# How Does Historical Hair Discrimination Influence Modern Beauty Standards for Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-14
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

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

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

## Roots

Consider a single strand, a delicate helix spun from ancestral memory, yet constantly shaped by the very currents of history. How does historical [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) influence modern [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) for textured hair? This question is not a mere academic exercise; it touches the very core of identity, a personal narrative etched into the living archive of our hair.

To truly grasp the echoes of today’s beauty ideals, we must journey back, tracing the origins of these strands and the societies that celebrated ❉ or sought to diminish ❉ their natural forms. Each coil, each kink, each wave holds not only biological information but also the cumulative wisdom and trauma of generations.

The very structure of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) is a testament to the diverse environments and rich heritage from which humanity arose. Our hair’s shape, its density, and its behavior are products of millennia of adaptation. At the root of every strand, a tiny follicle determines whether hair will grow straight, wavy, or coily. For textured hair, follicles often take on an oval or elliptical shape, causing the strand to twist as it grows.

This structural characteristic, along with the distribution of disulfide bonds within the hair’s keratin proteins, gives rise to the stunning variety of curl patterns we observe across individuals. This biological blueprint is an inherited map, a deep connection to our ancestors and the environments they navigated. (Curl Witch, 2024; MedlinePlus, 2022)

![This dramatic monochromatic portrait celebrates the striking beauty of an intentional bald style and distinct hair design. The image highlights empowerment, challenging traditional beauty standards and underscoring the impact of textured artistry and individuality in expressing personal identity and cultural narrative](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-bald-woman-featuring-a-striking-hair-design.jpg)

## What Ancient Cultures Believed about Textured Hair?

Before the shadows of forced assimilation lengthened across the globe, hair in many African societies was more than adornment; it served as a profound communicator. Hairstyles conveyed a person’s social status, age, marital state, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs. The Maasai, for instance, held specific beliefs connecting hair to spiritual energy. Their distinctive hairstyles often marked stages of life.

In Yoruba cosmology, hair was considered sacred, a conduit for spiritual energy linking individuals to their ancestors and deities. (Afriklens, 2024; Assendelft, 2024; BLAM UK CIC, 2022) Hair groomers were not just stylists; they were keepers of cultural codes, their skills upholding community standards and familial bonds. Communal grooming, a practice deeply embedded in many African cultures, transcended mere beautification. It served as a social activity, strengthening ties between mothers, daughters, and friends, a tender thread of connection woven into daily life. (Afriklens, 2024; Know Your Hairitage, 2024)

> The intricate patterns of textured hair hold ancestral stories, reflecting a deep connection to lineage and cultural identity.
Then came the transatlantic slave trade, a rupture that sought to sever these very connections. One of the first dehumanizing acts upon captured Africans was the forced shaving of their heads. This act aimed to strip individuals of their identity, severing their cherished ties to culture and social standing. Yet, even in such profound suffering, resilience sparked.

Some African women, particularly rice farmers, braided rice seeds into their hair, ensuring survival for themselves and their culture in new, hostile lands. Enslaved Africans used cornrows to map escape routes from plantations. Hair, once a symbol of identity, became a tool of quiet resistance. (BLAM UK CIC, 2022; Know Your Hairitage, 2024)

The perception of hair, its structure, and its proper care shifted dramatically under the colonial gaze. European ideals of beauty, often rooted in straight hair, began to be imposed. This imposition was not subtle; it was a deliberate strategy to demean African phenotypes, deeming textured hair as “ugly,” “unruly,” or “unprofessional.” This racial dichotomy formed the “good hair/bad hair” complex, deeply internalizing negative perceptions within the African American community. (Scholar Commons, 2024) 

- **Pre-Colonial Significance** ❉ Hair marked social standing, age, tribal identity, and spiritual connection.

- **Colonial Erasure** ❉ Forced shaving and the imposition of Eurocentric standards aimed to dehumanize and control.

- **Adaptive Resistance** ❉ Braiding of seeds and maps into hair served as acts of survival and defiance.

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

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

## Ritual

The historical legacy of discrimination casts a long shadow over the very rituals of textured hair care, influencing what is considered beautiful, acceptable, or even possible. How has [historical hair](/area/historical-hair/) discrimination influenced traditional and modern styling heritage? The journey of textured hair through centuries of societal pressure is a testament to both enduring [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) and the adaptive genius of communities. After the era of enslavement, the pervasive societal expectation for African American women to conform to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) intensified.

Straight hair became a symbol of middle-class status, a perceived pathway to economic opportunity and societal acceptance. This created a demand for methods to alter [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) textures. (Scholar Commons, 2024)

One significant figure in this period was **Madam C.J. Walker**, born Sarah Breedlove. In the late 1800s, experiencing hair loss and scalp issues, she sought solutions. She trained under Annie Turnbo Malone, another pioneering [African American hair](/area/african-american-hair/) care entrepreneur.

Walker then developed her own line of products, notably “Madam Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower,” and a system of care that often involved hot combs. While she popularized hot combs that straightened hair, Walker’s primary stated goal was not to fundamentally alter the appearance of Black women’s hair but to promote healthier scalps and hair. She empowered [Black women](/area/black-women/) by creating a network of sales agents, the “Walker Agents,” providing financial independence and a sense of pride within their communities. (Biography, 2021; JCSU Library, 2022; childish mane llc, 2024) This example illustrates a complex intersection: a response to societal pressures for straightened hair, yet also an assertion of economic and personal agency within a discriminatory system.

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

## What Role Did Laws Play in Shaping Hair Practices?

Beyond social pressures, legal decrees also directly policed Black women’s hair. A particularly compelling example from the 18th century are the **Tignon Laws** of Louisiana. In 1786, under Spanish colonial rule, Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró enacted these sumptuary laws. These laws compelled free women of color in New Orleans to cover their hair with a tignon, a type of headscarf typically worn by enslaved women.

The aim was to visually distinguish free Black women from white women, to mark them as belonging to the enslaved class, and to curb their perceived social and economic ascension. Free Black women of the time were admired for their elaborate hairstyles, and this law sought to diminish their perceived attractiveness and status. (Wesleyan College, 2021; reframe52, 2024; New York Historical, 2018)

> Historical laws, like the Tignon Laws, illustrate direct attempts to control Black women’s appearance through legislative means.
Yet, in an act of profound defiance and creativity, these women transformed the tignon itself. They used luxurious, vibrant fabrics, adorned them with feathers and jewels, and tied them in intricate, ornate knots. What was intended as a mark of subjugation became a statement of their wealth, beauty, and cultural ingenuity, a powerful symbol of resistance that echoed their ancestral heritage.

Even after these laws ceased to be enforced, the tignon persisted as a testament to Black women’s resilience and a celebration of African heritage. (Wesleyan College, 2021; reframe52, 2024; New York Historical, 2018) This case study reveals how attempts to suppress identity through hair often backfired, leading to innovative forms of expression.

The legacy of these historical impositions continues to influence modern beauty standards and practices for textured hair. The demand for chemical relaxers and heat-straightening tools became widespread, offering a path to perceived acceptance in a society that valued straightness. The concept of “good hair” became synonymous with straight or loosely curled hair, creating a hierarchy that devalued natural textures.

This deeply internalized distinction often caused psychological distress. (Scholar Commons, 2024; Folklife Magazine, 2022)

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

## What Ancestral Techniques Shape Current Hair Care?

Despite the pressures to conform, ancestral knowledge of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) persisted and adapted. Traditional ingredients and methods continued to be practiced, often in secret or within communal spaces. Shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and other natural plant-based ingredients were, and remain, central to [African hair](/area/african-hair/) care, prioritizing moisture and scalp health. (Afriklens, 2024; Kenra Professional, 2025) Braiding, in particular, maintained its significance, not just as a style, but as a communal activity fostering bonds and preserving cultural identity.

Styles like cornrows, Fulani braids, and Bantu knots have deep historical roots. (Know Your Hairitage, 2024; Kenra Professional, 2025) These protective styles, designed to shield delicate strands, also served as a quiet defiance against forced alterations, preserving the health and heritage of textured hair. This heritage of careful, protective styling, passed down through generations, continues to inform many contemporary hair care regimens.

![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)

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

## Relay

The journey of textured hair, from ancient veneration to enforced assimilation, has imprinted itself upon modern beauty standards, creating complex layers of perception and practice. How does historical hair discrimination influence modern beauty standards for textured hair in its deeper, more systemic forms? The struggle against discrimination continues today, often manifesting in subtle, yet pervasive, biases in professional and educational settings.

Research indicates that hair discrimination persists, with Black students and employees often penalized for wearing natural hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, or Afros. These policies often echo [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards, labeling traditional Black hairstyles as “unprofessional” or “unruly.” (IDRA, 2024; McLane Middleton, 2023)

The impact of this historical bias is tangible. Studies suggest a direct link between such discrimination and negative academic outcomes, including lowered expectations and increased disciplinary measures for Black students. The psychological toll of these experiences can undermine a sense of belonging and hinder academic success. (BERA, 2025) This reinforces a disturbing historical pattern: textured hair, when worn in its natural state, is still deemed “other” or problematic, a direct legacy of colonial aesthetics. 

![This evocative portrait of a woman adorned with locs captures the interplay of light and shadow, accentuating both strength and vulnerability. The image honors the heritage of textured hair while inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, beauty standards, and the ongoing dialogue around hair expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-an-african-american-woman-with-locs-and-shadow-play.jpg)

## How Do Laws like the CROWN Act Address Historical Wrongs?

In response to this ongoing discrimination, modern legislative efforts have emerged, most notably the **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair). This legislation, first passed in California in 2019 and now adopted by numerous states, aims to amend anti-discrimination statutes by explicitly including traits historically associated with race, such as [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective hairstyles. (McLane Middleton, 2023; Touro Law Center, 2021) The CROWN Act acknowledges the logical connection between hair, race, and the [historical discrimination](/area/historical-discrimination/) faced by Black individuals, aiming to remedy the shortcomings of earlier anti-discrimination laws that often failed to protect against hair-based bias. (Touro Law Center, 2021) 

> Contemporary legislative efforts, like the CROWN Act, aim to dismantle systemic hair discrimination rooted in colonial ideals.
This legal recognition is a significant step, yet it highlights how deeply ingrained historical biases are. The necessity of such laws underscores a societal reluctance to accept textured hair in its authentic forms without legal mandate. The very concept of “professionalism” has historically been shaped by Eurocentric norms, pushing textured hair towards chemical alteration or concealment.

For generations, this meant exposure to harsh relaxers, some of which have been linked to serious health issues, including a higher risk of uterine cancer. (McLane Middleton, 2023) The pursuit of beauty, influenced by discriminatory standards, thus became a health burden, a cruel irony born from historical pressure.

![This monochrome portrait highlights the beauty of textured hair, its helical formation rendered in striking detail. The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-textured-afro-hairstyle-and-shawl.jpg)

## What Scientific Insights Validate Ancestral Care?

Modern science, however, increasingly offers insights that validate long-standing ancestral practices for textured hair. The understanding of hair anatomy confirms that textured hair, due to its unique elliptical follicle shape and uneven keratin distribution, is often more prone to dryness and breakage. (Curl Witch, 2024; Tame It Curl Haus, 2024) This scientific understanding aligns perfectly with traditional African hair care, which historically prioritized moisture retention and protection through natural ingredients like [shea butter](/area/shea-butter/) and specific styling techniques. (Obscure Histories, 2024; Kenra Professional, 2025) 

For instance, the ancient practice of African hair threading, known as “Irun Kiko” among the Yoruba people, which dates back to the 15th century, focused on protecting hair and aiding length retention. (Obscure Histories, 2024) While its mechanism wasn’t scientifically understood then, we now know that threading can minimize tension, prevent tangles, and reduce breakage, thereby preserving hair length. This interplay of historical wisdom and modern scientific validation reinforces the profound knowledge embedded within ancestral practices. 

The conversation around textured hair today is a complex ecosystem. It includes the continuing legal battles for acceptance, the thriving natural hair movement that celebrates curls and coils, and the scientific research that supports mindful, heritage-aligned care. The historical journey of discrimination has forced communities with textured hair to become innovators, resilient in their expression and persistent in reclaiming narratives of beauty.

The push for natural hair in modern times echoes the Black Power movement’s call for “Black is beautiful,” a renewed emphasis on collective identity and pride that resists centuries of imposed ideals. (Scholar Commons, 2024)

- **Natural Ingredients** ❉ Shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera have been historically utilized for moisture and scalp health. (Kenra Professional, 2025)

- **Protective Styles** ❉ Braids, twists, and locs, rooted in African traditions, minimize breakage and foster hair growth. (Know Your Hairitage, 2024)

- **Communal Care** ❉ Hair grooming, a social activity, strengthens familial and community bonds while preserving cultural practices. (Afriklens, 2024)

![An exploration of light, shadow, and texture through this study in monochrome reveals a striking contrast. Her platinum blonde coils frame a face, juxtaposed with the sleek, dark turtleneck, inviting contemplation of beauty standards, identity and textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-platinum-blonde-curly-textured-hair.jpg)

![This evocative black and white image captures the essence of natural hair expression, celebrates the cultural significance of Afro hair, and provides a glimpse into the journey of self-discovery, while showcasing the artful shaping of resilient strands into a statement of heritage and beauty.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-natural-afro-hair-style.jpg)

## Reflection

The soul of a strand, for those whose heritage is etched in its texture, is a living testament to resilience. From the earliest communal gatherings where hair was sculpted into symbols of belonging and status, to the forced shearing of enslavement, and the subtle, insidious pressures of contemporary workplaces, textured hair has carried the weight of history. Yet, it has also remained a powerful canvas for resistance, a beacon of identity, and a repository of ancestral wisdom. The influence of historical hair discrimination on modern beauty standards for textured hair is not a bygone tale; it manifests in the subtle biases, the persistent struggle for full acceptance, and the ongoing journey of self-love and reclamation.

Each coil that springs free, each braid that tells a story, each natural crown worn with dignity, speaks volumes. It is a dialogue with the past, a celebration of the present, and a courageous step into a future where beauty is truly boundless, rooted in authenticity and the rich legacy of every textured strand.

![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)

![This portrait evokes Old Hollywood splendor through the lens of contemporary beauty standards. The strategic shaping of her hair emphasizes ancestral heritage and offers a sophisticated take on natural expressive styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-exquisite-finger-wave-hairstyle.jpg)

## References

- Afriklens. (2024). African Hairstyles: Cultural Significance and Legacy.

- Assendelft. (2024). Pre-Colonial African Hairstyles: A Journey Through Time and Culture.

- BERA. (2025). Reclaiming Our Roots in Higher Education: A Call for Policy Development to Address Hair-Based Discrimination in UK Educational Institutions.

- Biography. (2021). How Madam C.J. Walker Invented Her Hair Care Products.

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

- childish mane llc. (2024). Crowning Glory: Madame CJ Walker’s Hair Products and Her Legacy of Black Entrepreneurialism.

- Curl Witch. (2024). The Science of Hair Texture: Understanding Curl Patterns.

- IDRA. (2024). Confronting Hair Discrimination in Schools ❉ A Call to Honor Black History by Protecting Student Rights.

- JCSU Library. (2022). Inventor Highlight-Madame C. J. Walker.

- Kenra Professional. (2025). From Ancient Rituals to Modern Results: Global Haircare Traditions Inspolling Kenra Professional.

- Know Your Hairitage. (2024). African Culture.

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

- McLane Middleton. (2023). Understanding Hair Discrimination and the CROWN Act.

- New York Historical. (2018). Fashionable Rebellion.

- Obscure Histories. (2024). Ancient Gems: A Historical Survey of African Beauty Techniques.

- reframe52. (2024). Tignon Laws & Black Women’s Creative Resistance.

- Scholar Commons. (2024). African American Hair and Beauty: Examining Afrocentricity and Identity Through the Reemergence and Expression of Natural Hair.

- Tame It Curl Haus. (2024). The Anatomy of a Curl.

- Touro Law Center. (2021). Wearing My Crown to Work: The Crown Act as a Solution to Shortcomings of Title VII for Hair Discrimination in the Workplace.

- Wesleyan College. (2021). Nine Years of Detangled Afro Hair.

## Glossary

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

Meaning ❉ Somali Beauty Standards, within the context of textured hair understanding, describe the culturally held ideals for hair health and presentation within Somali communities.

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

Meaning ❉ Philippine Beauty Standards, when viewed through the lens of textured hair understanding, often present a historical preference for hair textures inherently distinct from the natural coils and curls of Black or mixed heritage hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Global Beauty Standards, in the realm of textured hair, refer to widely accepted ideals of appearance, often rooted in Western aesthetics, that historically did not acknowledge or value the distinct qualities of curls, coils, and waves.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ African American Hair, in its gentle reality, presents a distinct and precious fiber type within the broad spectrum of textured hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Societal Beauty Standards, when viewed through the gentle lens of textured hair understanding, refer to the collective, often unstated ideals of attractiveness that have historically overlooked the distinct beauty of coils, kinks, and waves.

### [Historical Discrimination](https://roothea.co/area/historical-discrimination/)

Meaning ❉ Historical Discrimination, when considering textured hair, describes the enduring, systemic patterns of disadvantage and unequal treatment directed towards individuals, particularly those with Black and mixed-race hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Online Beauty Standards, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, refer to the prevailing visual and stylistic ideals widely presented across digital spaces, subtly shaping perceptions of desirable hair characteristics.

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

Meaning ❉ Filipino Beauty Standards, within the realm of textured hair understanding, frequently emphasize sleek, straight hair, presenting a gentle divergence from the inherent growth patterns of Black and mixed-race coils and curls.

### [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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Does Ancient Cleansing Wisdom Influence Modern Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-ancient-cleansing-wisdom-influence-modern-textured-hair-care/)
![This striking visual evokes the raw, natural ingredients often at the heart of time-honored hair practices. From ancestral wisdom to modern holistic care, the image celebrates the rich heritage and nurturing traditions that fortify textured hair through generations of community.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-arrangement-of-natural-forms-evoking-heritage-textured-hair-care.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does Hair Discrimination Diminish Cultural Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-hair-discrimination-diminish-cultural-heritage/)
![The textured hair styles and the cooperative act of grinding grain symbolizes community wellness. This scene emphasizes the interwoven nature of ancestral heritage, cultural identity, and holistic hair care practices, reflecting the traditional roots and beauty rituals deeply embedded within Black communities.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-depicting-grinding-grain-with-traditional-hair-wraps.jpg)

### [What Impact Did Historical Beauty Standards Have on Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-impact-did-historical-beauty-standards-have-on-textured-hair/)
![The photograph elegantly frames a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-asymmetrical-bob-hairstyle-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [How Does Traditional Amazonian Hair Care Influence Modern Textured Hair Wellness?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-traditional-amazonian-hair-care-influence-modern-textured-hair-wellness/)
![A child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/child-touches-ancient-carving-of-woman-with-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

### [Digital Beauty Standards](https://roothea.co/term/digital-beauty-standards/)
![This evocative image celebrates the magnificence of afro textured hair, spotlighting its rich coily pattern and the confident presence of its wearer, encapsulating both ancestral heritage and modern hair aesthetic with elegance that resonates with holistic expressions of beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-elegant-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-against-neutral-backdrop.jpg)

### [What Are the Legal Implications of Textured Hair Discrimination on Cultural Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-are-the-legal-implications-of-textured-hair-discrimination-on-cultural-heritage/)
![This black and white portrait illustrates the ancestral practice of textured hair care, a mother nurturing her child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-childs-textured-hair-at-window-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Relate to Textured Hair Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-relate-to-textured-hair-discrimination/)
![The woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-sculpted-natural-hair-updo-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Does the CROWN Act Relate to Textured Hair Heritage and Modern Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-relate-to-textured-hair-heritage-and-modern-discrimination/)
![The artist](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-digital-artist-focused-curly-textured-hair-drawing-on-tablet.jpg)

### [Can Understanding Hair Heritage Combat Modern Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/can-understanding-hair-heritage-combat-modern-discrimination/)
![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)

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                "text": " Before the shadows of forced assimilation lengthened across the globe, hair in many African societies was more than adornment; it served as a profound communicator. Hairstyles conveyed a person’s social status, age, marital state, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs. The Maasai, for instance, held specific beliefs connecting hair to spiritual energy. Their distinctive hairstyles often marked stages of life. In Yoruba cosmology, hair was considered sacred, a conduit for spiritual energy linking individuals to their ancestors and deities. (Afriklens, 2024; Assendelft, 2024; BLAM UK CIC, 2022) Hair groomers were not just stylists; they were keepers of cultural codes, their skills upholding community standards and familial bonds. Communal grooming, a practice deeply embedded in many African cultures, transcended mere beautification. It served as a social activity, strengthening ties between mothers, daughters, and friends, a tender thread of connection woven into daily life. (Afriklens, 2024; Know Your Hairitage, 2024)\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Role Did Laws Play in Shaping Hair Practices?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Beyond social pressures, legal decrees also directly policed Black women’s hair. A particularly compelling example from the 18th century are the Tignon Laws of Louisiana. In 1786, under Spanish colonial rule, Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró enacted these sumptuary laws. These laws compelled free women of color in New Orleans to cover their hair with a tignon, a type of headscarf typically worn by enslaved women. The aim was to visually distinguish free Black women from white women, to mark them as belonging to the enslaved class, and to curb their perceived social and economic ascension. Free Black women of the time were admired for their elaborate hairstyles, and this law sought to diminish their perceived attractiveness and status. (Wesleyan College, 2021; reframe52, 2024; New York Historical, 2018)\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Ancestral Techniques Shape Current Hair Care?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Despite the pressures to conform, ancestral knowledge of hair care persisted and adapted. Traditional ingredients and methods continued to be practiced, often in secret or within communal spaces. Shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and other natural plant-based ingredients were, and remain, central to African hair care, prioritizing moisture and scalp health. (Afriklens, 2024; Kenra Professional, 2025) Braiding, in particular, maintained its significance, not just as a style, but as a communal activity fostering bonds and preserving cultural identity. Styles like cornrows, Fulani braids, and Bantu knots have deep historical roots. (Know Your Hairitage, 2024; Kenra Professional, 2025) These protective styles, designed to shield delicate strands, also served as a quiet defiance against forced alterations, preserving the health and heritage of textured hair. This heritage of careful, protective styling, passed down through generations, continues to inform many contemporary hair care regimens.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Do Laws Like the CROWN Act Address Historical Wrongs?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " In response to this ongoing discrimination, modern legislative efforts have emerged, most notably the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair). This legislation, first passed in California in 2019 and now adopted by numerous states, aims to amend anti-discrimination statutes by explicitly including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. (McLane Middleton, 2023; Touro Law Center, 2021) The CROWN Act acknowledges the logical connection between hair, race, and the historical discrimination faced by Black individuals, aiming to remedy the shortcomings of earlier anti-discrimination laws that often failed to protect against hair-based bias. (Touro Law Center, 2021)\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Scientific Insights Validate Ancestral Care?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Modern science, however, increasingly offers insights that validate long-standing ancestral practices for textured hair. The understanding of hair anatomy confirms that textured hair, due to its unique elliptical follicle shape and uneven keratin distribution, is often more prone to dryness and breakage. (Curl Witch, 2024; Tame It Curl Haus, 2024) This scientific understanding aligns perfectly with traditional African hair care, which historically prioritized moisture retention and protection through natural ingredients like shea butter and specific styling techniques. (Obscure Histories, 2024; Kenra Professional, 2025)\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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            "@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."
        },
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            "name": "Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance."
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        {
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            "@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."
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            "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."
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        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
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            "name": "Ancestral Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Practices, within the context of textured hair understanding, describe the enduring wisdom and gentle techniques passed down through generations, forming a foundational knowledge for nurturing Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-hair/",
            "name": "Historical Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Historical Hair designates the accumulated practices, knowledge, and aesthetic expressions surrounding textured hair across ancestral timelines and cultural settings, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals."
        },
        {
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "name": "Natural Hair",
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            "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."
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        {
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-american-hair/",
            "name": "African American Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-american-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African American Hair, in its gentle reality, presents a distinct and precious fiber type within the broad spectrum of textured hair."
        },
        {
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            "@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."
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        {
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair/",
            "name": "African Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Hair identifies the diverse spectrum of natural hair structures primarily observed within populations of African lineage, characterized by distinctive curl formations, ranging from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns."
        },
        {
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            "@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/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/historical-discrimination/",
            "name": "Historical Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Historical Discrimination, when considering textured hair, describes the enduring, systemic patterns of disadvantage and unequal treatment directed towards individuals, particularly those with Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/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."
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        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/somali-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Somali Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/somali-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Somali Beauty Standards, within the context of textured hair understanding, describe the culturally held ideals for hair health and presentation within Somali communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/philippine-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Philippine Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/philippine-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Philippine Beauty Standards, when viewed through the lens of textured hair understanding, often present a historical preference for hair textures inherently distinct from the natural coils and curls of Black or mixed heritage hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/global-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Global Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/global-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Global Beauty Standards, in the realm of textured hair, refer to widely accepted ideals of appearance, often rooted in Western aesthetics, that historically did not acknowledge or value the distinct qualities of curls, coils, and waves."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/societal-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Societal Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/societal-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Societal Beauty Standards, when viewed through the gentle lens of textured hair understanding, refer to the collective, often unstated ideals of attractiveness that have historically overlooked the distinct beauty of coils, kinks, and waves."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/online-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Online Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/online-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Online Beauty Standards, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, refer to the prevailing visual and stylistic ideals widely presented across digital spaces, subtly shaping perceptions of desirable hair characteristics."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/filipino-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Filipino Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/filipino-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Filipino Beauty Standards, within the realm of textured hair understanding, frequently emphasize sleek, straight hair, presenting a gentle divergence from the inherent growth patterns of Black and mixed-race coils and curls."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-does-historical-hair-discrimination-influence-modern-beauty-standards-for-textured-hair/
