# How Have Legal Frameworks Addressed Historical Biases against Textured Hair? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-09
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

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![This portrait captures the essence of coiled hair as an integral expression of identity and heritage, showcasing the power and beauty inherent in its natural spirals. The stark contrast underscores the resilience and depth found within ancestral traditions and the embrace of authentic self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-voluminous-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

## Roots

There are narratives etched deep within the very fabric of our being, stories carried not just in memory or parchment, but in the coiled spirals of each hair strand, a living archive of heritage. For generations, the crown of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) has served as a profound marker of identity, a visual language speaking of lineage, social standing, and spiritual connection across African civilizations. These traditions, vibrant and resilient, laid the groundwork for care rituals passed down through families, honoring the elemental biology and [cultural significance](/area/cultural-significance/) of hair. Yet, this rich legacy, this celebration of natural form, faced a brutal rupture with the advent of chattel slavery and the insidious march of colonialism.

The forced passage across oceans sought not merely to enslave bodies, but to dismantle the spirit, and with it, the cultural pride woven into every braid and coil. European colonizers, with their distorted lens, often classified [Afro-textured hair](/area/afro-textured-hair/) as closer to animal fleece than human tresses, a cruel validation for dehumanization and exploitation. This systematic othering, a deliberate effort to sever ancestral ties, manifested in practices like the widespread shaving of captives’ heads, a violent erasure of identity and belonging. The term “dreadlocks” itself, whispered from the descriptions of enslavers who saw natural locs formed during the Middle Passage as “dreadful,” carries the weight of this historical trauma, a testament to the enduring impact of external perceptions on how textured hair was viewed.

![The focused examination of spiraled textured hair in this image evokes the deep connection between self-care, heritage, and the deliberate art of nurturing ancestral hair patterns emphasizing the importance of thoughtful hair practices and highlighting the inherent beauty found within textured hair.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/womans-hands-examining-twisted-strands-black-textured-hair-against-neutral.jpg)

## A History of Control and Conformity

Even as the brutal chains of slavery were eventually broken, the lingering shadow of European [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) persisted, casting long implications over the lives of Black and mixed-race people. Post-emancipation society continued to impose arbitrary rules, often demanding conformity to straight hair ideals for economic advancement or social acceptance. The insidious “Comb Test” in the United States, where a fine-tooth comb was hung outside establishments to screen out those whose hair resisted easy passage, provided a stark illustration of this pervasive bias.

Such practices solidified the notion that Afro-textured hair was somehow uncivilized or unfit for public spaces. In a related vein, during Apartheid in South Africa, the “Pencil Test” was a dehumanizing measure, designed to classify individuals based on whether a pencil would remain in their hair when shaken, determining one’s racial designation and thus one’s place in a segregated society.

These historical impositions underscore a consistent pattern: legal and social frameworks were employed to police Black bodies, and hair became a primary site of this control. The [legal challenges](/area/legal-challenges/) we confront today are not isolated incidents; they are echoes of centuries of attempts to suppress natural expression and enforce Eurocentric norms. Understanding these deep historical roots, the ancestral reverence for hair, and the trauma of its subjugation provides an essential context for appreciating the ongoing struggle for hair freedom.

> The historical subjugation of textured hair speaks to a deliberate effort to dismantle cultural identity, transforming a source of ancestral pride into a target of systemic control.

![Against a backdrop of tempestuous skies, the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-with-dynamically-styled-textured-hair.jpg)

## Shaping Perceptions: Early Legal Measures

One powerful historical example of [legal frameworks](/area/legal-frameworks/) directly addressing, and often suppressing, [Black hair heritage](/area/black-hair-heritage/) surfaces in the form of the [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) of 18th-century Louisiana. In 1786, Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró issued an edict mandating that free Black women, known for their elaborate and artistic hairstyles, cover their hair with a tignon, a headscarf commonly worn by enslaved women while toiling. This legislation arose from the discomfort of non-Black individuals who saw these women’s adornments as a threat to the established social order and a challenge to racial hierarchies.

The stated aim of the Tignon Laws was dual: to act as a visual social marker, reminding free [Black women](/area/black-women/) of their perceived place as closer to enslaved women than to white women, and ostensibly to prevent them from “enticing” white men. Yet, in a powerful act of resistance, these women transformed the mandate into a statement of cultural ingenuity. They adorned their tignons with colorful fabrics, elaborate knots, and intricate designs, creating new expressions of style and identity within the imposed limitations. While the laws themselves gradually faded from strict enforcement by the early 19th century, the sentiment that sparked them ❉ the desire to control [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) and its cultural significance ❉ persisted through the subsequent decades and centuries.

This early legal attempt to legislate appearance serves as a potent reminder of how deeply hair is intertwined with [racial identity](/area/racial-identity/) and the long history of efforts to suppress its expression through legal means. (Barreau, 2022)

The impact of these early measures extended far beyond overt legal statutes. They contributed to a pervasive social hierarchy where [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) was often linked to social standing. Lighter-skinned enslaved individuals, often a result of nonconsensual relations with slave-owners, who presented with straighter hair, frequently received comparatively better treatment. This insidious system fostered internalized preferences, creating what we now describe as texturism and colorism , biases that continue to ripple through the diaspora today, influencing perceptions of beauty and worth.

The legal battles over textured hair, from historical edicts to contemporary [civil rights](/area/civil-rights/) actions, mirror a larger quest for the recognition of selfhood and the reclamation of ancestral legacies. The strands upon our heads are not merely keratin and pigment; they are vibrant symbols, deeply connected to a heritage that demands acknowledgement and protection. Our journey into how legal frameworks have addressed these biases begins with these historical foundations, where the fight for [hair freedom](/area/hair-freedom/) commenced in the shadows of oppressive legislation.

![Bathed in golden light, her cascade of type 3C coiled hair suggests liberation and movement, a powerful representation of self-expression. This image celebrates natural Black hair heritage, demonstrating its resilience and inherent beauty as an integral part of the person](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-woman-with-flowing-coiled-hair-smiling-in-natural-sunlight.jpg)

![Through the ritualistic application of smoking herbs to the textured hair, the photograph profoundly narrates ancestral resilience, embracing holistic hair care, connecting wellness and historical practice symbolizing a bridge between heritage and contemporary Black hair identity while creating the perfect expert-like SEO image mark up.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ritual-purification-with-smoldering-herbs-for-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## Ritual

The path from ancient reverence to contemporary [legal protection](/area/legal-protection/) is paved with the rituals of care and styling that have sustained textured hair through time. These rituals, often deeply communal and rooted in ancestral knowledge, faced an enduring assault from societal norms that deemed natural Black hairstyles unprofessional or unkempt. The very notion of “good hair” became a pervasive construct, implicitly associating straight hair with desirability and acceptance, compelling generations to alter their natural textures through arduous chemical treatments and hot combs.

This forced conformity, a legacy of the post-emancipation era, meant that the beautiful artistry inherent in Black hair styling ❉ the cornrows that could chart escape routes during slavery, the intricate braids that conveyed [social standing](/area/social-standing/) in ancient communities ❉ was often pushed underground or reserved for private spaces. Legal frameworks, slow to acknowledge the cultural weight of hair, often upheld policies that inadvertently, or sometimes quite overtly, perpetuated this discrimination. The very acts of styling and maintaining textured hair, once celebrated as communal rites, became acts of quiet defiance or costly assimilation.

![This evocative portrait celebrates natural hair heritage through minimalist styling and stark contrasts, encouraging acceptance. Highlighting the beauty in the coiled pattern, the artistic choice seeks to resonate with themes of self-love and the embracing of naturally textured hair, integral to Black wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-short-coiled-hair.jpg)

## When Were Protective Styles Considered Unprofessional?

The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a reawakening, a reclaiming of ancestral beauty ideals, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement of the 1960s. The Afro, a magnificent crown of natural coils, became a powerful symbol of racial pride and self-acceptance, a visual assertion that “Black is beautiful.” This period marked a significant cultural shift, yet [legal recognition](/area/legal-recognition/) of these expressions lagged.

Early legal challenges, often under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , which prohibited employment discrimination based on race, found themselves grappling with this disconnect. The courts were tasked with interpreting whether [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) qualified as racial discrimination. A seminal case, Jenkins v. Blue Cross Mutual Hospital Insurance (1976), saw the U.S.

Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upholding a race discrimination lawsuit, affirming that workers were entitled to wear afros under Title VII. This ruling, however, was not a blanket protection for all natural or protective styles, leaving a significant loophole in the legal landscape.

The fragility of these protections became starkly apparent in the 1981 case of Rogers v. American Airlines. Renee Rogers, a Black flight attendant, challenged a company policy that prohibited her from wearing cornrows.

The court sided with the airline, reasoning that braids were “an easily changed characteristic” and therefore did not fall under Title VII’s protection because they were not considered an “immutable racial characteristic” like skin color or the texture of an afro. This ruling set a damaging precedent, effectively creating a legal distinction between inherent racial traits and culturally significant hairstyles, allowing employers to ban styles deeply connected to Black heritage under the guise of “professionalism” or “grooming standards.” The ramifications of this decision echoed through subsequent cases, further solidifying the legal right of corporations to restrict Black hairstyles in the workplace.

> The legal system’s initial reluctance to protect culturally significant hairstyles like braids and locs underscored a deep disconnect from the lived heritage of textured hair, forcing a distinction between inherent racial traits and expressions of cultural identity.

![The portrait encapsulates the dance between light and shadow, celebrating the unique texture of braided hair. It evokes a sense of ancestral connection, holistic hair care rituals passed down through generations, and the powerful expression of cultural identity inherent in traditional Black hair styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-silhouette-against-sunlight-showcasing-braided-textured-hair-in.jpg)

## The Weight of Conformity: A Legacy of Burden

The societal and legal pressure to conform imposed an economic and psychological burden. Black individuals often resorted to costly and sometimes damaging chemical straightening treatments, or invested in wigs and extensions, all to align with Eurocentric beauty standards. The [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) movement of the early 2000s, spurred by greater access to information and a growing communal desire to celebrate natural texture, pushed back against these norms, sparking a new wave of advocacy for legal change.

![The monochrome study of the woman, bathed in light that emphasizes the coils of her hair, celebrates textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-adorned-jewelry-displaying-textured-hair-heritage-art.jpg)

## A Legacy of Unseen Labor

The routines of care for textured hair are often more intricate and time-consuming, a reality often overlooked by policies crafted without cultural understanding. The application of oils, the detangling, the careful sectioning for braids or twists ❉ these are not mere stylistic choices. They are often acts of preservation, practices honed over generations to maintain the delicate structure of coils and kinks, ensuring their health and vitality.

To deny these styles is to deny a part of one’s living heritage, to demand the erasure of practices that have sustained and celebrated Black hair for centuries. These are the practices that form the very foundation of the Regimen of Radiance, passed down with love and wisdom, now seeking full legal recognition and respect.

![The monochromatic study evokes a sense of calm while hinting at ancestral heritage, as the softly lit coiled textured hair suggests holistic care traditions passed down through generations, showcasing a commitment to hair wellness and historical hair care practices honoring resilient formations.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-person-resting-with-textured-hair-details.jpg)

![The photo represents a moment of shared ancestral wisdom, where a mother guides her child in understanding the connection to nature and cultural heritage. This highlights traditional practices that incorporate natural elements](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-wisdom-mother-and-child-holding-branches-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## Relay

The arc of justice, though long, bends toward recognition. The legal skirmishes of past decades, marked by the limiting precedent set by cases like Rogers v. American Airlines, served as a stark reminder that existing civil rights protections were often insufficient to safeguard expressions of Black and mixed-race hair heritage.

The legal community began to reckon with the subtle yet pervasive ways in which anti-Black bias manifested through hair policies, recognizing that these were indeed forms of systemic racism. The conversation moved from simply “hair discrimination” to understanding it as a direct proxy for racial discrimination, a mechanism to preserve white spaces and enforce Eurocentric aesthetic norms.

This growing awareness, fueled by countless personal stories shared through burgeoning social media and sustained advocacy from civil rights organizations, propelled a new legislative wave. The focus shifted to crafting explicit [legal protections](/area/legal-protections/) that acknowledged the historical and cultural significance of textured hair. This is where the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) steps onto the stage, a vital legislative answer to deeply rooted inequities.

![The graceful arc of braided extensions against a grayscale backdrop speaks volumes, a Black woman embodies freedom and joy. This evocative image celebrates textured hair as a canvas for identity, strength, and cultural affirmation, radiating an indomitable spirit that connects ancestral heritage with her unique expressive styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ebony-woman-radiating-joy-with-braided-hair-freedom-movement-on-road.jpg)

## How Does the CROWN Act Address Historical Biases?

The CROWN Act, an acronym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” represents a watershed moment in the legal pursuit of hair freedom. Introduced in 2019 in California, which became the first state to pass such legislation, it sought to expand the definition of “race” within anti-discrimination laws. Its core purpose is to clarify that discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles ❉ such as Afros, braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots ❉ is indeed a form of racial discrimination.

The prior legal landscape often struggled with the “immutability doctrine,” an idea that only characteristics a person could not change were protected by anti-discrimination laws. This notion, rooted in a racist past, ignored the deeply cultural and often physically taxing implications of altering textured hair to conform. The CROWN Act directly challenges this narrow interpretation by legally affirming that traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and traditional styles, are integral to racial identity and therefore deserving of protection.

For instance, a 2020 study by researchers at Michigan State University and Duke University found that Black women with natural hairstyles, such as Afros, braids, and twists, are “perceived to be less professional, less competent, and less likely to be recommended for a job interview than Black women with straightened hairstyles and white women with either curly or straight hairstyles.” This quantitative data underscores the pervasive nature of hair bias, highlighting a material impact on career opportunities and overall well-being. The CROWN Act aims to dismantle these biases by codifying protections in employment, housing, and educational settings, ensuring that individuals are not penalized for honoring their heritage through their hair.

As of 2023, more than 20 states in the United States have passed similar legislation, demonstrating a growing national recognition of the need for these protections. While a federal CROWN Act has passed the House of Representatives multiple times, it has yet to secure passage in the Senate, underscoring the ongoing legislative challenge. However, the state-level successes represent a significant step forward, providing legal recourse for individuals who face discrimination in schools and workplaces. These laws send a clear message: the right to wear one’s natural hair, a right rooted in centuries of cultural practice and identity, is a civil right.

![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.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fulani-braiding-artistry-silver-adornments-youthful-gaze-black-and-white.jpg)

## Global Echoes: Hair Discrimination beyond Borders

The struggle against hair discrimination extends far beyond the borders of the United States. Across the globe, similar battles are being waged to safeguard the expression of Afro-textured hair. In the United Kingdom, the [Halo Code](/area/halo-code/) , created by a group of young Black activists following the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, stands as a notable initiative.

This code, now adopted by numerous schools and workplaces, is the UK’s first hair code designed to prevent discrimination based on hair style or texture. It explicitly states that pupils and employees should not be stopped from wearing natural Afro styles, recognizing that hair type is a marker of ethnicity and that policies banning such styles are indirectly discriminatory.

One striking case involved Ruby Williams, who at 14 was repeatedly sent home from a London school because her Afro was deemed “too big.” Her family’s legal action, supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, resulted in a settlement and the school’s policy removal. Similarly, 12-year-old Chikayzea Flanders faced suspension for wearing dreadlocks, leading his family to take the school to court, arguing the demand was an attack on his cultural identity. These instances underscore how policies rooted in Eurocentric ideals continue to harm Black youth, making the work of the Halo Code and similar initiatives crucial.

The legal landscape in Canada has also seen discussions around hair discrimination, with cases highlighting the prevalence of Eurocentric beauty standards. While explicit statutory protection against [race-based hair discrimination](/area/race-based-hair-discrimination/) is still evolving in Canadian law, human rights tribunals have begun to address these complaints, recognizing the link between hair and racial identity. These global efforts collectively reinforce the universality of the struggle for hair freedom and the enduring connection between hair, heritage, and the right to authentic self-expression.

- **Tignon Laws** (1786): A historical legal mandate in Louisiana requiring free Black women to cover their hair, signifying an early attempt to control racial appearance.

- **<i>Rogers v. American Airlines_** (1981): A landmark U.S. court case that distinguished between hair texture (immutable) and hairstyle (mutable), allowing bans on braids and locs.

- **CROWN Act** (2019-present): Legislation across U.S. states expanding the definition of race to include hair texture and protective styles, aiming to prohibit hair discrimination.

- **Halo Code** (2020): A UK initiative and policy advocating against hair discrimination in schools and workplaces, specifically protecting Afro-textured hair and styles.
The relay of [legal progress](/area/legal-progress/) continues, propelled by the persistent voices of those who refuse to allow their heritage to be legislated away. From the earliest forms of resistance to the contemporary CROWN Act and international movements, the journey to secure recognition for textured hair is a testament to the enduring power of [cultural identity](/area/cultural-identity/) and the unwavering fight for dignity.

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

![The monochrome portrait captures the beauty and radiance of a confident woman with a short, coiled Afro, her textured hair a statement of natural beauty and heritage. Her joyous expression, coupled with the cut-out top and tasteful jewelry, celebrates self-expression through personal style, rooted in cultural heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-woman-laughing-against-solid-backdrop-with-coiled-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

## Reflection

As we trace the legal arc concerning textured hair, a powerful truth emerges: the quest for protection is not merely about strands of keratin, but about the profound recognition of human dignity, identity, and the living spirit of heritage. Roothea’s own ethos, the ‘Soul of a Strand,’ finds its echo in this ongoing movement, reminding us that every curl, every coil, every loc carries generations of stories, wisdom, and resilience. The biases we have examined, once enforced by explicit laws like the Tignon Edict and later upheld by limiting court interpretations, were never merely about appearance; they aimed to sever the deep connection between hair and ancestral identity, to impose a singular, narrow vision of acceptability.

Yet, in the face of these historical impositions, textured hair has remained an unyielding testament to perseverance. The shift in legal frameworks, particularly with the rise of the CROWN Act across various states and the impactful Halo Code in the UK, signals a collective awakening. It marks a deepening understanding that hair discrimination is not a superficial slight but a direct manifestation of systemic racism, impacting educational opportunities, career trajectories, and fundamental self-perception.

These legislative victories, hard-won by community advocacy and sustained effort, are not endpoints. Instead, they represent vital milestones on a continuing journey ❉ a relay of progress where the baton is passed from one generation of advocates to the next, each building upon the legacy of those who dared to defy oppressive norms.

The lessons gleaned from this exploration extend beyond legal statutes. They call us to a more expansive understanding of beauty, professionalism, and belonging. They invite us to honor the multifaceted nature of textured hair, not as something to be “tamed” or altered, but as a biological wonder interwoven with profound cultural narratives.

The future of hair freedom lies in continuing to nurture this awareness, in supporting legal avenues that codify respect, and in fostering spaces where every individual can wear their crown ❉ in all its varied and authentic expressions ❉ with unwavering pride. This is how the Soul of a Strand truly begins to unbound its helix, reaching for a future where heritage is celebrated, and bias is dismantled, one liberated hair pattern at a time.

![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)

![The image captures the strength and beauty of a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-black-woman-displaying-braided-bantu-knots-hairstyle.jpg)

## References

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

- Byrd, Ayana, and Lori Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press, 2001.

- Caldwell, Paulette. “A Hair Piece: Perspectives on the Intersection of Race and Gender.” Duke Law Journal, 1991.

- Gill, Deepali. “Don’t Touch My Hair: How Hair Discrimination Contributes to the Policing of Black and Brown Identities While Upholding White Supremacy.” GGU Law Digital Commons, April 24, 2023.

- Greene, D. Wendy. “Splitting Hairs: The Eleventh Circuit’s Take on Workplace Bans Against Black Women’s Natural Hair in EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions.” University of Miami Law Review, vol. 71, 2017.

- Jones, Charisse, and Nicquel T. Ellis. “Banning Ethnic Hairstyles ‘upholds this notion of white supremacy.’ States Pass Laws to Stop Natural Hair Discrimination.” USA Today, October 14, 2019.

- Patton, Tracey Owens. “Hey Girl, Am I More Than My Hair? Identity, Politics, and African American Women’s Hair.” Howard Journal of Communications, 2009.

- Powell, Crystal. “Bias, Employment Discrimination, and Black Women’s Hair: Another Way Forward.” BYU Law Review, 2018.

- Robinson, Dena Elizabeth, and Tyra Robinson. “Between a Loc and a Hard Place: A Socio-Historical, Legal, and Intersectional Analysis of Hair Discrimination and Title VII.” Journal of Race, Religion, Gender and Class, vol. 11, no. 2, 2021.

- Winters, Lisa Ze. The Mulatta Concubine: Terror, Intimacy, Freedom, and Desire in the Black Transatlantic. University of Georgia Press, 2016.

## Glossary

### [Cultural Significance](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-significance/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Significance, in the realm of textured hair, denotes the deeply held importance and distinct identity associated with Black and mixed hair types.

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

Meaning ❉ The 'Textured Hair Law' refers to the observable, consistent principles governing the inherent nature and responsive behaviors of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, especially hair of Black and mixed heritage.

### [Social Standing](https://roothea.co/area/social-standing/)

Meaning ❉ Social Standing, in the context of textured hair, refers to the perception and personal confidence gained through understanding and managing one's hair.

### [Legal Hair Discrimination](https://roothea.co/area/legal-hair-discrimination/)

Meaning ❉ Legal Hair Discrimination describes the bias or adverse treatment experienced by individuals because of their natural hair texture, style, or type, particularly those with coily, kinky, or loc'd hair, frequently impacting Black and mixed-race persons in professional, educational, or public spheres.

### [Legal Precedents](https://roothea.co/area/legal-precedents/)

Meaning ❉ Legal Precedents within textured hair care refer to the accumulated wisdom and established patterns of understanding that guide our approach to Black and mixed hair.

### [Legal Hair History](https://roothea.co/area/legal-hair-history/)

Meaning ❉ Legal Hair History gently uncovers the past societal directives and institutional agreements that have, over time, directed or shaped the presentation of textured hair, especially for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Hair Freedom](https://roothea.co/area/hair-freedom/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Freedom denotes an attuned relationship with one's textured hair, especially for those with 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.

### [Social Justice](https://roothea.co/area/social-justice/)

Meaning ❉ Social Justice, when considered within the gentle landscape of textured hair, signifies the pursuit of equitable access to comprehensive understanding, systemic care solutions, and confident practical application for individuals with Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Tignon Laws](https://roothea.co/area/tignon-laws/)

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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Do Contemporary Laws Address Historical Hair Biases for Black Women?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-contemporary-laws-address-historical-hair-biases-for-black-women/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-platinum-blonde-coiled-short-hair.jpg)

### [What Historical Care Practices Addressed Moisture Loss in Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-care-practices-addressed-moisture-loss-in-textured-hair/)
![In black and white, hands grind ingredients, embodying ancestral heritage focused on preparing natural hair treatments. The scene reflects dedication to holistic wellness and the timeless process of crafting care solutions, showcasing a commitment to textured hair health through time-honored traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-traditional-black-hair-remedies-with-natural-ingredients.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Biases Influence Textured Hair Choices Today?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-biases-influence-textured-hair-choices-today/)
![The Fulani braiding image symbolizes the ancestral heritage, reflecting the deep commitment to protective styling artistry and holistic hair care practices. The detailed cornrows showcase an artisan meticulously braiding low porosity high-density coils, embracing both tradition and the quest for sebaceous balance care.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/protective-styling-artistry-fulani-braids-and-ancestral-hair-traditions-unveiled.jpg)

### [What Did Textured Hair Shield Against?](https://roothea.co/question/what-did-textured-hair-shield-against/)
![This arresting image portrays a woman with distinct style, combining the cultural richness of textured locs with an avant-garde shaved design, representing her unique self-expression and heritage. It serves as a powerful statement within holistic hair culture, celebrating Black identity and innovative textured hair aesthetics.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-locs-and-precision-shaved-hair-design.jpg)

### [How Does the CROWN Act Address Systemic Discrimination against Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-address-systemic-discrimination-against-textured-hair/)
![A striking black and white composition celebrates heritage, showcasing elongated spiral pattern achieved via threading, a testament to ancestral hair traditions, emphasizing holistic hair care, self-expression, and intricate styling within narratives of Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-woman-with-low-porosity-spirals-in-madras-head-wrap.jpg)

### [What Modern Laws Protect Textured Hair from Historical Biases?](https://roothea.co/question/what-modern-laws-protect-textured-hair-from-historical-biases/)
![The monochromatic palette emphasizes the inherent texture of the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-timeless-elegance.jpg)

### [How Do Natural Plant Compounds Defend Textured Hair against UV Light?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-natural-plant-compounds-defend-textured-hair-against-uv-light/)
![This image celebrates the elegance and power of afro hair, highlighting its natural texture and the confident beauty of its wearer. The contrast of light and dark enhances the inherent sophistication of her style, reflecting ancestral heritage and modern expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-in-leather-jacket.jpg)

### [How Have Historical Beauty Standards Impacted Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-historical-beauty-standards-impacted-textured-hair-practices/)
![This artful study in monochrome captures the essence of modern Black elegance, showcasing the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-african-american-woman-with-natural-textured-hair-style.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Indigenous Practices Validate Textured Hair's Resilience against Solar Damage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-indigenous-practices-validate-textured-hairs-resilience-against-solar-damage/)
![This portrait](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-natural-blonde-coiled-hair.jpg)

---

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                "text": "The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a reawakening, a reclaiming of ancestral beauty ideals, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement of the 1960s. The Afro, a magnificent crown of natural coils, became a powerful symbol of racial pride and self-acceptance, a visual assertion that \"Black is beautiful.\" This period marked a significant cultural shift, yet legal recognition of these expressions lagged."
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                "text": "The CROWN Act, an acronym for \"Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,\" represents a watershed moment in the legal pursuit of hair freedom. Introduced in 2019 in California, which became the first state to pass such legislation, it sought to expand the definition of \"race\" within anti-discrimination laws. Its core purpose is to clarify that discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles—such as Afros, braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots—is indeed a form of racial discrimination."
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```

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            "name": "Cultural Significance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-significance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Significance, in the realm of textured hair, denotes the deeply held importance and distinct identity associated with Black and mixed hair types."
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            "@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."
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        {
            "@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."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance."
        },
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-challenges/",
            "name": "Legal Challenges",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-challenges/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Challenges, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, denote the formal and systemic considerations that shape the experience of individuals with Black or mixed hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Black Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Heritage describes the living legacy of understanding and tending to the diverse forms of textured hair within Black and mixed-race communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-frameworks/",
            "name": "Legal Frameworks",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-frameworks/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Consider 'Legal Frameworks' within our tender care for textured hair as the gentle, yet firm, foundational guidelines we lay down for ourselves."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/black-hair/",
            "name": "Black Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair describes the spectrum of hair textures primarily found within communities of African heritage, recognized by its distinct curl patterns ❉ from expansive waves to tightly coiled formations ❉ and an often elliptical follicle shape, which fundamentally shapes its unique growth trajectory."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/civil-rights/",
            "name": "Civil Rights",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Civil Rights, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, points to the fundamental freedom and equal access allowing individuals with Black and mixed-race hair to define, care for, and present their unique hair identity without prejudice."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-freedom/",
            "name": "Hair Freedom",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-freedom/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Freedom denotes an attuned relationship with one's textured hair, especially for those with Black and mixed heritage."
        },
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-protection/",
            "name": "Legal Protection",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-protection/",
            "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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/social-standing/",
            "name": "Social Standing",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/social-standing/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Social Standing, in the context of textured hair, refers to the perception and personal confidence gained through understanding and managing one's hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-recognition/",
            "name": "Legal Recognition",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-recognition/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Recognition, within the gentle yet precise realm of textured hair understanding, marks the authoritative validation of its unique structural characteristics and the specific care methodologies it genuinely requires."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/legal-protections/",
            "name": "Legal Protections",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-protections/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal protections, within the gentle scope of textured hair understanding, denote the established frameworks that safeguard an individual's choice to present their hair in its natural form or culturally significant styles, free from unwarranted challenge."
        },
        {
            "@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/halo-code/",
            "name": "Halo Code",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/halo-code/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Halo Code, a gentle affirmation, secures the right to wear natural or protective hairstyles, especially those belonging to Black and mixed-race heritage, free from unfair assessment."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/race-based-hair-discrimination/",
            "name": "Race-Based Hair Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/race-based-hair-discrimination/",
            "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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/",
            "name": "Cultural Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Identity, when considered through the lens of textured hair, represents a soft, abiding connection to the deep-seated wisdom of ancestral hair practices and the shared experiences of a community."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-progress/",
            "name": "Legal Progress",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-progress/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Progress, within the delicate sphere of textured hair understanding, refers to the measured advancement of legal frameworks that safeguard and acknowledge the innate beauty of natural hair forms."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-law/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Law",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-law/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The 'Textured Hair Law' refers to the observable, consistent principles governing the inherent nature and responsive behaviors of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, especially hair of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-hair-discrimination/",
            "name": "Legal Hair Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-hair-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Hair Discrimination describes the bias or adverse treatment experienced by individuals because of their natural hair texture, style, or type, particularly those with coily, kinky, or loc'd hair, frequently impacting Black and mixed-race persons in professional, educational, or public spheres."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-precedents/",
            "name": "Legal Precedents",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-precedents/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Precedents within textured hair care refer to the accumulated wisdom and established patterns of understanding that guide our approach to Black and mixed hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-hair-history/",
            "name": "Legal Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/legal-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Legal Hair History gently uncovers the past societal directives and institutional agreements that have, over time, directed or shaped the presentation of textured hair, especially for those with Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/social-justice/",
            "name": "Social Justice",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/social-justice/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Social Justice, when considered within the gentle landscape of textured hair, signifies the pursuit of equitable access to comprehensive understanding, systemic care solutions, and confident practical application for individuals with Black and mixed-race hair."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-have-legal-frameworks-addressed-historical-biases-against-textured-hair/
