrimination, often did not explicitly cover hair texture or hairstyles, leading to judicial interpretations that often upheld discriminatory practices. For instance, in the 2010 case of EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions, a Black woman, Chastity Jones, had a job offer rescinded because she refused to cut her locs.

The Eleventh Circuit Court ruled that while locs are associated with people of African descent, the employer did not discriminate based on race because locs were considered a “mutable,” or changeable, characteristic. This ruling, and others like it, highlighted a critical gap in existing civil rights protections.

The CROWN Act closes this gap by unequivocally stating that “race” includes “traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles.” This clear legislative language removes ambiguity, forcing institutions to acknowledge that [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) is, in fact, a form of racial discrimination. It makes policies that prohibit natural hairstyles ❉ such as afros, braids, Bantu knots, and locs ❉ unlawful, thereby protecting individuals from being denied educational or employment opportunities based on their hair. By legally linking hair to racial identity, the CROWN Act aims to prevent situations like Chasity Jones’s experience from recurring. 

The implications of this legal redefinition stretch far beyond individual cases. It serves as a powerful educational tool, gradually reshaping societal norms and encouraging a broader acceptance of diverse hair expressions. When law mandates respect, it creates a foundation upon which cultural perceptions can begin to shift, making spaces more inclusive and truly reflective of the varied heritage within communities. 

![The dramatic interplay of light and shadow in this monochrome portrait enhances the structural beauty of the braided crown hairstyle, paying homage to the timeless artistry within Black hair traditions and the enduring expression of identity and holistic hair care.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-crown-hairstyle-elegance.jpg)

## What Is the Broader Cultural Impact on Textured Hair Heritage?

The CROWN Act’s influence reaches beyond legal compliance, stirring a deeper cultural renaissance around textured hair. It sends a message of affirmation to Black and mixed-race individuals: their hair, in its natural state and protective styles, is professional, beautiful, and worthy of respect. This legislative validation reinforces the ongoing **natural hair movement**, which has seen a resurgence of pride in coils, curls, and locs as powerful symbols of Black identity and heritage. 

The act encourages individuals to express their authentic selves without fear of professional repercussions, fostering self-confidence and self-acceptance. It is a legislative nod to the centuries of resilience embodied by textured hair, which has consistently been a marker of identity and resistance, even under systems of oppression. The very act of wearing ancestral styles in public or professional settings becomes a statement of defiance against past prejudices and a celebration of enduring heritage. 

This cultural shift also presents a unique opportunity for broader society to learn and appreciate the rich history and diversity of textured hair. It challenges the narrow, [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) that have dominated for too long, opening pathways for a more inclusive understanding of aesthetics and professionalism. As more states adopt the CROWN Act ❉ with over 27 states having passed similar legislation as of early 2025 ❉ the collective societal understanding of race and appearance continues to evolve, moving towards a world where one’s heritage is celebrated, not discriminated against. 

- **Self-Determination** ❉ The law grants individuals greater autonomy over their bodies and appearance, supporting the right to choose styles reflecting their cultural identity.

- **Economic Equity** ❉ By removing barriers to employment and advancement, the Act contributes to closing socio-economic gaps affecting Black communities.

- **Educational Access** ❉ It ensures students are not disciplined or removed from classrooms due to their hair, safeguarding their right to learn.

![The evocative monochrome portrait emphasizes the model](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-black-woman-with-short-natural-textured-hair-style.jpg)

![The portrait of this Black woman radiates cultural pride, her textured hair styled in a braided crown beneath a striking headwrap, symbolizes her rich heritage. Her expression is one of quiet strength, reflective of holistic beauty, wellness, and the enduring legacy expressed through her hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-braided-crown-wearing-headwrap-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

## Reflection

The CROWN Act, in its quiet power, reminds us that the fight for dignity is often woven into the very fabric of daily existence, even within the strands of hair. It is a modern chapter in a very old story, a legal affirmation echoing the enduring wisdom of ancestral traditions. This legislation does not simply protect; it helps to re-scribe the narrative, allowing the soul of a strand to finally unfurl without fear, to be seen not as a deviation, but as a deeply cherished, rightful expression of being. The spirit of our forbears, those who braided maps of freedom or adorned their coils with purpose, surely smiles upon this step, as each protected style becomes a living tribute, a continuation of their boundless legacy. 

![This artistic monochrome portrait showcases a woman adorned in a Madrasi head tie, echoing ancestral beauty and holistic hair traditions, spotlighting 4a high-density coils texture. The image celebrates sebaceous balance care, low porosity practices within ancestral hairstyles and modern aesthetics affirming expressive styling through heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-african-woman-adorned-in-ancestral-madrasi-head-tie.jpg)

![Sunlight catches the halo of textured hair as a mother gently tends to her mixed-race child’s hair this nurturing act honors ancestral heritage and a commitment to the specialized care routines vital for strong, healthy, type 3C/4A curl formation, reflecting deep cultural and familial connection.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-natural-textured-hair-of-mixed-race-child-outdoors-sunlight.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, Ayana, and Lori L. Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002.

- Perception Institute. “The ‘Good Hair’ Study Results.” Perception Institute, 2016.

- Dove and LinkedIn. “2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study.” 2023.

- Rosette, Ashleigh Shelby, et al. “Research Suggests Bias Against Natural Hair Limits Job Opportunities for Black Women.” Duke University, 2020.

- Agyemfra v. SIR Corp, 2018 HRTO 1118 (CanLII).

- EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions. Case details in public record.

## Glossary

### [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.

### [Mixed-Race Hair Identity](https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-identity/)

Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair Identity describes the individual's experience with hair reflecting a diverse genetic legacy, often exhibiting a varied presentation of curl configurations, strand widths, and hydration requirements across the scalp.

### [Crown Chakra](https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra/)

Meaning ❉ The Crown Chakra, within the Roothea framework for textured hair, represents the highest point of perceptive clarity concerning one's unique hair identity and its care.

### [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.

### [Tulsa Race Massacre](https://roothea.co/area/tulsa-race-massacre/)

Meaning ❉ The Tulsa Race Massacre, a devastating historical event from 1921, saw the destruction of Greenwood, often known as Black Wall Street.

### [Mixed-Race Hair History](https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-history/)

Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair History delineates the unique lineage of hair textures born from diverse genetic contributions, especially those rooted in Black ancestry.

### [Crown Chakra Black Identity](https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra-black-identity/)

Meaning ❉ Crown Chakra Black Identity, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, denotes a conscious recognition of hair as a significant aspect of one's heritage and a conduit for higher self-awareness.

### [Mixed-Race Hair Wellness](https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-wellness/)

Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair Wellness extends beyond surface aesthetics, proposing a mindful connection with hair that honors its unique genetic lineage.

### [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.

### [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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Does Ancestral Hair Care Wisdom Align with Modern CROWN Act Protections?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-ancestral-hair-care-wisdom-align-with-modern-crown-act-protections/)
![Community converges in this timeless frame, hands weaving a legacy into textured hair patterns, showcasing heritage and embracing the natural beauty, while bottles of products emphasize wellness and celebration of Black hair traditions. Expressive artistry blooms, affirming identity and ancestral connection.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/community-braiding-session-textured-hair-heritage-diverse-hands-holistic.jpg)

### [How Does the Natural Hair Movement Redefine Beauty Standards for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-natural-hair-movement-redefine-beauty-standards-for-textured-hair/)
![This striking monochromatic portrait captures a woman with wet, wavy textured hair, illuminated to emphasize its natural movement. The image resonates with the timeless allure of self-expression through intentional hair styling, presenting a fusion of modern aesthetics and heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-wet-wavy-textured-hair-and-glow.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Hair Care Practices Link Amazonian Plants to Black and Mixed-Race Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-care-practices-link-amazonian-plants-to-black-and-mixed-race-heritage/)
![The striking interplay of light and shadow across layered leaves mirrors the varied tones and rich textures within black hair. This composition invites reflection on ancestral knowledge and the potent botanical ingredients traditionally cherished for nourishing and supporting healthy coil definition and resilience.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-leaves-reveal-textural-depths-black-hair-ingredient-inspiration.jpg)

### [How Does the CROWN Act Protect Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-protect-textured-hair/)
![The monochrome palette accentuates the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-natural-hair-in-headwrap.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Ancestral Practices Shape Hair Protection Rituals?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-ancestral-practices-shape-hair-protection-rituals/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/braided-white-fiber-close-up-revealing-intricate-texture-and-weave.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Hair Traditions Persist in Black and Mixed-Race Heritage Today?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-traditions-persist-in-black-and-mixed-race-heritage-today/)
![The black and white treatment amplifies the subject’s strong features and distinctive coiled textured hair, celebrating Black hair traditions and modern self-expression through styling. Light and shadow define her gaze, inviting a connection and deeper contemplation on beauty and identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

### [UK Equality Act](https://roothea.co/term/uk-equality-act/)
![Rosemary](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/rosemary-herb-bundle-black-and-white-image-for-textured-hair-formulations.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Braiding Traditions Serve as a Cultural Language for Black and Mixed-Race Communities?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-braiding-traditions-serve-as-a-cultural-language-for-black-and-mixed-race-communities/)
![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)

### [Race Discrimination](https://roothea.co/term/race-discrimination/)
![This monochrome still life of citrus remnants suggests the ancestral wisdom in utilizing natural extracts for textured hair. The photograph highlights the potential for holistic, botanical-based formulations to nurture hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-still-life-of-citrus-skins-for-textured-hair-care-ingredients.jpg)

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                "text": " Protective styling, far from being a modern invention, has roots that reach back thousands of years into African tradition. These styles, such as braids, twists, and locs, were developed not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their functional benefits: preserving hair health, promoting growth, and minimizing damage from environmental elements. The meticulous process of creating these styles often involved washing, combing, oiling, twisting, and decorating the hair, sometimes taking hours or even days. These extended sessions were communal events, fostering intergenerational learning and strengthening social bonds, serving as a conduit for passing down cultural practices. "
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does History's Shadow Influence Present Day Hair Prejudice?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Despite the civil rights advancements of the 1960s, which aimed to prohibit discrimination based on race, hair-based discrimination continued to persist through a subtle, yet insidious, loophole. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not explicitly protect against discrimination based on phenotypical markers that manifest race, such as hair texture. This omission allowed employers and schools to enact policies that, while seemingly neutral, disproportionately impacted Black and mixed-race individuals. These policies, often disguised as \"professionalism\" or \"grooming standards,\" effectively policed Black identity and perpetuated Eurocentric beauty ideals. "
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does Legal Language Shape Societal Understanding of Race and Hair?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The power of the CROWN Act lies in its precise redefinition of \"race\" within legal frameworks. Prior to this legislation, general anti-discrimination laws, while prohibiting race-based discrimination, often did not explicitly cover hair texture or hairstyles, leading to judicial interpretations that often upheld discriminatory practices. For instance, in the 2010 case of EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions, a Black woman, Chastity Jones, had a job offer rescinded because she refused to cut her locs. The Eleventh Circuit Court ruled that while locs are associated with people of African descent, the employer did not discriminate based on race because locs were considered a \"mutable,\" or changeable, characteristic. This ruling, and others like it, highlighted a critical gap in existing civil rights protections. "
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Is the Broader Cultural Impact on Textured Hair Heritage?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The CROWN Act’s influence reaches beyond legal compliance, stirring a deeper cultural renaissance around textured hair. It sends a message of affirmation to Black and mixed-race individuals: their hair, in its natural state and protective styles, is professional, beautiful, and worthy of respect. This legislative validation reinforces the ongoing natural hair movement, which has seen a resurgence of pride in coils, curls, and locs as powerful symbols of Black identity and heritage. "
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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    "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/protective-styles/",
            "name": "Protective Styles",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Protective Styles denote a thoughtful strategy in textured hair care, meticulously crafted to shield the hair's more vulnerable lengths from routine manipulation and environmental exposure."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/civil-rights-act/",
            "name": "Civil Rights Act",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Civil Rights Act, a landmark legislative measure, gently cleared pathways for individuals to express their personal identity, extending its protective reach to the deeply personal realm of hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "name": "Civil Rights",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Civil Rights, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, points to the fundamental freedom and equal access allowing individuals with Black and mixed-race hair to define, care for, and present their unique hair identity without prejudice."
        },
        {
            "@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/bantu-knots/",
            "name": "Bantu Knots",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/bantu-knots/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Bantu Knots denote a time-honored coiling technique, deeply rooted in the hair traditions of various African communities, now globally recognized for its gentle efficacy on textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "name": "Black Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair describes the spectrum of hair textures primarily found within communities of African heritage, recognized by its distinct curl patterns ❉ from expansive waves to tightly coiled formations ❉ and an often elliptical follicle shape, which fundamentally shapes its unique growth trajectory."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/mixed-race-hair-identity/",
            "name": "Mixed-Race Hair Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair Identity describes the individual's experience with hair reflecting a diverse genetic legacy, often exhibiting a varied presentation of curl configurations, strand widths, and hydration requirements across the scalp."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra/",
            "name": "Crown Chakra",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Crown Chakra, within the Roothea framework for textured hair, represents the highest point of perceptive clarity concerning one's unique hair identity and its care."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/tulsa-race-massacre/",
            "name": "Tulsa Race Massacre",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/tulsa-race-massacre/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Tulsa Race Massacre, a devastating historical event from 1921, saw the destruction of Greenwood, often known as Black Wall Street."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-history/",
            "name": "Mixed-Race Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair History delineates the unique lineage of hair textures born from diverse genetic contributions, especially those rooted in Black ancestry."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra-black-identity/",
            "name": "Crown Chakra Black Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra-black-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Crown Chakra Black Identity, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, denotes a conscious recognition of hair as a significant aspect of one's heritage and a conduit for higher self-awareness."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-wellness/",
            "name": "Mixed-Race Hair Wellness",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/mixed-race-hair-wellness/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Mixed-Race Hair Wellness extends beyond surface aesthetics, proposing a mindful connection with hair that honors its unique genetic lineage."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-did-the-crown-act-redefine-race-for-hair-protection/
