# How Does the CROWN Act Protect Textured Hair Heritage Today? ❉ Question

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

---

![The nuanced portrait, highlighting sophisticated Afro-textured style, invites contemplation on identity, heritage, and self-expression. The black and white treatment enriches the textures and emphasizes her features, promoting discussion on beauty standards and textured hair appreciation, showcasing natural hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-textured-hair-design.jpg)

![The image celebrates the intimate act of nurturing textured hair, using rich ingredients on densely coiled strands, reflecting a commitment to holistic wellness and Black hair traditions. This ritual links generations through ancestral knowledge and the practice of self-love embodied in natural hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hair-cream-to-coiled-hair-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## Roots

To journey into the realm of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) is to walk a path deeply woven with history, identity, and the very spirit of those who wear it. For Black and mixed-race individuals, hair is far from a mere aesthetic choice; it stands as a living chronicle, a tangible connection to generations past and a vibrant expression of cultural heritage. When we speak of the CROWN Act, we speak of more than legislation; we speak of a protective embrace around this cherished heritage, ensuring its visibility and veneration in spaces where it was once, and often still is, challenged or erased. This legal framework seeks to dismantle long-standing biases that have cast natural [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) in an unfavorable light, biases rooted in centuries of imposed [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards. 

Historically, from the shores of Africa where hair communicated social standing, marital status, and tribal lineage, to the harrowing transatlantic passage where hair was often shorn as an act of dehumanization, the story of Black hair mirrors the narrative of a people’s resilience. The Tignon Law of 18th-century Louisiana, for instance, mandated that [Black women](/area/black-women/) cover their hair, a direct attempt to diminish their perceived social status and attractiveness. (National [Civil Rights](/area/civil-rights/) Museum, n.d.).

Such policies, while archaic, cast a long shadow, informing societal perceptions that deemed natural, textured hair “unprofessional” or “unruly” through subsequent centuries. The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) directly confronts this legacy, recognizing that discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective styles ❉ such as locs, braids, twists, and Afros ❉ is indeed a form of racial discrimination.

> The CROWN Act stands as a modern shield for ancient pride, guarding the right to wear one’s hair in its natural, cultural forms without professional or academic penalty.
The act’s very name, “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” speaks volumes to its intent: to carve out spaces where [textured hair heritage](/area/textured-hair-heritage/) is not simply tolerated, but respected and understood. This legislative effort underscores that traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and styles, are integral to racial identity and should not be grounds for discrimination in educational settings or employment. 

![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)

## Hair Anatomy and Heritage

Understanding the CROWN Act’s protection of textured [hair heritage](/area/hair-heritage/) begins with recognizing the inherent qualities of the hair itself. Textured hair, often characterized by its tight coils, curls, and zig-zags, possesses a unique anatomical structure. The follicular opening on the scalp is often flatter and more elliptical than that producing straighter hair, influencing the helical growth pattern of the strand. This distinct structure contributes to the hair’s volume, elasticity, and propensity for dryness, which has, over millennia, informed the traditional care practices passed down through generations. 

Ancestral communities developed nuanced approaches to care, using plant-based oils, butters, and cleansing agents derived from their natural environments. These practices were not just about hygiene; they were rituals, reinforcing communal bonds and cultural identity. For example, specific herbal rinses might have been used to strengthen hair, or particular oils applied to retain moisture, practices rooted in an intuitive understanding of the hair’s needs. The CROWN Act, by protecting the outward expression of this hair, inadvertently protects the space for these deeply ingrained, heritage-based care philosophies to continue to thrive, free from external pressure to conform to hair types that demand different routines. 

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-depicting-grinding-grain-with-traditional-hair-wraps.jpg)

## How Do Historical Biases Reflect in Modern Classifications?

The classifications systems for textured hair, while seemingly scientific, often carry the lingering echoes of historical biases. Systems that categorize hair purely by curl pattern can sometimes inadvertently reinforce a hierarchy that privileges looser curls over tighter ones, a subtle reflection of Eurocentric beauty standards. The historical narrative of “good hair” versus “bad hair,” where straight hair was considered desirable and textured hair undesirable, continues to influence perceptions. The CROWN Act steps into this space, challenging the implicit biases within such classifications by declaring that all [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) textures and associated styles are equally valid and deserving of protection.

It broadens the legal definition of race to include hair texture and culturally significant styles, ensuring that the law acknowledges the physical manifestations of racial identity. This legal recognition provides a framework for reframing beauty standards, allowing for a more inclusive and equitable understanding of hair diversity, honoring the full spectrum of Black and mixed-race hair heritage.

![A tender gesture of ancestral hair care traditions, captured in monochrome, showcases the application of natural ingredients, symbolizing heritage and wellness. This image honors cultural practices while nurturing tightly coiled textures, fostering self-love and communal connection with time-honored Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-of-heritage-hair-care-black-hair-traditions-and-ancestry.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)

## Ritual

The very concept of [textured hair styling](/area/textured-hair-styling/) is steeped in ritual, a practice inherited from [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) and refined through generations. How does the CROWN Act protect textured hair heritage today? It does so by safeguarding the right to engage in these sacred practices, preserving the continuity of cultural expression through hair.

Styling textured hair is not merely about aesthetic appeal; it serves as a powerful means of self-expression, a connection to community, and a testament to enduring cultural identity. Protective styles, in particular, hold a deep historical and cultural significance, far transcending their practical benefits of promoting hair health and growth.

From the intricate cornrows of ancient African societies, which could convey messages or denote social standing, to the varied twists and locs that symbolize spiritual and communal ties, these styles are living archives. The CROWN Act recognizes this profound connection, explicitly naming [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) such as braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots as protected expressions of heritage. This legislative recognition validates these styles, removing the threat of discrimination in schools and workplaces where such hair expressions were once deemed inappropriate or unprofessional. 

![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)

## How Have Traditional Styling Methods Informed Modern Hair Practices?

Traditional styling methods, passed down through oral tradition and lived experience, laid the groundwork for many contemporary textured hair practices. The careful sectioning, twisting, and braiding techniques seen today find their roots in ancient African artistry, where [hair styling](/area/hair-styling/) was a meticulous and time-consuming process often performed within a communal setting. These were moments of shared stories, wisdom, and bonding, fostering a deep sense of belonging and cultural continuity. 

Modern natural styling techniques, such as wash-and-gos, twist-outs, and braid-outs, are contemporary adaptations of these ancestral methods, designed to enhance the natural curl pattern without relying on harsh chemicals or excessive heat. The CROWN Act’s protection of the choice to wear these styles means that individuals can honor these techniques without fear of professional repercussions. It allows for the full spectrum of natural hair expression to flourish, from tightly coiled Afros, a symbol of Black pride and resistance from the Black Power Movement, to the elegant simplicity of a Bantu knot. 

> The CROWN Act ensures the freedom to express one’s heritage through hair, transforming historical vulnerability into legal protection.
The tools used in textured hair styling also bear the mark of heritage. The ubiquitous Afro pick, for instance, has roots stretching back thousands of years, a design that has evolved to meet the unique needs of textured hair. The very act of choosing and using these tools, often with intention and care, becomes part of a broader cultural ritual. 

![Gentle hands weave a story of heritage and love as a mother braids her daughter](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-braiding-daughters-hair-celebrating-black-hair-traditions-in-natural.jpg)

## Examining Historical and Modern Protective Styling Practices

Protective styles, which minimize manipulation and protect hair ends, have been a cornerstone of textured hair care for centuries. 

- **Cornrows** ❉ Ancient origins, used for intricate designs, social signaling, and even as a means of escape during slavery by mapping routes. Today, they remain a popular style, often with complex patterns, embodying both art and protection.

- **Locs** ❉ A sacred and enduring style in many cultures, often representing spiritual devotion, freedom, and deep connection to ancestral lineage. They have been historically marginalized, yet continue to symbolize strength and identity.

- **Braids** ❉ From single braids to elaborate braided up-dos, these have served functional and decorative purposes across African and diasporic communities for millennia, protecting hair and allowing for diverse expressions.
The CROWN Act’s explicit protection of these styles is a significant step towards dismantling long-standing discrimination. A 2023 study by Dove and LinkedIn revealed that Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as “unprofessional,” and approximately two-thirds of Black women (66%) change their hair for a job interview, with 41% changing their hair from curly to straight. (Dove and LinkedIn, 2023).

This stark reality underscores the systemic pressure faced by individuals with textured hair to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. The Act aims to directly counteract such biases, ensuring that the ancestral practices of styling and protecting textured hair are afforded the same respect as any other form of self-expression.

![Camellia seed oil, a legacy for textured hair wellness, embodies ancestral care and moisture. Its monochrome elegance connects historical beauty rituals to today](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/camellia-seed-oil-black-and-white-still-life-textured-hair.jpg)

![Elegant in monochrome, the portrait celebrates the beauty and strength embodied within afro textured hair, a coil crown, and classic style. The image is an ode to heritage, resilience, and the power of self-expression through textured hair forms, deeply rooted in Black hair traditions and ancestral pride](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-classic-dress.jpg)

## Relay

The CROWN Act, in its core, serves as a relay baton passed from generations who fought for the recognition of their hair as an intrinsic part of their being. How does the CROWN Act protect textured hair heritage today? It does so by actively intervening in spaces where centuries of bias have created systemic barriers, offering legal recourse and fostering a cultural shift that honors ancestral wisdom and personal identity.

This legislation addresses the profound social and economic impact of hair discrimination, particularly on Black and mixed-race communities. The societal demand for conformity to Eurocentric hair standards has led to missed educational opportunities and denied employment for countless individuals.

For instance, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund highlights the case of De’Andre Arnold and Kaden Bradford, who were disciplined and excluded from extracurricular activities and graduation for wearing uncut locs, a style chosen in homage to their Black and Trinidadian heritage. Even with state-level CROWN Acts in place, such incidents persist, as seen in the recent case of Darryl George, a high school student in Texas, whose locs led to academic suspensions due to school grooming policies that included length restrictions. (Watkins, 2024). These instances underscore the enduring struggle for hair acceptance and the vital role the CROWN Act plays in attempting to dismantle these deeply ingrained biases. 

![Against a backdrop of sunlit horizons, textured hair in the form of locs is silhouetted, evoking ancestral connections and symbolizing resilience. This image celebrates natural Black hair formations, its beauty, and historical significance in expressive Black cultural identity, wellness, and holistic care through styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/silhouette-of-person-with-locs-against-sunlight-revealing-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## What Is the Systemic Impact of Hair Discrimination on Heritage?

The systemic impact of [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) extends beyond individual instances of prejudice. It undermines [cultural heritage](/area/cultural-heritage/) by pressuring individuals to abandon styles that connect them to their ancestry and identity. When schools and workplaces penalize natural hair, they effectively force a choice between cultural expression and opportunity. This creates a psychological burden, diminishing self-esteem and fostering a sense of alienation.

A 2021 Dove CROWN Study for Girls revealed that 66% of Black children in majority-white schools have experienced race-based hair discrimination, with 86% of those children experiencing it by the age of 12. This statistic speaks volumes about the early and pervasive nature of this discrimination, demonstrating how it shapes young minds and their perceptions of their own heritage.

Moreover, a 2023 study by Dove and LinkedIn found that over 20% of Black women between the ages of 25-34 have been sent home from work because of their hair. This tangible economic and professional penalty illustrates the real-world consequences of unchecked hair discrimination, creating a barrier to upward mobility and economic stability for Black women. The CROWN Act seeks to counteract this by explicitly expanding the definition of race in [anti-discrimination laws](/area/anti-discrimination-laws/) to include hair texture and styles, thereby addressing this historical loophole that allowed [race-based hair discrimination](/area/race-based-hair-discrimination/) to persist. 

![This evocative monochrome study honors ancestral braiding artistry, showcasing a woman adorned with a braided crown that beautifully celebrates her afro textured hair and cultural heritage, while demonstrating masterful hair manipulation techniques that have been passed down through generations, for expressive styling.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-crown-hairstyle-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## How Does the CROWN Act Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws?

The CROWN Act strengthens existing anti-discrimination laws by providing clear, unambiguous protections for textured hair. Before the CROWN Act, the [Civil Rights Act](/area/civil-rights-act/) of 1964 prohibited race-based discrimination, but courts often interpreted this narrowly, failing to consistently include hair texture and protective styles. This created a legal gray area, leading to inconsistent rulings and leaving individuals vulnerable. For example, in 2016, an Eleventh Circuit ruling upheld an employer’s decision to rescind a job offer to a Black woman who refused to cut her locs, stating that Title VII protects immutable characteristics but not “cultural practices.” The CROWN Act directly challenges such interpretations. 

The federal CROWN Act, introduced in Congress, seeks to define and prohibit hair discrimination across employment, education, housing, and public accommodations, ensuring consistent [legal protection](/area/legal-protection/) nationwide. As of late 2024, twenty-seven states have enacted their own versions of the CROWN Act, signifying a growing recognition of this issue. This mosaic of state laws, while important, also highlights the ongoing need for federal legislation to ensure comprehensive and uniform protection for textured hair heritage across the country. 

> The CROWN Act bridges the gap between biological fact and social justice, recognizing hair as a protected racial characteristic.
The legislation works by clearly defining race to include hair texture and styles associated with race. This legislative clarity removes the ambiguity that previously allowed discriminatory policies to persist under the guise of “professionalism” or “grooming standards.” The aim is to dismantle the underlying presumption that Eurocentric hair standards are the default or superior. The CROWN Act is a vital step in ensuring that people can bring their authentic selves, including their hair, to all facets of life without fear of prejudice. It is a testament to the ongoing movement for racial equity and the enduring significance of hair as a symbol of Black and mixed-race heritage. 

![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)

![This portrait](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-natural-blonde-coiled-hair.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the intricate world of textured hair, its heritage, and the contemporary shield of the CROWN Act leads us to a profound understanding. The Act stands not as an endpoint, but as a significant marker in an ongoing narrative ❉ a narrative of identity, resilience, and the reclamation of what was always inherently sacred. It acknowledges that hair, for Black and mixed-race individuals, is more than simply protein strands; it is a direct lineage to ancestral wisdom, a vibrant declaration of belonging, and a visible symbol of enduring cultural pride. The struggle to wear textured hair freely reflects centuries of societal pressures to conform, pressures that sought to sever a deeply spiritual and cultural connection. 

The CROWN Act, by providing legal recognition and protection for natural hair textures and protective styles, offers a powerful affirmation. It helps cultivate a future where the beauty of every coil, curl, and loc is celebrated without question, where children can attend school and adults can pursue careers without the burden of conforming to arbitrary standards. This legal framework invites a collective rethinking of beauty, professionalism, and identity, recognizing that true equity means embracing the full spectrum of human expression.

The ethos of Roothea, deeply rooted in the ‘Soul of a Strand,’ finds its echo in this legislation ❉ a recognition that each strand holds a story, a history, and a future waiting to unfold with dignity and freedom. The Act’s continued push, state by state, and at the federal level, serves as a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and the unwavering commitment to a more inclusive world, where heritage is not just remembered, but actively lived and revered.

![The image captures the deliberate act of adjusting a silk turban, reflecting protective styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-adjusting-silk-turban-protective-style-for-natural-hair-care.jpg)

![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)

## References

- Dove and LinkedIn. (2023). 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study.

- National Civil Rights Museum. (n.d.). The Tignon Law.

- Watkins, Aniya. (2024). Stranded: The Gendered Shortcomings of the CROWN Act. Contexts Magazine.

## Glossary

### [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 as Crown](https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-crown/)

Meaning ❉ Hair as Crown signifies the deeply held personal and cultural esteem for textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race communities.

### [CROWN Act Military](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/)

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Military addresses hair discrimination within the United States armed forces, ensuring service members can wear their natural hair textures and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, without facing adverse consequences.

### [Tignon Act](https://roothea.co/area/tignon-act/)

Meaning ❉ The Tignon Act, a legislative measure from 1786 New Orleans, directed free women of color to cover their hair with cloth headwraps, known as tignons.

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

Meaning ❉ Crown Identity denotes a discerning awareness of one's unique textured hair, a gentle attunement to its specific characteristics and heritage.

### [Hair Heritage](https://roothea.co/area/hair-heritage/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Heritage denotes the ancestral continuum of knowledge, customary practices, and genetic characteristics that shape the distinct nature of Black and mixed-race hair.

### [CROWN Act Movement](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-movement/)

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Movement represents a legislative effort to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, within professional and academic environments.

### [Legal Protection](https://roothea.co/area/legal-protection/)

Meaning ❉ Legal Protection, within the context of textured hair understanding, refers to the established frameworks that safeguard the cultural significance, historical practices, and personal autonomy surrounding Black and mixed-race hair.

### [CROWN Act Education](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-education/)

Meaning ❉ CROWN Act Education gently presents the legal protections safeguarding natural hair textures, particularly those with afro-textured and coily patterns, across professional and academic environments.

### [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 Ancestral Care Protect Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-ancestral-care-protect-textured-hair/)
![Heritage intertwines with haircare rituals as grandmother and child collaborate on herbal remedies, a testament to holistic wellness. Transmitting ancestral knowledge enhances the child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-wisdom-black-hair-ancestral-roots-holistic-ingredient-preparation.jpg)

### [How Does Ancestral Hair Oiling Protect Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-ancestral-hair-oiling-protect-textured-hair/)
![The monochrome tones accentuate the beauty and resilience in her tightly coiled hair, a textured crown that reflects a powerful legacy. Light and shadow sculpt a portrait that invites contemplation on ancestral roots, identity expression, and the art of holistic hair care traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-showcasing-defined-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Can the CROWN Act Prevent Workplace Discrimination against Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/can-the-crown-act-prevent-workplace-discrimination-against-textured-hair/)
![This striking Fulani braiding artistry embodies ancestral pride, showcasing the integration of silver adornments as symbols of identity, reflecting a commitment to holistic hair care while highlighting sebaceous balance care as integral to the health and expression of textured coils.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fulani-braiding-artistry-silver-adornments-youthful-gaze-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Enduring Heritage Does Oiling Textured Hair Convey Today?](https://roothea.co/question/what-enduring-heritage-does-oiling-textured-hair-convey-today/)
![This monochromatic portrait captures the essence of modern African diasporic identity, showcasing a short, textured afro style that celebrates natural hair. The image embodies strength, confidence, and a reclamation of self-expression, resonating with ancestral heritage and holistic beauty ideals.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-young-black-woman-with-short-tapered-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

### [How Does Textured Hair Today Reflect Historical Acts of Resistance?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-textured-hair-today-reflect-historical-acts-of-resistance/)
![Bathed in sunlight, she exudes joy and confidence a testament to the beauty of afro texture. Her authentic smile paired with the wild freedom of her coils evokes a celebration of natural black hair heritage and embrace self love through ancestral genetic heritage and the freedom of expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-with-voluminous-afro-textured-coils-smiling-in-sunlight-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Does the Legacy of Colonization Affect Textured Hair Identity Today?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-legacy-of-colonization-affect-textured-hair-identity-today/)
![The portrait captures a profound sense of wisdom and strength emanating from her detailed afro braided hair, reflecting African ancestral beauty traditions. Woven hair ornaments enhance textured elegance, a legacy of holistic cultural expressions and enduring commitment to heritage and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/resilient-elder-with-braided-afro-textured-hair-and-traditional-adornments.jpg)

### [How Does the CROWN Act Protect Textured Hairstyles in Schools?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-protect-textured-hairstyles-in-schools/)
![Black obsidian](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/porous-black-obsidian-stone-texture-for-afro-hair-product-inspiration.jpg)

### [Crown Chakra Connection](https://roothea.co/term/crown-chakra-connection/)
![The portrait evokes heritage, wellness, and the profound relationship between Black womanhood and textured hair care. The composition resonates with introspective thoughts on hair identity, celebrating the beauty of natural formations while embracing holistic approaches and ancestral roots in maintaining healthy hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-woman-water-immersion-introspection-reflections-on-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

### [Can the CROWN Act Reshape Perceptions of Professionalism for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/can-the-crown-act-reshape-perceptions-of-professionalism-for-textured-hair/)
![Bathed in light and shadow, the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-coils-and-sunlight-shadows.jpg)

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                "text": "\nThe systemic impact of hair discrimination extends beyond individual instances of prejudice. It undermines cultural heritage by pressuring individuals to abandon styles that connect them to their ancestry and identity. When schools and workplaces penalize natural hair, they effectively force a choice between cultural expression and opportunity. This creates a psychological burden, diminishing self-esteem and fostering a sense of alienation. A 2021 Dove CROWN Study for Girls revealed that 66% of Black children in majority-white schools have experienced race-based hair discrimination, with 86% of those children experiencing it by the age of 12. This statistic speaks volumes about the early and pervasive nature of this discrimination, demonstrating how it shapes young minds and their perceptions of their own heritage.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does the CROWN Act Strengthen Anti-Discrimination Laws?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe CROWN Act strengthens existing anti-discrimination laws by providing clear, unambiguous protections for textured hair. Before the CROWN Act, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited race-based discrimination, but courts often interpreted this narrowly, failing to consistently include hair texture and protective styles. This created a legal gray area, leading to inconsistent rulings and leaving individuals vulnerable. For example, in 2016, an Eleventh Circuit ruling upheld an employer's decision to rescind a job offer to a Black woman who refused to cut her locs, stating that Title VII protects immutable characteristics but not \"cultural practices.\" The CROWN Act directly challenges such interpretations.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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            "name": "Civil Rights",
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            "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."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/",
            "name": "Hair Texture",
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            "name": "CROWN Act",
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            "name": "Textured Hair Styling",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Styling\" describes the thoughtful process of shaping and enhancing the distinct coil, curl, and wave patterns inherent to hair of Black and mixed heritage."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
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            "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."
        },
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
            "name": "Protective Styles",
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            "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."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
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            "name": "Hair Styling",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Race-Based Hair Discrimination denotes the inequitable treatment and societal disadvantage encountered by individuals, especially those of Black and mixed heritage, whose natural hair textures ❉ from delicate waves to resilient coily strands ❉ are judged as unsuitable or unprofessional in various public and professional environments."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-protection/",
            "name": "Legal Protection",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Protection, within the context of textured hair understanding, refers to the established frameworks that safeguard the cultural significance, historical practices, and personal autonomy surrounding Black and mixed-race hair."
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        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-crown/",
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        {
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Military addresses hair discrimination within the United States armed forces, ensuring service members can wear their natural hair textures and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, without facing adverse consequences."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-identity/",
            "name": "Crown Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Crown Identity denotes a discerning awareness of one's unique textured hair, a gentle attunement to its specific characteristics and heritage."
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        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-movement/",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Movement represents a legislative effort to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, within professional and academic environments."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ CROWN Act Education gently presents the legal protections safeguarding natural hair textures, particularly those with afro-textured and coily patterns, across professional and academic environments."
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}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-protect-textured-hair-heritage-today/
