In what ways did textured hair practices serve as acts of cultural preservation and resistance across generations?

Roots

To stand before the mirror, tracing the curves and coils of one’s hair, is to touch an ancestral lineage. It is to feel the echoes of hands that braided, twisted, and adorned generations before, hands that carried stories, wisdom, and defiance in every careful stroke. For Black and mixed-race communities, textured hair has always been more than mere adornment; it is a living archive, a repository of cultural memory, and a testament to enduring spirit. In a world that often sought to erase, to homogenize, these practices of hair care and styling became acts of profound preservation and resistance, ensuring that the soul of a strand remained vibrant, unbroken.

What is Textured Hair’s Ancestral Blueprint?

At its very foundation, textured hair is a biological marvel, a testament to human diversity and adaptation. The unique helical structure of the hair shaft, its varying degrees of curl, and its distinct growth patterns are not random occurrences but rather the result of genetic inheritance shaped over millennia. While modern science continues to unravel the specific genetic variants influencing hair texture across populations, such as the TCHH Gene linked to hair texture in people of Northern European ancestry or the EDAR and FGFR2 Genes in Asian populations (Medland, Zhu, & Martin, 2009; MedlinePlus, 2022), the profound variations within textured hair are a testament to the rich tapestry of human genetic heritage.

Historically, these distinctions were not simply aesthetic. In pre-colonial African societies, hair anatomy and physiology were intimately understood through observation and practice, even without the microscopic tools of today. The elasticity, porosity, and strength of different curl patterns dictated the traditional care rituals and styling techniques employed. This understanding was not codified in scientific papers but lived within communal knowledge, passed down through generations.

How Did Ancient Societies Honor Textured Hair?

The earliest chapters of textured hair heritage are etched in the sands of ancient civilizations. From the elaborate coiffures of ancient Egypt to the intricate braids of West African kingdoms, hair was a powerful communicator of identity, status, and spiritual connection. In ancient Egypt, for instance, hair was meticulously cared for, often washed and scented, with wealthy individuals employing hairdressers (International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2024). Children wore distinctive side locks, signifying youth, and the presence or absence of hair held deep symbolic meaning, even in times of mourning (International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2024; UCL Discovery, 2012).

Across various African cultures, hair served as a visual language, a living canvas that conveyed a person’s Tribal Affiliation, Marital Status, Age, Social Standing, and even their Spiritual Beliefs (Sieber & Herreman, 2000; Africa.com, 2022; The Queen’s Journal, 2025). This was a universal African trait, with cornrows dating back to 3000 B.C. in Africa, where patterns could indicate tribal belonging or status (Genesis Career College, 2022; The Queen’s Journal, 2025). The Himba tribe of Northwestern Namibia, for example, uses dreadlocks to signal age, life stage, and marital status, creating them with a mixture of ochre, goat hair, and butter (Africa.com, 2022).

Textured hair, in its myriad forms, has always been a profound cultural artifact, speaking volumes about identity and lineage long before written words.

The nomenclature surrounding textured hair, even in its earliest forms, was deeply rooted in observation and cultural significance. While modern classification systems like Andre Walker’s typing system exist, ancestral communities had their own ways of describing and understanding the nuances of curl patterns, often through metaphors drawn from nature or daily life. These terms, though not standardized globally, carried a shared understanding within specific communities, forming an essential lexicon of textured hair that spoke to its inherent beauty and versatility.

Hair growth cycles, too, were understood through practical wisdom. Traditional hair care practices often aligned with natural rhythms, incorporating ingredients and methods that supported healthy growth and retention, even if the underlying cellular mechanisms were not yet scientifically articulated. The connection between diet, environment, and hair vitality was intuitively grasped, leading to holistic approaches to care that recognized the body as an interconnected system.

Ritual

Stepping into the realm of textured hair ritual is to walk alongside generations of hands that have transformed daily acts of care into profound expressions of heritage. It is to recognize that the intricate dance of styling, the careful application of ancestral ingredients, and the communal gatherings around hair were not merely about aesthetics. They were, and remain, a quiet yet powerful assertion of self, a continuation of practices that survived immense pressure to disappear. We move from the foundational understanding of hair’s structure to the lived experiences of its care, revealing how these rituals shaped, and continue to shape, identity and community.

What Protective Styling Heritage Does Textured Hair Hold?

Protective styling, a cornerstone of textured hair care today, possesses a heritage stretching back centuries, if not millennia. These styles, designed to shield the hair from environmental damage and manipulation, were integral to the daily lives of pre-colonial African peoples. Braids, twists, and cornrows, often adorned with shells, beads, or gold, were not only beautiful but served practical purposes, signifying social status, marital standing, age, and tribal affiliation (Sieber & Herreman, 2000; Genesis Career College, 2022). The meticulous nature of these styles speaks to the deep respect held for hair, a sacred part of the self and a conduit to the spiritual world (Africa.com, 2022; ResearchGate, 2019).

The Cornrow, for instance, holds a particularly poignant place in this heritage. Its history can be traced back to 3000 B.C. in Africa, and it gained its name in colonial America from the agricultural fields worked by enslaved people (Genesis Career College, 2022; The Carolinian Newspaper, 2025). During the transatlantic slave trade, when African captives were often stripped of their cultural identity through forced head shaving (Byrd & Tharps, 2001; The Carolinian Newspaper, 2025; Library of Congress, 2021), cornrows became a covert means of communication and resistance.

Cornrows, a seemingly simple style, once held hidden maps to freedom and acted as silent declarations of cultural continuity during enslavement.

One powerful historical example, often recounted through oral histories in Afro-Colombian communities, speaks to this ingenuity. Enslaved women would braid intricate cornrow patterns into their hair, subtly depicting escape routes and landmarks, even hiding seeds or gold nuggets within the braids for sustenance during perilous journeys to freedom (The Carolinian Newspaper, 2025; Ancient Origins, 2022; Beds SU, 2022). Benkos Biohó, a formerly enslaved man in Colombia, is associated with establishing a maroon community where women used cornrows to create “maps” for an underground resistance network (The Carolinian Newspaper, 2025; Ancient Origins, 2022). This practice, though debated by some mainstream scholars due to the lack of written records (YouTube, 2020), stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of enslaved people in preserving their heritage and resisting dehumanization.

How Do Traditional Methods Define Hair?

Beyond protective styles, traditional methods for defining and enhancing natural textured hair were deeply ingrained in daily life. These techniques often involved natural ingredients, meticulous fingerwork, and communal gatherings that transformed hair care into a social ritual.

• Oiling and Greasing ❉ Ancestral practices often involved the application of various natural oils and butters, such as shea butter, palm oil, or castor oil, to seal in moisture, add shine, and protect the hair (Fabulive, 2023; Library of Congress, 2021). These were not just for conditioning; some African epistemologies suggest hair was used to increase the potency of medicines (Sieber & Herreman, 2000).
• Threading and Plaiting ❉ Techniques like threading, where cotton or fabric was wrapped around sections of hair, or various forms of plaiting (braiding), were used to stretch, define, and prepare hair for styling (Library of Congress, 2021). These methods often resulted in defined curls when undone, showcasing an early understanding of how to manipulate hair texture without harsh chemicals.
• Communal Care ❉ Hair care was frequently a communal activity, especially on days of rest. This shared experience reinforced social bonds, allowed for the exchange of techniques and stories, and transformed a practical necessity into a moment of collective heritage and solace (Library of Congress, 2021; Africa.com, 2022).

The use of wigs and hair extensions also has deep historical roots, far predating modern trends. Ancient Egyptians, for example, utilized wigs and false braids, particularly among the elite, found in tombs and on mummified remains (UCL Discovery, 2012). In some African societies, women traditionally lengthened their hair with vegetable fibers, sinew, or even hair from relatives to enhance beauty (Sieber & Herreman, 2000). These practices speak to a long-standing tradition of hair augmentation for aesthetic and symbolic purposes, connecting contemporary uses to a rich ancestral past.

Relay

How does the resilience etched into every coil and curl of textured hair continue to shape cultural narratives and future traditions? This query invites us to delve into the profound interplay of biology, societal constructs, and the unwavering spirit of those who carry this heritage. The journey of textured hair, from elemental biology to its role in voicing identity, is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the human experience. It is a story of resistance, adaptation, and an enduring connection to ancestral wisdom, echoing through generations.

How Do Regimens Honor Ancestral Wisdom?

Building a personalized textured hair regimen today is, in many ways, a continuation of ancestral wisdom, albeit informed by modern scientific understanding. For centuries, African communities relied on local botanicals and time-tested methods to maintain hair health. This holistic approach recognized that hair health was intrinsically linked to overall well-being, diet, and spiritual harmony.

The historical significance of oils in hair care, for example, is undeniable. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Egyptians, valued oils like olive, castor, and almond for their nourishing properties (Fabulive, 2023). These traditions, often passed down orally, laid the groundwork for contemporary practices that prioritize natural ingredients. The understanding that certain plants offered specific benefits for scalp health or hair strength was a form of ancestral science, developed through generations of observation and experimentation.

One particularly resonant practice is the nighttime sanctuary of hair care, often involving bonnets or headwraps. This is not a recent invention but a tradition with deep historical roots. During slavery, enslaved Black women often used scarves to hide their hair, sometimes out of necessity due to harsh conditions or as a form of cultural preservation (Lester, 2000; Thompson, 2009). These head coverings also offered protection from the elements during arduous labor (Thompson, 2009; Historical Perspectives on Hair Care and Common Styling Practices in Black Women, 2025).

The practice of covering hair at night, therefore, became a quiet act of self-care and preservation, protecting hair that was often under assault by oppressive systems and inadequate resources. Today, the bonnet continues this legacy, offering practical protection while also symbolizing a connection to this resilient heritage.

The problem-solving approaches to textured hair issues, too, bear the imprint of ancestral ingenuity. Without access to modern laboratories or pharmaceutical compounds, communities relied on natural remedies for common concerns like dryness, breakage, or scalp irritation.

• Scalp Treatments ❉ Traditional African practices often included using various herbs and powders to assist with moisture retention and scalp health (Historical Perspectives on Hair Care and Common Styling Practices in Black Women, 2025). These could be infused oils or poultices designed to soothe and stimulate.
• Hair Masks ❉ Natural ingredients like clay, ground coil, and palm oil were used to shape and nourish hair (YouTube, 2020). These early forms of hair masks provided conditioning and structural support.
• Detangling Aids ❉ While specific tools might have varied, the communal aspect of hair care often meant that skilled hands and gentle methods were employed to detangle and prevent damage, prioritizing the health of the strand.

What Is the Interplay of Hair, Identity, and Resistance?

The journey of textured hair is profoundly intertwined with the broader history of Black and mixed-race experiences, serving as a powerful site of cultural preservation and resistance. During the transatlantic slave trade, the deliberate act of shaving the heads of enslaved Africans was a brutal attempt at dehumanization, a systematic effort to strip them of their identity, cultural markers, and connection to their heritage (Byrd & Tharps, 2001; Lashley, 2021; Library of Congress, 2021; Sieber & Herreman, 2000). Hair, which in Africa communicated tribal affiliation, social status, and spiritual connection, became a target of erasure (Sieber & Herreman, 2000; The Queen’s Journal, 2025).

Despite these oppressive measures, resistance bloomed. Enslaved individuals found ways to express individuality through their hair, even with limited resources, sometimes using materials like kerosene or bacon grease for care (Library of Congress, 2021). The communal practice of hair styling on Sundays, the only day of rest, became a tradition that reinforced bonds and allowed for cultural continuity (Library of Congress, 2021).

The legacy of this resistance continued through generations. The Hot Comb, patented by Madam C.J. Walker in the early 1900s, offered a means for Black women to straighten their hair, a practice that, while often seen through the lens of conforming to Eurocentric beauty standards, also provided a way to navigate a society that discriminated against natural textures (University of Michigan, 2008). Indeed, studies have shown that Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional (Greene, 2012, as cited in Ujima Natural Hair and the Black Community Black Paper, 2023), and many felt compelled to alter their hair for job interviews (Ujima Natural Hair and the Black Community Black Paper, 2023).

The Black Power Movement of the 1960s marked a significant turning point, ushering in a resurgence of “natural” hairstyles like the Afro. This was a direct counter-hegemonic movement, a powerful declaration that “Black is beautiful” and a rejection of Eurocentric beauty ideals (Lashley, 2021; Smith Scholarworks, 2017). The Afro became a symbol of racial identity politics, solidarity, and a visible connection to African ancestors (Smith Scholarworks, 2017; Library of Congress, 2021). Dreadlocks, too, gained popularity during this era, representing a spiritual and political stand, a form of “culturally contextualized everyday resistance” (Nrenzah, 2023).

From ancient signaling to modern declarations, textured hair has consistently served as a canvas for collective and individual defiance against oppression.

The ongoing natural hair movement today is a contemporary manifestation of this historical resistance, challenging discriminatory practices and celebrating the inherent beauty of textured hair (Ujima Natural Hair and the Black Community Black Paper, 2023). This movement, amplified by social media, continues to redefine beauty norms and empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves (Ujima Natural Hair and the Black Community Black Paper, 2023). The conversation around hair discrimination, leading to legislative efforts like the CROWN Act, underscores the enduring struggle for acceptance and the recognition of textured hair as a protected aspect of racial identity. The very act of wearing one’s natural hair can be seen as a strategy of resistance to white beauty standards and a connection to African roots and heritage (Banks, 2000, as cited in Cornerstone, 2013).

Reflection

As we close this contemplation of textured hair, its heritage, and its enduring care, we are left with a profound sense of its living, breathing archive. Each coil, each strand, carries the weight of history, the whispers of ancestors, and the vibrant pulse of contemporary identity. The practices surrounding textured hair are not static relics of the past; they are dynamic, evolving traditions that continue to serve as powerful acts of cultural preservation and resistance across generations.

From the ingenious covert communications woven into braids during times of enslavement to the bold statements of self-acceptance and pride in the modern era, textured hair stands as a testament to an unbreakable spirit. It reminds us that beauty, resilience, and identity are deeply intertwined, forever echoing the soulful wisdom of a strand.

References

• Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. I. (2001). Hair Story ❉ Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.
• Essel, E. A. (2023). Cornrow ❉ A Medium for Communicating Escape Strategies During the Transatlantic Slave Trade Era ❉ Evidences from Elmina Castle and Centre for National Culture in Kumasi. ResearchGate.
• Lashley, M. (2021). The importance of hair in the identity of Black people. Nouvelles pratiques sociales, 31(2), 206–227.
• Lester, N. A. (2000). Nappy edges and goldy locks ❉ African-American daughters and the politics of hair. The Lion and the Unicorn, 24(2), 201-224.
• Medland, S. E. Zhu, G. & Martin, N. G. (2009). Estimating the heritability of hair curliness in twins of European ancestry. Twin Research and Human Genetics, 12(5), 514–518.
• Nrenzah, G. (2023). Religion, Aesthetics, the Politics of Hair in Contemporary Ghana. ResearchGate .
• Sieber, R. & Herreman, F. (2000). Hair in African Art and Culture. The Museum for African Art.
• Thompson, C. (2009). Black women, beauty, and hair as a matter of being. Women’s Studies ❉ An Inter-Disciplinary Journal, 38(8), 831-856.