# How Does the CROWN Act Relate to Textured Hair Heritage and Modern Discrimination? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-11
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![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)

![Hands meticulously harvest aloe](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/aloe-preparation-hands-squeezing-gel-into-bowl-natural-textured-hair-care.jpg)

## Roots

Consider for a moment the profound intimacy of hair. It grows from us, an outward manifestation of our inner blueprint, yet it has long been a canvas for collective histories, deeply personal identities, and enduring cultural practices. For those of Black and mixed-race ancestry, [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) is not merely a biological attribute; it stands as a living archive, a testament to ancestral lineage, resilience, and artistry.

Each coil, every curl, holds echoes of wisdom passed down through generations, whispers of communal rituals, and silent chronicles of journeys across continents. It is within this sacred space that the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) emerges, a modern legislative endeavor reaching back through time to safeguard what was always meant to be free: the right to wear one’s [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) without the burden of discrimination.

The relationship between hair and identity for people of African descent is inextricably linked (Johnson & Bankhead, 2014). For many, hair is emotive, symbolic, and an inseparable part of who they are. Before the cruel disruptions of the transatlantic slave trade, hairstyles in Africa were sophisticated indicators of status, age, marital standing, and even spiritual beliefs. Hair was regarded as a sacred part of the body, a conduit for spiritual energy connecting individuals to their ancestors and the divine. 

> Textured hair, beyond its biological makeup, represents a living historical account for Black and mixed-race communities.

![The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-profile-woman-with-long-wavy-hair-backless-dress-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## Hair’s Structural Lore

The very fabric of textured hair possesses a unique architectural design. Unlike straight hair which emerges from round follicles, coily and curly strands originate from more oval or elliptical-shaped follicles, causing the hair to spiral and twist as it grows. The angle at which the hair leaves the scalp also contributes to the curl’s formation. At a molecular level, the protein **keratin**, which builds the hair, is unevenly distributed in curly hair, contributing to its bends and spirals.

Furthermore, the presence of more disulfide bonds, which are strong, permanent connections within the hair’s proteins, determines the tightness of a curl. This inherent design contributes to its distinct qualities: it tends to be drier and more porous, requiring a different approach to care than straighter hair.

Throughout history, this biological distinction has been warped into a social hierarchy. Early hair typing systems, like the “hair gauge” developed in 1908 by German Nazi scientist Eugen Fischer, were designed to assess “proximity to whiteness” based on hair texture, directly contributing to the subjugation of indigenous peoples in places like Namibia. This dark origin story for hair classification systems underlines the enduring historical weaponization of hair texture, transforming a natural characteristic into a tool of racial control. 

![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)

## How Did Early Hair Classifications Contribute to Discrimination?

The classifications, often rooted in colonial perspectives and racial prejudices, created artificial hierarchies. Hair that deviated from European ideals was labeled as “unprofessional,” “unattractive,” or “unclean”. This societal conditioning, passed down through generations, shaped perceptions and contributed to the widespread stigma against Afro-textured hair. The CROWN Act, therefore, does not just address current instances of bias; it confronts a deeply embedded historical legacy. 

The legislation expands the definition of “race” in anti-discrimination statutes to include traits historically linked to race, such as [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective styles like braids, locs, and twists. This legal redefinition is a powerful acknowledgment that discrimination based on hair is, at its heart, racial discrimination. It signals a shift away from a narrow view of race towards one that includes its phenotypic markers. 

![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)

![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)

## Ritual

The practices surrounding textured hair are far more than mere beauty routines; they are rituals steeped in ancestral wisdom, communal connection, and deep personal meaning. From [ancient African societies](/area/ancient-african-societies/) to the contemporary diaspora, the act of styling and caring for textured hair has been a conduit for storytelling, a display of social status, and a means of cultural preservation. These practices, born of necessity and artistry, stand as a testament to ingenuity and adaptation, yet they have also been battlegrounds where identity clashes with prevailing, often exclusionary, norms. 

![This dramatic portrait honors ancestral heritage through avant-garde Fulani braiding artistry, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow on intricate textured hair forms, the design celebrates Black expressive styling while promoting holistic hair care, reflecting cultural pride in low porosity high-density coils and traditional hair practices.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/avant-garde-braided-crown-a-celebration-of-black-textured-hair-artistry.jpg)

## Ancestral Styling Techniques and Their Cultural Significance

Across the African continent, a wealth of styling traditions flourished for centuries before European contact. These practices were not random acts of personal adornment; each braid, twist, or adornment held specific meanings, reflecting tribal affiliation, age, marital status, and even spiritual beliefs. Archaeological evidence from ancient Egypt, the Kingdom of Kush, and various West African cultures reveals that hairstyles served as expressions of power, spirituality, and social cohesion. 

- **Cornrows** ❉ Saharan rock paintings from 3500 BCE show intricate cornrow patterns that encoded tribal identity, marital status, and spiritual beliefs, serving as a complex visual language. During the period of enslavement, these very styles became a secret code, with enslaved Africans using cornrow patterns to conceal escape route maps and tool hiding spots, transforming hairstyles into tools of resistance and survival.

- **Bantu Knots** ❉ These coiled styles, originating from Southern African Bantu-speaking communities, served as both a method of styling and a way to stretch and prepare hair for other looks. They carried cultural weight, often seen in ceremonial contexts.

- **Shea Butter** ❉ Indigenous tribes throughout Africa have historically used shea butter, extracted from shea nuts, for moisturizing and protecting hair from harsh environmental conditions. It helps to keep hair soft, shiny, and manageable. This practice, a cornerstone of traditional African hair care, persists today due to its efficacy and ancestral connection.
The communal aspect of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) cannot be overstated. Braiding sessions in many African cultures were not just about creating a hairstyle; they were occasions for storytelling, wisdom sharing, and spiritual connection between generations. This collective ritual solidified community bonds and passed down a legacy of knowledge and care. 

> The CROWN Act stands as a legal acknowledgment that textured hairstyles carry profound cultural meaning beyond mere aesthetics.

![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)

## Modern Echoes of Historical Bias

The arrival of enslaved Africans in the Americas brought a systematic assault on these profound hair traditions. Slaveholders routinely cut off the hair of both men and women, aiming to objectify and erase their cultural heritage. Hair texture was weaponized, creating a caste system where those with straighter hair were often granted more favorable treatment. This historical subjugation laid the groundwork for modern discrimination. 

In contemporary society, this historical prejudice manifests as bias against natural textured hair in workplaces and schools. Policies prohibiting [natural hairstyles](/area/natural-hairstyles/) like Afros, braids, Bantu knots, and locs have been used to justify the removal of Black children from classrooms and Black adults from employment. This practice, whether subtle or overt, serves to police and control Black and brown bodies, effectively forcing conformity to Eurocentric beauty and professionalism standards. 

The CROWN Act directly challenges these discriminatory policies by expanding existing anti-discrimination laws to include hair texture and styles commonly associated with race. It recognizes that forcing individuals to alter their natural hair to conform to a narrow standard is a form of racial discrimination. 

![The image celebrates cultural richness and beauty practices. The woman embodies self-expression through her natural hair texture and adornments](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-exquisite-crown-of-textured-coils.jpg)

![Bathed in light and shadow, the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-coils-and-sunlight-shadows.jpg)

## Relay

The journey from [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) to modern legislation is a relay of resilience, where each generation passes the torch of self-determination. The CROWN Act, a contemporary legal instrument, takes up this torch, seeking to dismantle the lingering shadows of historical hair discrimination. Its existence speaks to a deep, systemic issue, one where an individual’s natural hair, a gift of their heritage, can become a barrier to opportunity and belonging. This legislative movement is not an isolated event; it represents a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of civil rights, demanding that societal spaces honor the full spectrum of human identity, particularly the rich diversity of textured hair. 

![Within the quietude of nature, an ancestral haircare ritual unfolds, blending botanical wisdom with the intentional care of her crown, nourishing coils and springs, reflecting generations of knowledge passed down to nurture and celebrate textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-preparing-ancestral-textured-hair-remedies-underneath-a-sprawling-tree.jpg)

## Modern Discrimination in Action

Despite advancements in racial justice, [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) remains a persistent reality. Studies reveal a stark landscape: 

- **Workplace Bias** ❉ Black women are 2.5 times more likely to have their hair perceived as “unprofessional” than white women. In fact, 66% of Black women report changing their hair for job interviews, with 41% altering their hair from curly to straight (Dove and LinkedIn, 2023). Moreover, Black women with coily or textured hair are twice as likely to experience microaggressions at work compared to Black women with straighter hair. Over 20% of Black women between the ages of 25 and 34 have even been sent home from work due to their hairstyles.

- **Educational Barriers** ❉ The problem extends to schools, where policies banning natural and protective styles have led to disciplinary actions or removal from classrooms, denying Black students valuable instructional time. A striking 66% of Black girls in majority-white schools report experiencing hair discrimination.

- **Job Opportunity Loss** ❉ Research suggests that Black women with natural hairstyles are less likely to be referred for job interviews than white women or Black women with straightened hair. Approximately 25% of Black women believe they have been denied job opportunities because of their hair, a figure that rises to one-third for women under 34.
This systematic bias is rooted in a cultural paradigm that historically devalued Black hair, often through the lens of white racial supremacy. It operates as a proxy for racial discrimination, leveraging subjective notions of “professionalism” or “appropriateness” to marginalize and exclude. 

> The CROWN Act’s scope is broader than simply prohibiting unfair treatment; it aims to validate diverse forms of Black cultural expression in public life.

![This striking portrait captures the essence of modern African diaspora beauty, showcasing elaborate blonde locs cascading beautifully. Adorned with elegant silver jewelry, she embodies identity and power, offering a unique celebration of ancestral heritage in contemporary hairstyling expression and wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-with-long-blonde-locs-and-modern-jewelry.jpg)

## How Does the CROWN Act Address Systemic Inequity?

The CROWN Act seeks to remedy the inadequacies of previous anti-discrimination statutes, such as Title VII of the [Civil Rights Act](/area/civil-rights-act/) of 1964, which did not explicitly include protections against discrimination based on phenotypical markers like hair texture. By specifically expanding the definition of race to encompass hair texture and protective hairstyles, the CROWN Act closes a crucial legal loophole. It makes it clear that hair-based discrimination is indeed racially motivated. 

The movement for the CROWN Act, initiated in 2018 by four Black women ❉ Esi Eggleston Bracey, Kelli Richardson Lawson, Orlena Nwokah Blanchard, and Adjoa B. Asamoah ❉ has expanded into a broad coalition advocating for national legislation. California led the way in 2019, enacting the first state-level prohibition against such discrimination.

As of September 2024, 27 states, alongside Washington, D.C. have passed CROWN laws, with a strong push for a federal version.

This legislation has already begun to shift corporate policies. For example, UPS proactively changed its hair policies in late 2020 to support freedom for employees to wear natural Black hairstyles, moving away from prior restrictions. The impact of the CROWN Act extends beyond legal recourse; it sends a clear message that [cultural expression](/area/cultural-expression/) through hair should not be a barrier to employment or education. It aims to foster environments where individuals can thrive without sacrificing a fundamental aspect of their identity. 

![This portrait resonates with self-assured elegance. A symbol of resilience, protective styling in the form of braided hair and head wraps, speaks to ancestral heritage and holistic hair care while honoring cultural identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-crown-and-head-wrap-style.jpg)

![The interplay of light and shadow highlights the intricate coiled hair formation and the sharp lines of the undercut, creating a compelling visual dialogue between ancestral heritage and modern hairstyling. Her gaze invites contemplation on identity, beauty, and the empowering act of self-definition through unique textured hair artistry](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-high-contrast-coiled-hair-and-undercut.jpg)

## Reflection

The winding journey of textured hair, from its ancient sacred origins to its modern-day assertion in legal frameworks, paints a portrait of unwavering spirit. It is a story told not just in legislative texts, but in every curl that defies gravity, every braid that binds generations, and every coil that speaks of ancestral knowledge. The CROWN Act, in its quiet power, endeavors to safeguard this legacy, allowing each strand to whisper its unique truth without fear of judgment. It is a testament to the idea that true societal progress involves honoring every person’s authentic expression, particularly those expressions so deeply rooted in a collective past. 

The ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos reminds us that hair is more than keratin and bonds; it is identity, history, and a future unbound. As the understanding of textured hair’s biological intricacies aligns with its profound cultural weight, we find ourselves at a moment of profound recognition. The path ahead calls for continued advocacy and education, ensuring that the protections laid down by the CROWN Act resonate through every classroom, every workplace, and every mirror, allowing all individuals to wear their [heritage](/area/heritage/) with pride and freedom. 

![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)

![This expressive monochrome portrait captures the inherent beauty and volume of spiraling textured hair, highlighting cultural connections to textured hair traditions the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-long-spiraling-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## References

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

- Johnson, T. and Bankhead, T. (2014). Hair It Is: Examining the Experiences of Black Women with Natural Hair.

- Laster, C. (2021). ‘Hair Has Nothing to do with Competency’. University of New Haven.

- Economic Policy Institute. (2023). The CROWN Act: A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroom.

- Byrdie. (2022). The Significance and History of Bonnets.

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

- Helix Hair Labs. (2023). THE HISTORY OF THE HAIR BONNET.

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

- The Kurl Kitchen. (2024). The Cultural Significance Of Natural Hair In Different Communities.

- Zoe Report. (2022). The Unsung Stories Of African Ingredients In Some Of Your Favorite Beauty Products.

- GovDocs. (2024). States with Hair Discrimination (CROWN) Laws in 2024: Interactive Map.

- Jefferson, D. (2023). How the Crown Act Could Remedy the Inadequacies of Title VII Hair Discrimination Protections in the Entertainment Industry. Scholarly Commons @ FAMU Law.

- Kerastase. (2024). The Scientific Truth Behind Curly Hair.

- NPR. (2017). New Evidence Shows There’s Still Bias Against Black Natural Hair.

- Michigan State University. (2020). MSU research exposes discrimination against Black women with natural hair.

- Henderson, A. (2015). Redefining the Identity of Black Women: “Natural” Hair and the Natural Hair Movement. GW ScholarSpace.

- Bebrų Kosmetika. (2024). The Power of Hair in African Folklore: Rituals and Traditions.

- OurX. (2024). On Texturism, and the Deep Roots of Hair Typing.

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

- 22 Ayur. (2023). The Ancient Natural Ways of Hair Care Across Continents.

- All Things Hair. (2020). Hair Inequality In the US: It’s Prevalence and the Strides Being Made.

- FordHarrison LLP. (2023). The CROWN Act: Protecting Natural Hairstyles A Root to End Overview for Employers on Hair Discrimination Laws By Cymoril M. Whit.

- ArXiv. (2024). Hairmony: Fairness-aware hairstyle classification.

- AWS. (2024). Spotlighting the CROWN Act: Examining Hair Discrimination Among Black Women Professionals in Massachusetts.

- Jefferson Community College. (2023). The Black Hair Experience: An Identity Crisis.

- ResearchGate. (2023). The importance of hair in the identity of Black people.

- African Hair Care | Africa Imports. (n.d.).

- The Official CROWN Act. (n.d.).

- Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. L. (2002). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.

- Carrington, T. (2017). The Hair of the Dog: Negotiating Racial Identity through Black Hair in the United States.

- Economic Policy Institute. (2023). The CROWN Act: A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroom.

- Good Hair Study. (2017). Perception Institute.

- Johnson, T. & Bankhead, T. (2014). “Hair It Is: Examining the Experiences of Black Women with Natural Hair.”

- Opie, J. & Phillips, S. (2015). “Negotiating Black Women’s Hair in the Workplace.”

- Pitts, B. (2021). “Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears a Crown”: A Critical Race Analysis of the CROWN Act.

- Sims, D. L. Pirtle, M. A. & Johnson-Arnold, S. L. (2020). “Hair as a Marker of Race: Examining the Impact of Hair Type on Perceptions of Professionalism and Competence.”

- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2021a. (n.d.).

- Weitz, R. (2000). Rapunzel’s Daughters: What Women’s Hair Tells Us About Women’s Lives. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

## Glossary

### [Natural Hairstyles](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hairstyles/)

Meaning ❉ Natural Hairstyles, within the context of textured hair understanding, refers to styling practices that honor the inherent curl, coil, or wave patterns of Black and mixed-race hair without chemical alteration or significant heat manipulation.

### [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.

### [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.

### [UK Equality Act](https://roothea.co/area/uk-equality-act/)

Meaning ❉ The UK Equality Act of 2010 quietly stands as a foundational piece of legislation, extending protections against unfair treatment across nine specific characteristics, race being particularly relevant to the unique expressions of textured hair.

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

Meaning ❉ CROWN Act Advocacy gently guides society toward understanding and respecting the inherent beauty of all hair textures, particularly those deeply rooted in Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [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.

### [C.R.O.W.N. Act](https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/)

Meaning ❉ The C.R.O.W.N.

### [Crown Act Impact](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-impact/)

Meaning ❉ The Crown Act Impact represents a significant shift in understanding and honoring the intrinsic beauty of textured hair within professional and academic environments.

### [Crown Significance](https://roothea.co/area/crown-significance/)

Meaning ❉ Crown Significance refers to the distinct importance of the apex region of the scalp, particularly for individuals with textured, Black, and mixed-race hair.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act establishes legal protections against discrimination based on hair texture and styles frequently worn by individuals of Black or mixed heritage.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Does the CROWN Act Address the Legacy of Hair Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-address-the-legacy-of-hair-discrimination/)
![The image thoughtfully portrays the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-monochrome-portrait-african-woman-short-textured-hair-artistic.jpg)

### [How Does the CROWN Act Protect Black Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-protect-black-hair-heritage/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-volcanic-ash-sedimentation-representing-dense-textured-hair.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does the CROWN Act Affirm Black Hair Heritage in Legal Contexts?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-the-crown-act-affirm-black-hair-heritage-in-legal-contexts/)
![This portrait](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-natural-blonde-coiled-hair.jpg)

### [How Does Historical Context Relate to Textured Hair's Response to Urban Pollution?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-historical-context-relate-to-textured-hairs-response-to-urban-pollution/)
![This captivating portrait highlights the artistry of braided protective styles, connecting to ancestral roots and holistic hair care practices. The subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-portrait-with-braided-protective-hairstyle-and-expressive-gaze.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does the CROWN Act Protect Black Hair Heritage in Professional Settings?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-the-crown-act-protect-black-hair-heritage-in-professional-settings/)
![Gathered in community, women meticulously braid, preserving ancestral heritage through the creation of protective hairstyles that honor textured hair traditions, enhanced by nourishing Jojoba and Shea butter hair products, a symbol of collective care and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/community-braiding-session-group-of-black-women-creating-protective-hairstyles.jpg)

### [How Does Traditional Amazonian Hair Care Relate to Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-traditional-amazonian-hair-care-relate-to-textured-hair-heritage/)
![The subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-woman-with-textured-locs-expressing-joy-and-cultural-pride.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Practices Relate to Rhassoul Clay and Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-practices-relate-to-rhassoul-clay-and-textured-hair-care/)
![This evocative black and white composition explores the depth of African diasporic hair artistry, presenting a contemporary hairstyle reflecting ancestral heritage, expressed in elaborately designed coiled braids, celebrating identity through self-expression, while demonstrating expert skill in holistic textured hair styling and its cultural narrative.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-with-intricate-braided-coiled-hair-design.jpg)

### [How Does Natural Hair Relate to Black Cultural Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-natural-hair-relate-to-black-cultural-heritage/)
![The portrait evokes quiet strength and refined grace, reflecting modern black hair expression through carefully sculpted coils and fades that complement facial aesthetics. This image invites consideration of textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-textured-hair-and-fade.jpg)

### [Can the CROWN Act Fully Rectify past Hair-Based Discrimination Rooted in Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/can-the-crown-act-fully-rectify-past-hair-based-discrimination-rooted-in-heritage/)
![Spiral braided crown hairstyle, a striking black and white image highlighting the intricate design and texture on the person](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-crown-braid-hairstyle-on-textured-hair.jpg)

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                "text": " The classifications, often rooted in colonial perspectives and racial prejudices, created artificial hierarchies. Hair that deviated from European ideals was labeled as \"unprofessional,\" \"unattractive,\" or \"unclean\". This societal conditioning, passed down through generations, shaped perceptions and contributed to the widespread stigma against Afro-textured hair. The CROWN Act, therefore, does not just address current instances of bias; it confronts a deeply embedded historical legacy.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does The CROWN Act Address Systemic Inequity?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The CROWN Act seeks to remedy the inadequacies of previous anti-discrimination statutes, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which did not explicitly include protections against discrimination based on phenotypical markers like hair texture. By specifically expanding the definition of race to encompass hair texture and protective hairstyles, the CROWN Act closes a crucial legal loophole. It makes it clear that hair-based discrimination is indeed racially motivated.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
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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/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/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/ancient-african-societies/",
            "name": "Ancient African Societies",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancient-african-societies/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancient African Societies present a gentle wellspring of insight for comprehending textured hair's distinctive biology and its inherent requirements."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/",
            "name": "Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Care, when understood through the lens of textured hair, signifies a mindful discipline for preserving the vigor of coily, kinky, and wavy strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hairstyles/",
            "name": "Natural Hairstyles",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hairstyles/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hairstyles, within the context of textured hair understanding, refers to styling practices that honor the inherent curl, coil, or wave patterns of Black and mixed-race hair without chemical alteration or significant heat manipulation."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/",
            "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/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/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/cultural-expression/",
            "name": "Cultural Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Expression, in the gentle world of textured hair, represents the visible affirmation of identity, lineage, and collective understanding through hair practices."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/heritage/",
            "name": "Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Heritage, within the realm of textured hair understanding, signifies the enduring legacy of ancestral knowledge and genetic predispositions that define the unique characteristics of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/",
            "name": "CROWN Act Military",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/",
            "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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/uk-equality-act/",
            "name": "UK Equality Act",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/uk-equality-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The UK Equality Act of 2010 quietly stands as a foundational piece of legislation, extending protections against unfair treatment across nine specific characteristics, race being particularly relevant to the unique expressions of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-advocacy/",
            "name": "CROWN Act Advocacy",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-advocacy/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ CROWN Act Advocacy gently guides society toward understanding and respecting the inherent beauty of all hair textures, particularly those deeply rooted in Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/",
            "name": "C.R.O.W.N. Act",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The C.R.O.W.N."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-impact/",
            "name": "Crown Act Impact",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-impact/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Crown Act Impact represents a significant shift in understanding and honoring the intrinsic beauty of textured hair within professional and academic environments."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-significance/",
            "name": "Crown Significance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-significance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Crown Significance refers to the distinct importance of the apex region of the scalp, particularly for individuals with textured, Black, and mixed-race hair."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-relate-to-textured-hair-heritage-and-modern-discrimination/
