# In What Ways Did Colonial Forces Try to Suppress Black Hair Heritage? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-05
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![This black and white photograph captures the essence of natural afro textured hair, celebrating its springy coil formation and intricate beauty. Emphasizing its coil texture, the portrait embodies strength and confidence, promoting positive self-image and highlighting the importance of ancestral heritage and expressive styling within diverse hair narratives](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

![The black and white portrait showcases the beauty of Afro coiled hair, creating an intimate connection with the viewer. The lighting adds depth to the image, capturing the essence of her texture and heritage, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and natural beauty within beauty standards](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-beautiful-woman-with-natural-afro-hair-style.jpg)

## Roots

Consider for a moment the profound landscape of our being, where every curl, every coil, holds an ancient story. Before the long shadow of colonialism stretched across continents, [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) stood as a living archive, a sacred text etched upon the head. It was more than adornment; it served as a sophisticated visual language, articulating one’s standing within a community, their ancestral ties, marital status, age, even their religious devotion.

In ancient African civilizations, hair was revered as the highest point of the body, a conduit for spiritual connection, a place where wisdom resided. Grooming was not a solitary act but a cherished communal ritual, fostering bonds, transmitting generational wisdom, and strengthening familial ties.

The arrival of colonial forces brought a stark disruption to this rich heritage. One of the very first, most brutal acts of dehumanization inflicted upon enslaved Africans was the forced shaving of their heads. This was presented by enslavers as a sanitary measure, ostensibly to prevent lice on crowded slave ships, yet its true intent ran far deeper.

It represented a deliberate, violent severing of identity, a calculated attempt to erase the wearer’s connection to their homeland, their lineage, and their self-worth. With each forced shear, a piece of an ancestral legacy was violently torn away, leaving behind a profound emptiness.

Removed from their vibrant communities, denied access to traditional tools, nourishing oils, and the collective hands that once styled and cared for their hair, enslaved Africans faced new, unimaginable challenges in maintaining their textured strands. What was once a symbol of pride and intricate expression often became matted, tangled, and difficult to manage under the harsh realities of forced labor. This new state, a direct consequence of their enslavement, was then twisted by colonial narratives. Hair previously recognized for its cultural and spiritual significance became pathologized, labeled with derogatory terms that further cemented a hierarchy of beauty. 

> The forced shaving of heads and the subsequent denigration of textured hair marked an early, cruel colonial assault on Black hair heritage.

![This captivating portrait celebrates the artistry of braided hairstyles as expressions of cultural identity and personal strength. The halo braid symbolizes beauty, resilience, and timeless elegance, reflecting the traditions passed down through generations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-braided-hairstyle-radiating-natural-beauty-and-cultural-identity-in.jpg)

## How Did Early Colonial Narratives Distort Textured Hair’s Natural State?

The colonial gaze, steeped in Eurocentric ideals, could not comprehend the inherent beauty and complex structure of textured hair. Instead, it systematically devalued it. Terms like “wool” were deliberately employed to describe Afro-textured hair, a dehumanizing comparison aimed at deeming it inferior to the hair of Europeans. This linguistic assault positioned [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) as animalistic, uncivilized, and undesirable, a stark contrast to the flowing, straight hair that became the arbitrary standard of beauty. 

This shift in terminology, a subtle yet powerful tool of oppression, fundamentally altered perceptions. The very words used to describe Black hair laid the groundwork for a deeply entrenched system of preference and prejudice, birthing the concept of “good hair” versus “bad hair” within communities. “Good hair” typically referred to textures closer to European straightness, while “bad hair” became the assigned label for kinkier, more coily textures. This insidious classification, a direct product of colonial ideology, created internal divisions and fostered a sense of self-loathing among those who internalized these imposed standards. 

- **Communal Grooming** ❉ Shared experiences of braiding, oiling, and styling strengthened community bonds and transmitted ancestral knowledge.

- **Symbolic Language** ❉ Hairstyles conveyed status, tribe, marital status, and spiritual connections in pre-colonial African societies.

- **Forced Shaving** ❉ A deliberate act by colonizers to strip identity and cultural ties from enslaved Africans upon arrival.

![This dramatic portrait celebrates Black hair traditions through its majestic braided crown, a testament to ancestral heritage and expressive styling. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the texture and artistry of the braids, honoring the woman’s strength and the enduring legacy of Black beauty](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-braided-hairstyle.jpg)

![Through balanced composition and stark contrast, the portrait honors strength, beauty, and self expression, presenting the interplay of heritage, hair innovation, and identity. Her intentional style reflects personal narrative woven into the very coils of her being](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-portrait-natural-coiled-hair-undercut-style-beauty.jpg)

## Ritual

The imposition of colonial power extended beyond the initial act of shaving heads, seeping into the very rituals of daily life, particularly those surrounding hair. As enslaved people were forced into new societal structures, their traditional [hair care](/area/hair-care/) practices, once deeply interwoven with social and spiritual life, became nearly impossible to maintain. Lack of access to native tools, ingredients, and the invaluable time once spent in communal grooming sessions meant a profound rupture in long-standing traditions. This deliberate deprivation created a void, forcing adaptation in harsh and often desperate circumstances. 

In many colonial contexts, laws and social norms were meticulously crafted to suppress Black hair heritage. Perhaps one of the most poignant examples is the Tignon Law of 1786 in Spanish colonial Louisiana. Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró, driven by a desire to control free [Black women](/area/black-women/) who were perceived as too elegantly dressed and attractive to white men, enacted this decree.

The law mandated that free women of color wear a tignon, a headscarf or handkerchief, over their hair as a visible marker of their supposed lower social status, regardless of their freedom. This oppressive measure aimed to prevent these women from competing with white women for social standing and to visibly tie them to the enslaved class.

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

## Did Colonial Laws Directly Target Traditional Black Hairstyles?

The Tignon Law was a direct assault on the visual expression of Black identity and heritage. Before its enactment, free Black women in New Orleans often styled their intricate hair with beads, jewels, and feathers, showcasing their cultural heritage and personal artistry. The law sought to obscure this vibrant expression, demanding conformity to a colonial aesthetic of subservience. Yet, in a powerful act of resistance, these women transformed the symbol of their oppression into a statement of defiance.

They wore their tignons with vibrant, expensive fabrics, tied them with elaborate knots, and adorned them with ribbons and jewels, turning the mandated covering into a mark of their beauty, wealth, and creativity. This act of sartorial rebellion demonstrated an enduring spirit, a refusal to let colonial decrees extinguish their inner light or diminish their cultural pride.

Beyond explicit laws, the pervasive societal pressure to conform to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) led many Black individuals, particularly women, to adopt hair straightening methods. Post-emancipation, the aspiration for assimilation and economic opportunity in a white-dominated society often meant adopting straighter hairstyles. Early methods, though often harsh, included using heated butter knives, grease, or lye, which frequently resulted in scalp burns and hair damage. This pursuit of straight hair, driven by societal pressure and the ingrained notion that straighter hair equated to “good hair” and social advantage, was a tragic byproduct of colonial influence. 

> The Tignon Law, while intended to suppress, became a canvas for Black women’s creative defiance against colonial beauty mandates.
The internalization of [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards by some within the Black community is a lasting effect of colonial subjugation. This unfortunate legacy persists, sometimes manifesting as texturism, a preference for looser [curl patterns](/area/curl-patterns/) over tighter coils, even within the Black community itself. The damage inflicted by colonial ideology on self-perception created a complex relationship with one’s own hair, where self-acceptance became intertwined with acts of liberation from imposed ideals. 

![This serene black and white study celebrates the beauty of coiled hair styles in its youthful form, with artful braids and thread wrapping. The girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-a-young-girl-with-coiled-hair-braids.jpg)

![This monochrome image captures the beauty of black hair traditions embodied in protective styling. The contrast of light and shadow accentuates the texture of her locs, reflecting both strength and vulnerability](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-protective-hairstyle-locs-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

## Relay

The echoes of [colonial suppression](/area/colonial-suppression/) resonate still, carrying through generations, shaping contemporary experiences with textured hair. Despite the dismantling of overt colonial rule and the abolition of slavery, the aesthetic standards imposed during those eras lingered, deeply affecting perceptions of professionalism, beauty, and social acceptability for Black and mixed-race individuals. This persistent influence reveals itself in subtle yet pervasive forms, often impacting opportunities and self-esteem. 

The workplace, in particular, has remained a site where the remnants of colonial beauty ideals manifest. A 2020 study revealed that Black women with natural hairstyles are often perceived as less professional and consequently face reduced employment opportunities compared to those with straightened hair. This disheartening statistic underscores the deep-seated biases that demand conformity to Eurocentric aesthetics for career advancement. An overwhelming majority of Black women, 80%, express a belief that altering their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) is necessary to secure employment and meet workplace social expectations.

Additionally, Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from work because of their hairstyle. This systematic bias, rooted in historical denigration, extends even to young girls, with many experiencing hair-related bullying and teasing from an early age, leading to decreased satisfaction with their natural hair.

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

## How Do Modern Movements Reclaim Suppressed Hair Heritage?

However, the enduring legacy of colonial suppression has also given rise to powerful movements of reclamation and resistance. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s marked a significant turning point, witnessing a resurgence of pride in Black hair. The afro, a voluminous style showcasing natural curl patterns, emerged as a potent symbol of Black pride and activism.

This was not a mere fashion statement; it represented a profound political declaration, a steadfast embrace of ancestral hair texture, and a conscious rejection of imposed beauty norms. Others embraced styles like cornrows, braids, and traditional African headwraps, connecting directly to their heritage.

The contemporary [natural hair movement](/area/natural-hair-movement/) continues this journey of liberation. It represents a collective decision to reject the notion that textured hair needs chemical alteration to be considered beautiful or professional. This movement seeks to validate the inherent beauty of all curl patterns and textures, promoting self-acceptance and a profound connection to ancestral identity. Organizations work tirelessly to challenge discriminatory practices through legislative efforts, such as the CROWN Act in the United States, which aims to prohibit discrimination based on race-based hairstyles and hair texture. 

- **Workplace Bias** ❉ Natural Black hairstyles face systemic discrimination, hindering employment and advancement.

- **Crown Act** ❉ Legislative efforts aim to combat hair texture discrimination, protecting natural styles.

- **Cultural Reconnection** ❉ Modern practices re-establish links to ancestral hair care and styling traditions.
The advancements in hair science also contribute to this relay of knowledge. Understanding the unique biological structure of textured hair ❉ its elliptically shaped follicle, the tighter curl pattern, and its susceptibility to dryness ❉ provides a scientific foundation for effective care. This scientific insight often validates the wisdom found in ancestral practices, such as the use of natural oils, protective styles, and gentle handling.

For instance, the traditional practice of oiling textured hair, long understood by ancestors as a means of moisture retention and scalp health, finds modern scientific corroboration in the need to supplement the natural sebum that struggles to travel down highly coiled strands. This convergence of ancient wisdom and modern understanding creates a robust framework for holistic textured hair care, allowing individuals to honor their heritage while utilizing contemporary knowledge.

![Captured in monochrome, the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-naturally-coiled-hair-in-sunlight.jpg)

![This striking portrait captures the essence of natural beauty, celebrating the strength and resilience embodied in tightly coiled afro hair. The image evokes a sense of empowerment and pride, connecting textured hair to ancestral heritage and a modern expression of self-acceptance, styled with minimalist modern afro aesthetic](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-tapered-afro-showcasing-natural-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the suppression of Black hair heritage, from the foundational practices of ancient African societies to the enduring struggles and triumphs of today, unveils a profound narrative of resilience. Each coil, every strand, silently testifies to a past marked by deliberate erasure and an unyielding spirit of defiance. The colonial attempts to dismantle this heritage, to sever the deep ties between hair and identity, ultimately failed to extinguish the light of ancestral wisdom. 

Our understanding of textured hair has become a living, breathing archive, one that whispers stories of communal care, creative rebellion, and persistent reclamation. It is a story not of victimhood, but of profound strength, where the very features targeted for denigration became powerful symbols of resistance and cultural pride. This deep appreciation for the inherent strength and beauty of textured hair guides our collective steps forward, ensuring that the soul of each strand remains unbound, a testament to an enduring legacy that refuses to shrink. 

![The monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty of braided textured hair, echoing ancestral strength and cultural expression. The meticulous braiding technique highlights the diverse styling possibilities within Black hair traditions, while the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

![Striking portrait showcases her modern, sleek hairstyle reflecting ancestral beauty and wellness philosophies. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the beauty in textured hair form and sculpted waves, while dark dress, skin tones enhance visual depth and timeless elegance, celebrating identity and cultural heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-elegant-woman-wet-styled-short-textured-hair-beauty-shot.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, Ayana & Tharps, Lori. 2014. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. New York: St. Martin’s Griffin.

- Candelario, Ginetta E.B. 2007. Black Hair, Black Skin, Black Liberation? Theorizing Dominican Beauty Culture. National Association of Chicana and Chicano Studies Annual Conference.

- Johnson, Joanne & Bankhead, Tasha. 2014. The Natural Hair Movement: An Intersectional Study of Black Women’s Identity and Experiences. Journal of Black Studies.

- Madlel, Khulekani. 2021. Visual Representations of Black Hair in Relaxer Advertisements. The Gale Review.

- Miró, Esteban Rodríguez. 1786. Bando de buen gobierno.

- Omotoso, Sharon Adetutu. 2018. Human Hair: Intrigues and Complications. Journal of Pan African Studies.

- Patton, Tracey Owens. 2006. African-American Hair: An Oppositional Aesthetic. The Journal of Black Studies.

- Sherrow, Victoria. 2006. Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History. Greenwood Press.

- Thompson, Cheryl. 2009. Black Women and Identity: The Politics of Hair. Canadian Woman Studies.

- Walker, Jack. 2021. Tomorrow, It’s Only a Vision: The Journey Continues. Page Publishing Inc.

- White, Shane & White, Graham. 1995. Stylin’: African-American Expressive Culture from Its Beginnings to the Zoot Suit. Cornell University Press.

## Glossary

### [Natural Hair Movement](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/)

Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair.

### [Adhesion Forces](https://roothea.co/area/adhesion-forces/)

Meaning ❉ Adhesion forces denote the molecular attraction between dissimilar surfaces, a gentle drawing that distinctly shapes the life of textured 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.

### [Eurocentric Beauty](https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/)

Meaning ❉ Eurocentric Beauty describes an aesthetic framework that historically positions features and hair textures common in European populations as the prevailing ideal.

### [Natural Hair](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/)

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.

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

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.

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

Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance.

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Identity denotes the deeply personal understanding and practical alignment with the distinct characteristics of Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Curl Patterns](https://roothea.co/area/curl-patterns/)

Meaning❉ Curl patterns describe the distinct configurations of individual hair strands, ranging from gentle undulations to tightly wound spirals, which inherently influence how textured hair collects and reacts.

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

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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Colonial Epistemicide](https://roothea.co/term/colonial-epistemicide/)
![Eloquent advocacy meets natural hair excellence in this monochrome study, showcasing defined coils, high-density hair, and cultural heritage. The subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-speaks-out-natural-coily-hair-with-low-porosity-definition.jpg)

### [Colonial Brazilian Hair](https://roothea.co/term/colonial-brazilian-hair/)
![Elevated aesthetics merge with cultural pride in this dramatic portrait, where the interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the intricate braiding patterns, celebrating textured hair’s beauty and resilience. Heritage echoes through expressive styling, demonstrating the blend of ancestral artistry with modern interpretation.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-braided-hair-embellishment-artistry-textured-hair.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Pre-Colonial African Hairstyles Communicate Social Standing and Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-pre-colonial-african-hairstyles-communicate-social-standing-and-identity/)
![Evoking a sense of ancestral connection, the portrait embodies cultural identity through tribal face paint and thoughtfully coiffed tight-coil textured hair. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the visual narrative, inviting contemplation on the roots of self-expression and heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-woman-adorned-with-tribal-face-paint-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Did Hair Oils Signify Identity in Pre-Colonial Africa?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-hair-oils-signify-identity-in-pre-colonial-africa/)
![The portrait invites contemplation on modern hair aesthetics, celebrating textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-short-textured-hair-and-circular-hair-accessories.jpg)

### [What Materials Were Commonly Used for Hair Protection in Pre-Colonial Africa?](https://roothea.co/question/what-materials-were-commonly-used-for-hair-protection-in-pre-colonial-africa/)
![The monochrome image captures a nightly self-care ritual, securing a silk bonnet to protect textured hair and preserve moisture, reflecting ancestral heritage and Black hair traditions rooted in maintaining healthy, well-hydrated coils, promoting wellness and embracing the natural beauty of coiled formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-securing-silk-bonnet-overnight-hair-protection-black-and-white-photo.jpg)

### [How Did Pre-Colonial Cultures Shield Textured Hair from Elements?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-pre-colonial-cultures-shield-textured-hair-from-elements/)
![This evocative monochromatic portrayal celebrates textured hair, highlighting its natural formations accentuated by geometric design elements, in a minimalist style. The image invites viewers to contemplate heritage, identity, and inherent beauty expressed through confident and authentic Black aesthetics.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-and-white-woman-textured-afro-hair-geometric-accent.jpg)

### [Colonial Diet Impact](https://roothea.co/term/colonial-diet-impact/)
![The monochrome gradient and ash-like texture symbolize resilience, echoing the strength of tightly coiled hair and diverse textured hair narratives. Each grain mirrors individual ancestral strands woven into a rich tapestry, a testament to the timeless heritage of natural texture and formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-volcanic-ash-sedimentation-representing-dense-textured-hair.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Ancestral Hair Care Shape Black Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-ancestral-hair-care-shape-black-identity/)
![Monochrome resilience shines through helical textured hair, each strand adorned with droplets, reflecting heritage and cultural traditions. The precise styling embodies both ancestral strength and modern expression, deeply weaving narrative of identity with natural beauty and holistic care, celebrating the power of textured hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-resilience-textured-hair-helix-water-droplets-illuminating-deep.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Colonial Forces Impact the Spiritual Significance of Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-colonial-forces-impact-the-spiritual-significance-of-textured-hair/)
![This evocative image celebrates the magnificence of afro textured hair, spotlighting its rich coily pattern and the confident presence of its wearer, encapsulating both ancestral heritage and modern hair aesthetic with elegance that resonates with holistic expressions of beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-elegant-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-against-neutral-backdrop.jpg)

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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric beauty standards denote a historical leaning towards hair characteristics commonly found within European lineages, such as straightness, fineness, or gentle waves, alongside particular color and density ideals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric Beauty describes an aesthetic framework that historically positions features and hair textures common in European populations as the prevailing ideal."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/curl-patterns/",
            "name": "Curl Patterns",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/curl-patterns/",
            "description": "Meaning❉ Curl patterns describe the distinct configurations of individual hair strands, ranging from gentle undulations to tightly wound spirals, which inherently influence how textured hair collects and reacts."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-suppression/",
            "name": "Colonial Suppression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-suppression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Colonial suppression, in the gentle context of textured hair understanding, describes the historical imposition of aesthetic and care standards that quietly dismissed and often discouraged the natural patterns and ancestral practices inherent to Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/natural-hair-movement/",
            "name": "Natural Hair Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/adhesion-forces/",
            "name": "Adhesion Forces",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/adhesion-forces/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Adhesion forces denote the molecular attraction between dissimilar surfaces, a gentle drawing that distinctly shapes the life of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-identity/",
            "name": "Black Hair Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Identity denotes the deeply personal understanding and practical alignment with the distinct characteristics of Black and mixed-race hair."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-colonial-forces-try-to-suppress-black-hair-heritage/
