# How Have Laws Historically Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-15
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

_
![The image captures women’s involvement in food preparation alongside their head coverings reflective of cultural heritage, suggesting shared ancestral knowledge, with possible references to ingredients and practices that resonate with holistic textured hair wellness and traditions of beauty within their communities.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-sharing-food-preparation-ancestral-heritage-and-hair-care-traditions.jpg)

## Roots

Imagine, if you will, strands of hair, not merely protein filaments emerging from the scalp, but living archives, each coil and curve holding echoes of ancestry, stories whispered across generations. For communities of African descent, [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) is a profound lineage marker, a vibrant testament to resilience and identity. Yet, the story of this crown is inseparable from the long shadow cast by legal pronouncements, edicts designed not to celebrate, but to control, to diminish, to sever visible ties to a powerful heritage.

How, then, have the cold lines of law historically shaped perceptions of textured hair, especially when its very existence carried such deep, inherent meaning? It is a complex narrative, one that begins not with biology alone, but with the deliberate imposition of power over outward expression.

Before the transatlantic brutalization, in the rich and diverse societies across the African continent, hair was an elaborate language. A person’s coiffure spoke volumes of their status within a community, their marital standing, their age, their tribal affiliation, even their spiritual path. Consider the intricate braided patterns, some symbolizing agricultural bounty, others denoting warrior status or royal lineage. These were not mere decorative choices; they were profound acts of self-declaration and communal bonding.

Care for textured hair was deeply communal, often involving hours of shared time, a tender ritual of connection that reinforced familial and societal ties. This intrinsic value and meaning of textured hair was violently disrupted with the advent of slavery, where the act of shaving heads upon arrival in the Americas served as a deliberate dehumanization, a symbolic erasure of ancestral identity and cultural memory.

Into this harrowing context emerged legislative measures aimed at enforcing a prescribed social order. A stark instance of this legal suppression manifested in 18th-century Louisiana. The Spanish colonial government, specifically Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró, issued the [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) in 1786. These laws were directed at free women of color in New Orleans, whose elaborate and artfully styled hair, often adorned with jewels and ribbons, was perceived as challenging the social hierarchy.

These women, many of whom had achieved a degree of economic autonomy, were seen as too alluring, too influential, and too competitive with white women for social standing and male attention. The laws mandated that these women cover their hair with a tignon, a headwrap, ostensibly to distinguish them and relegate them to a subordinate visual status.

> Laws regarding textured hair have often sought to control outward appearance, severing visible ties to ancestral heritage.
The Tignon Laws, then, served as a legal instrument of social control, an attempt to strip away the visible markers of identity and beauty that African heritage had bestowed. They aimed to enforce a visual taxonomy of inferiority, linking free women of color to the subjugated status associated with enslaved women, who typically wore head coverings during labor. Virginia M. Gould, a historian, has pointed out that the governor’s intent was to control women “who had become too light skinned or who dressed too elegantly, or who, in reality, competed too freely with white women for status and thus threatened the social order.” Yet, the spirit of these women proved indomitable.

They responded to this oppression with ingenious acts of creative defiance. The simple tignon became a canvas for resistance. Women would use luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, and sophisticated wrapping techniques, adorning their headwraps with plumes and jewels, transforming a symbol of suppression into a powerful statement of cultural pride and individual agency. This act of transforming imposed constraint into an expression of beauty and identity stands as a profound testament to the enduring spirit of textured hair heritage.

![This evocative portrait features a woman whose braided hair, adorned with ribbons, and traditional embroidered dress speaks to a deep ancestral heritage. The image is an exploration of textured hair traditions and cultural expression reflecting identity and empowering beauty standards for Black women](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-hairstyle-and-embroidered-dress.jpg)

## Historical Hair Classification and Perception

The very language used to describe textured hair has also been shaped by historical biases, often influenced by legal and social frameworks designed to categorize and subjugate. During the era of slavery, for instance, European colonists frequently classified [Afro-textured hair](/area/afro-textured-hair/) as closer to animal fur or wool than human hair. This dehumanizing lexicon was no accident; it served as a means to justify the cruelties of enslavement and exploitation, reducing individuals to something less than human.

The notion of “good hair,” often equated with straighter, European-like textures, arose from this period, becoming a deeply embedded concept that continues to echo in beauty standards. In contrast, natural, coily hair was often labeled as “bad hair” or “unprofessional,” perpetuating a prejudiced view inextricably tied to the history of slavery and its denigration of persons of African descent.

- **Tignon Laws** ❉ Mandated head coverings for free women of color in colonial Louisiana, aiming to control their social standing.

- **“Comb Test”** ❉ Post-slavery discriminatory practice using a fine-tooth comb to deny entry if hair could not be easily combed.

- **“Pencil Test”** ❉ During Apartheid in South Africa, a pencil was placed in hair to determine racial classification.

![Bathed in light, this evocative portrait captures the inherent grace of a young woman celebrating her afro](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-black-woman-with-natural-afro-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

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

## Ritual

The reverberations of laws aimed at controlling hair extended far beyond the statute books, seeping into the everyday rhythms of life, shaping care practices, and influencing communal perceptions. Even after the formal abolition of slavery, the social structures that had depended on visual markers of racial hierarchy persisted. Derogatory attitudes towards natural textured hair continued, often reinforced by societal standards of beauty that privileged European features.

This ongoing pressure led many Black people to adopt practices of straightening their hair with hot combs or harsh chemical relaxers, seeing these methods as essential for social and economic mobility, a means to lessen tension within a white-dominated world. This painful adaptation, though driven by external pressures, still formed a part of the lived experience and evolution of textured hair care.

The legacy of these perceptions manifested in various forms of informal policing. For example, discriminatory barriers such as “The Comb Test” became a reality in parts of the United States after slavery. Organizations would display a fine-tooth comb at their entrance, signaling that if a visitor’s hair could not pass through it with ease, they were not welcome. This was a clear, if unwritten, rule designed to exclude and demean those with Afro-textured hair.

In a chilling parallel, during the Apartheid era in South Africa, the infamous “Pencil Test” was used as a crude but legally significant racial classification tool. If a pencil placed in a person’s hair remained there after shaking their head, they were often classified as Black, facing systemic segregation and denied access to privileges afforded to those classified as white. If it dropped, they were classified as white. These instances, though distinct in context, reveal how the perceived “manageability” or “appearance” of textured hair became intertwined with legal definitions of race and, consequently, access to fundamental rights and opportunities.

> Discriminatory practices, often rooted in legal bias, forced adaptations in hair care, yet ancestral wisdom persisted as quiet defiance.
Despite these external pressures, the deep-seated traditions of care, born of ancestral wisdom, found ways to persist, often in private spaces. The act of washing, oiling, braiding, and tending to textured hair remained a practice passed down through families, a quiet yet powerful ritual. It was in these intimate moments that the knowledge of specific herbs, oils, and styling techniques ❉ practices that connected back to African traditions ❉ remained alive.

These acts of care were not merely about hygiene or aesthetics; they were about maintaining a connection to a threatened heritage, about self-preservation in the face of a world that sought to deny one’s natural state. The communal aspect of hair styling, a bedrock of pre-colonial African societies, might have diminished in public visibility but continued to cement bonds within families and communities, particularly among women.

![This black and white study captures a young girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-with-voluminous-afro-textured-hair-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## Traditional Tools and Their Lingering Influence

The tools and techniques associated with [textured hair care](/area/textured-hair-care/) also bear the marks of this historical journey. While hot combs and [chemical relaxers](/area/chemical-relaxers/) became widely used to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, traditional implements and ancestral practices continued in many homes. These practices included: 

- **Combs and picks** ❉ Carved from wood or bone, used for detangling and styling, embodying practices passed down through generations.

- **Natural oils** ❉ Shea butter, coconut oil, and various plant-based oils, revered for their conditioning and protective qualities, reflecting a connection to the land and its bounties.

- **Headwraps** ❉ Beyond the Tignon Laws’ imposed use, headwraps continued to serve as protective coverings for hair, artistic expressions, and symbols of cultural identity and modesty in many African and diasporic traditions.
These tools and their associated rituals became acts of resistance, quietly affirming a distinct beauty and cultural practice. The very act of caring for textured hair, especially with traditional methods, represented a form of quiet refusal to fully assimilate, a determination to maintain a tangible link to heritage despite prevailing legal and social pressures. This enduring spirit of care is a testament to the resilience of Black and mixed-race communities. 

The development of the [Black hair care](/area/black-hair-care/) industry, spearheaded by figures like Madam C.J. Walker in the early 20th century, stands as another complex layer in this narrative. While some of her products were designed to straighten hair, fulfilling a societal demand for assimilation, her entrepreneurial spirit also created economic opportunities and self-sufficiency for thousands of African American women.

Her legacy points to the dual nature of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) under oppressive systems: a response to external pressures alongside a deep-seated desire for self-care and economic agency within the community. The story of textured hair care is one of constant adaptation, of navigating imposed norms while protecting and preserving ancestral methods and meanings.

![This monochrome portrait honors the beauty of Black women through a lens of strength and artistic choice, reflecting individual style within rich cultural narratives. The platinum coiled hairstyle celebrates self expression and unique pattern, connecting modern aesthetics with historical roots](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-platinum-blonde-coiled-short-hair.jpg)

![This black and white image explores themes of heritage and self-expression, featuring a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-young-woman-with-coiled-hair.jpg)

## Relay

The echoes of historical prejudice, once codified into laws like the Tignon Laws or enforced through informal means such as the “Comb Test,” continue to reverberate in contemporary society. Even today, textured hair faces scrutiny in professional and academic environments, highlighting a persistent disconnect between ancestral beauty and Eurocentric norms of appearance. This ongoing challenge necessitates a deeper understanding of how modern legal frameworks contend with the enduring legacy of hair discrimination. Our journey through this landscape reveals how recent legislative efforts represent a crucial, yet evolving, attempt to reconcile history with the right to authentic self-expression. 

The movement for legal protection against [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) has gained considerable momentum in recent years, largely driven by the experiences of Black individuals facing adverse consequences for wearing natural styles such as locs, braids, twists, and afros. These are not merely fashion choices; they are expressions deeply connected to [racial identity](/area/racial-identity/) and heritage. Consider, for instance, a 2020 study by Duke University that found [Black women](/area/black-women/) with natural hairstyles were perceived as less professional and less competent, and were less likely to be recommended for job interviews, compared to candidates with straight hair. Such perceptions, undeniably shaped by centuries of bias, underscore the urgent need for legal intervention to safeguard the right to wear one’s hair in its natural state. 

![This striking black and white image showcases coiled textured hair juxtaposed with an edgy, geometric shaved design, creating a bold statement of self-expression and heritage. The contrasting textures and shapes emphasize the beauty and versatility of natural Black hair within a contemporary artistic context](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-textured-hair-geometric-shaved-design.jpg)

## How Do Modern Laws Address Historical Hair Bias?

The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or **CROWN Act**, stands as a pivotal legislative response. This act prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, seeking to clarify existing anti-discrimination laws that previously offered insufficient protection. While Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, courts often made a distinction between immutable racial characteristics (like skin color) and mutable traits (like hairstyles).

This distinction often left individuals with braided or locked hair vulnerable to discrimination, as these styles were, nonsensically, deemed a choice rather than an extension of natural hair. The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) aims to close this loophole, explicitly protecting styles like locs, cornrows, twists, and Bantu knots, acknowledging their intrinsic link to racial identity and heritage.

> Contemporary legislation works to dismantle persistent biases, acknowledging textured hair as an inherent aspect of racial identity and heritage.
As of June 2024, at least 24 U.S. states, alongside numerous municipalities, have signed the CROWN Act or similar legislation into law. This widespread adoption signals a growing recognition within the legal system that hair discrimination is, in effect, a form of racial discrimination. The act asserts that people should not be compelled to alter their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) texture or protective styles to conform to Eurocentric standards of professionalism or beauty.

Angela Onwuachi-Willig, dean at Boston University’s School of Law, has noted that courts historically recognized race narrowly, focusing on skin color rather than the broader physical and performative expressions of race. The CROWN Act, she argues, makes it clear that such hair-based discrimination is indeed racial discrimination. This legislative movement represents a significant step towards dismantling a system that has long penalized Black individuals for their natural appearance.

![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)

## What Challenges Remain in Securing Hair Equity?

Despite legislative advancements, challenges persist. Enforcement of the CROWN Act and similar laws still requires vigilance, as subtle forms of discrimination, such as microaggressions in the workplace, continue. Studies show that Black women with coily or textured hair are twice as likely to experience microaggressions at work as those with straighter hair. Moreover, over 20% of Black women between ages 25 ❉ 34 have been sent home from their jobs due to their hair.

These statistics underscore that legal reform is a crucial foundation, but societal perception shift requires ongoing advocacy and education. The fight for hair equity is not solely a legal one; it is also a cultural and educational undertaking. It requires a collective re-education about the beauty, versatility, and deeply rooted heritage of textured hair, moving beyond a history of imposed standards.

The persistence of these issues highlights the profound societal impact of historical laws and perceptions. Textured hair, as a symbol of identity and resistance, has consistently stood at the intersection of personal expression and public policy. The current legal landscape, while more protective, still grapples with centuries of ingrained bias. The relay of ancestral wisdom, passed down through generations of care and styling, now intersects with legal arguments and policy debates, all striving for a future where one’s hair is simply a crown, unburdened by prejudice. 

![This black and white portrait embodies ancestral heritage with its intricate braided updo, a timeless styling of textured hair which speaks volumes of cultural identity and the enduring artistry within Black hair traditions each braid reflecting meticulous detail in the pursuit of beauty and wellness.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-braided-hairstyle-updo-regal-profile-black-and-white.jpg)

![Within an intimate, intergenerational setting, women collaborate, passing down ancestral braiding techniques, celebrating diverse hands styling while addressing the nuances of low porosity high-density coils, applying emollient products and showcasing Fulani braiding artistry and holistic hair care. The Madrasi head tie is showcased for identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-braiding-heritage-diverse-hands-styling-natural-textured-hair-coils.jpg)

## Reflection

As we consider the journey of textured hair through the ages, touched by the cold hand of law and the warm embrace of heritage, a profound truth emerges. Each strand, a coiled miracle of nature, has carried not just its own biological story, but the collective memory of a people. From the forced concealments of the Tignon Laws to the modern strides of the CROWN Act, the legal landscape has served as a stark mirror reflecting societal attitudes towards Black and mixed-race identities. Yet, within every restriction, a counter-narrative of resilience has sprung forth, transforming symbols of oppression into vibrant declarations of self. 

The wisdom held within ancestral care rituals, passed down from griot hands to generations of proud caretakers, reminds us that the spirit of a strand extends far beyond its physical form. It embodies ancestral memory, communal strength, and an unwavering commitment to self-acceptance. The scientific understanding of hair, its intricate structure and unique needs, now comes to validate what our elders knew intuitively through their practices: textured hair possesses a distinct, powerful beauty. This ongoing dialogue between science and heritage invites us to see hair not as a problem to be tamed, but as a living legacy, deserving of reverence and protection.

The future calls for a continuation of this purposeful work, fostering environments where every head of textured hair is seen not through the lens of historical prejudice, but through the clear light of its inherent dignity and profound cultural story. Our collective well-being, indeed, is inextricably bound to the freedom of our crowns.

![Evoking ancestral hair traditions, this intimate scene captures one woman gently brushing another’s textured formations amidst lush greenery, symbolizing a tender exchange of wellness, heritage, and mutual care. This intimate exchange embodies holistic hair rituals deeply tied to Black and mixed ancestry hair experiences](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-two-women-textured-hair-care-black-and-mixed-heritage.jpg)

![The image celebrates natural textured hair, as a vital part of Black identity and pride, with a timeless and elegant portrait in monochrome. She embodies strength and beauty through her confident gaze and perfectly shaped afro, making a powerful statement about self-acceptance and ancestral beauty practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-natural-afro-hair.jpg)

## References

- Barreau, Annaëlle. “Afro-Hair and the Law: The State of American and Canadian Law on Race-Based Hair Discrimination.” <i>McGill Journal of Law and Health_, 8 September 2022.

- Byrd, Ayana D. and Lori L. Tharps. _Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St Martin’s Griffin, 2001.

- Gould, Virginia M. _The Devil’s Lane: Sex & Race in the Early South_. Oxford University Press, 2002.

- Long, Carolyn. _A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend and Reality of Marie Laveau_. University Press of Florida, 2006.

- Mbilishaka, Afiya. “The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being.” _Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved_, vol. 34, no. 3, 2023, pp. 1049-1055.

- Onwuachi-Willig, Angela. _According to Our Likeness: Highlighting the Inequities of the Hair Doctrine to Advance Racial Justice_. Boston University School of Law, 2018.

- Russell, Katia. “Afro-Textured Hair and the CROWN Act.” _Sister Style: The Politics of Appearance for Black Women Political Elites_. Oxford University Press, 2021.

- Walker, A. “The Andre Walker Hair Typing System.” _Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St Martin’s Griffin, 2001.

## Glossary

### [Black Hair Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Perceptions refer to the diverse lenses through which textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race lineages, is observed and interpreted across various societal and personal contexts.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Care refers to the considered practice of attending to the unique structure of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Societal Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/societal-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ "Societal Perceptions" gently points to the collective lenses through which communities view and understand textured hair, particularly for those of Black and mixed heritage.

### [Cultural Hair Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Hair Perceptions delineate the collective societal viewpoints and ascribed values concerning hair textures, particularly those indigenous to Black and mixed-race lineages.

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Care, in its truest form, is a gentle science, a considered approach to the unique morphology and needs of coily, kinky, and wavy hair patterns, often of African descent.

### [Albinism Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Albinism Perceptions refer to the nuanced understanding of hair characteristics stemming from hypopigmentation, particularly within the diverse spectrum of Black and mixed-race hair textures.

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

Meaning ❉ "Textured Hair Heritage" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries.

### [Melanin Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/melanin-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ "Melanin Perceptions" refers to the nuanced interpretations and understandings of melanin's intrinsic role within the unique structure of textured hair, particularly for individuals of Black and mixed heritage.

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

Meaning ❉ Afro-textured hair describes hair fibers exhibiting diverse coil and zig-zag patterns, often characterized by an elliptical cross-section and multiple points of curvature along each strand.

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

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

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Have Ancestral Practices Honored Textured Hair's Unique Biology?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-ancestral-practices-honored-textured-hairs-unique-biology/)
![This intimate monochromatic image showcases a mindful approach to dark, coiled hair maintenance through controlled combing, symbolizing a deep connection to ancestral grooming traditions and the art of nurturing one](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/person-combing-dark-coiled-hair-with-wooden-wide-toothed-comb.jpg)

### [What Historical Events Shaped Textured Hair Perceptions?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-textured-hair-perceptions/)
![This arresting monochrome portrait celebrates cultural identity expressed through elaborate textured hair artistry. Traditional adornments enhance the composition, inviting contemplation of heritage and the significance of textured hair within cultural narratives, while the interplay of light and shadow heightens the emotional resonance.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-adorned-with-elaborate-textured-hair-sculpture.jpg)

### [What Impact Did the Transatlantic Slave Trade Have on Textured Hair Perceptions?](https://roothea.co/question/what-impact-did-the-transatlantic-slave-trade-have-on-textured-hair-perceptions/)
![The monochrome rendering enhances the graphic impact of the sculptural hairstyle. The textured contrasts of the short Afro hair juxtapose the smooth, flowing formations they celebrate cultural style innovation for a visually compelling statement that resonates with artistic expression and refined tradition.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-sculptural-hairstyle-afro-heritage-black-beauty.jpg)

### [What Impact Did the Transatlantic Slave Trade Have on Scalp Wellness for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-impact-did-the-transatlantic-slave-trade-have-on-scalp-wellness-for-textured-hair/)
![In a ritual steeped in ancestral wisdom, hands infuse botanicals for a nurturing hair rinse, bridging heritage with holistic wellness practices tailored for textured formations. It](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-herbal-hair-rinse-for-textured-hair-wellness.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Perceptions Affect Textured Hair Acceptance?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-perceptions-affect-textured-hair-acceptance/)
![The image](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-adorned-with-braids-and-jewelry.jpg)

### [What Impact Did Black Women Entrepreneurs Have on Textured Hair Commerce?](https://roothea.co/question/what-impact-did-black-women-entrepreneurs-have-on-textured-hair-commerce/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-mixed-race-women-combing-out-natural-hair-freshly-washed.jpg)

### [What Enduring Impact Do Historical Hair Regulations Have on Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-enduring-impact-do-historical-hair-regulations-have-on-textured-hair-heritage/)
![Preparing natural remedies with ancient tools connects this woman to her ancestral heritage, illustrating the preservation of traditions in textured hair care. The image, highlighting light and shadow, tells a story of resilience, wellness, and timeless beauty practices.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-prepares-traditional-remedy-outdoors-using-stone-mortar-and-pestle.jpg)

### [Did Egyptians Have Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/did-egyptians-have-textured-hair/)
![The portrait captures the strength and grace of a Black woman, her distinct hair crafted into a culturally rich style of braided locs, enhanced by a simple hairpin her textured hair serves as a connection to identity, heritage, and expressive styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-locs-and-hairpin.jpg)

### [In What Ways Do Societal Perceptions of Textured Hair Affect Health and Well-Being?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-societal-perceptions-of-textured-hair-affect-health-and-well-being/)
![The bristle brush symbolizes a commitment to healthy, textured hair ancestral practices embraced modern wellness through specialized tools, aiding gentle detangling and styling. This thoughtful care fosters both physical and cultural pride, reflecting the unique beauty of inherited hair patterns.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dense-bristle-brush-for-textured-hair-care-black-and-white.jpg)

---

## Raw Schema Data

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "Question",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "How Have Laws Historically Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair?",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/how-have-laws-historically-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair/"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/how-have-laws-historically-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair/"
    },
    "headline": "How Have Laws Historically Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair? ❉ Question",
    "description": "Laws historically mandated hair covering for Black women to assert social hierarchy, impacting textured hair heritage. ❉ Question",
    "url": "https://roothea.co/question/how-have-laws-historically-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair/",
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Roothea",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/author/roothea/"
    },
    "datePublished": "2025-06-15T20:09:40+08:00",
    "dateModified": "2025-06-15T20:09:41+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Question"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-hairstyle-and-embroidered-dress.jpg",
        "caption": "This evocative portrait features a woman whose braided hair, adorned with ribbons, and traditional embroidered dress speaks to a deep ancestral heritage. The image is an exploration of textured hair traditions and cultural expression reflecting identity and empowering beauty standards for Black women."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Do Modern Laws Address Historical Hair Bias?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, stands as a pivotal legislative response. This act prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, seeking to clarify existing anti-discrimination laws that previously offered insufficient protection. While Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, courts often made a distinction between immutable racial characteristics (like skin color) and mutable traits (like hairstyles). This distinction often left individuals with braided or locked hair vulnerable to discrimination, as these styles were, nonsensically, deemed a choice rather than an extension of natural hair. The CROWN Act aims to close this loophole, explicitly protecting styles like locs, cornrows, twists, and Bantu knots, acknowledging their intrinsic link to racial identity and heritage. "
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Challenges Remain in Securing Hair Equity?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Despite legislative advancements, challenges persist. Enforcement of the CROWN Act and similar laws still requires vigilance, as subtle forms of discrimination, such as microaggressions in the workplace, continue. Studies show that Black women with coily or textured hair are twice as likely to experience microaggressions at work as those with straighter hair. Moreover, over 20% of Black women between ages 25–34 have been sent home from their jobs due to their hair. These statistics underscore that legal reform is a crucial foundation, but societal perception shift requires ongoing advocacy and education. The fight for hair equity is not solely a legal one; it is also a cultural and educational undertaking. It requires a collective re-education about the beauty, versatility, and deeply rooted heritage of textured hair, moving beyond a history of imposed standards. "
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/how-have-laws-historically-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair/",
    "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/tignon-laws/",
            "name": "Tignon Laws",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/tignon-laws/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Tignon Laws, enacted in late 18th-century colonial Louisiana, were decrees requiring free and enslaved Black women to cover their hair with a tignon or headscarf when in public spaces."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/afro-textured-hair/",
            "name": "Afro-Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/afro-textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Afro-textured hair describes hair fibers exhibiting diverse coil and zig-zag patterns, often characterized by an elliptical cross-section and multiple points of curvature along each strand."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Care refers to the considered practice of attending to the unique structure of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/chemical-relaxers/",
            "name": "Chemical Relaxers",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/chemical-relaxers/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Chemical Relaxers represent a category of strong alkaline agents, typically lye- or no-lye based, meticulously formulated to permanently reconfigure the natural curl pattern of highly textured hair by breaking and reforming its disulfide bonds within the hair's cortex."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-care/",
            "name": "Black Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Care, in its truest form, is a gentle science, a considered approach to the unique morphology and needs of coily, kinky, and wavy hair patterns, often of African descent."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/racial-identity/",
            "name": "Racial Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/racial-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Racial Identity, in the gentle realm of textured hair understanding, quietly speaks to the deep-seated link between an individual's heritage and the informed approach to Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "name": "Black Women",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/black-hair-perceptions/",
            "name": "Black Hair Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Perceptions refer to the diverse lenses through which textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race lineages, is observed and interpreted across various societal and personal contexts."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/societal-perceptions/",
            "name": "Societal Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/societal-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Societal Perceptions\" gently points to the collective lenses through which communities view and understand textured hair, particularly for those of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-perceptions/",
            "name": "Cultural Hair Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Hair Perceptions delineate the collective societal viewpoints and ascribed values concerning hair textures, particularly those indigenous to Black and mixed-race lineages."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/",
            "name": "Albinism Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Albinism Perceptions refer to the nuanced understanding of hair characteristics stemming from hypopigmentation, particularly within the diverse spectrum of Black and mixed-race hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Heritage\" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/melanin-perceptions/",
            "name": "Melanin Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/melanin-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Melanin Perceptions\" refers to the nuanced interpretations and understandings of melanin's intrinsic role within the unique structure of textured hair, particularly for individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-have-laws-historically-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair/
