# In What Ways Does the CROWN Act Uphold Heritage? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-14
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![In monochrome, the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-cornrow-braids-and-natural-hair.jpg)

![Elegant in monochrome, the portrait celebrates the beauty and strength embodied within afro textured hair, a coil crown, and classic style. The image is an ode to heritage, resilience, and the power of self-expression through textured hair forms, deeply rooted in Black hair traditions and ancestral pride](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-classic-dress.jpg)

## Roots

Consider the quiet strength of a single coil, a tightly wound testament to resilience. For centuries, the very fabric of Black and mixed-race identity has been intricately bound to the hair that springs from the scalp. This connection is not merely about aesthetics; it is a profound historical dialogue, a living record of survival, beauty, and cultural persistence. When we speak of the CROWN Act, we are not just discussing a piece of legislation.

We are acknowledging a fundamental principle: that the ancestral inheritance expressed through [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) deserves protection, reverence, and unfettered presence in every space. It is a legal declaration that what grows from our heads, shaped by generations of tradition and defiance, is a source of pride, never a basis for exclusion.

The CROWN Act, short for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” directly confronts a legacy of systemic discrimination that has long targeted hair textures and [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) historically associated with people of African descent. These styles ❉ cornrows, locs, braids, Bantu knots, Afros, and twists ❉ are not random choices; they are expressions rooted in ancient practices and deep cultural meanings (Afriklens, 2024). The Act seeks to ensure that educational and employment opportunities are not denied because of [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) or these protective hairstyles. This legislative effort provides a shield, permitting individuals to wear their hair in ways that honor their familial lines and communal memory without fear of economic or social reprisal. 

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

## What Constitutes Textured Hair in Its Ancestral Form?

To truly appreciate the CROWN Act’s reach, one must understand the unique physical architecture of textured hair itself, a blueprint passed down through time. Afro-textured hair, a term used for the [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) of certain populations in Africa and the African Diaspora, carries distinctive features. It typically presents a tighter curl pattern compared to Caucasian and Asian hair.

This coiling, often described as helix-shaped, influences how moisture and sebum travel along the hair shaft, making it more prone to dryness and breakage without proper care (estherotomi, 2015). The very form of the strand carries a heritage of adaptation to diverse climates and environments.

The core of each hair strand, regardless of its outer appearance, is composed primarily of a protein called **keratin**, a structural component also found in skin and nails (ScienceIQ.com, 2023). Within the hair shaft, especially the middle layer known as the **cortex**, resides melanin, the pigment that dictates [hair color](/area/hair-color/) (ScienceIQ.com, 2023; Bronde Blvd Salon, 2023). Two primary types of melanin, eumelanin and pheomelanin, determine the spectrum of black, brown, red, and blond hues (ScienceIQ.com, 2023).

In textured hair, the distribution of these melanin granules, alongside the distinctive shape of the hair follicle (which can be elliptical rather than round), contributes to the characteristic curl and coil patterns (estherotomi, 2015). This biological reality means that textured hair is not merely a style; it is a genetically expressed physical trait, an inherent part of one’s being.

> The CROWN Act stands as a legal affirmation that textured hair, in its myriad forms, is a protected expression of racial and cultural identity.

![The image celebrates the intimate act of nurturing textured hair, using rich ingredients on densely coiled strands, reflecting a commitment to holistic wellness and Black hair traditions. This ritual links generations through ancestral knowledge and the practice of self-love embodied in natural hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hair-cream-to-coiled-hair-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## How Did Hair Classification Systems Evolve?

Historically, descriptions of textured hair often carried the weight of societal bias, using terms that subtly or overtly reflected [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards. The very language used to classify hair has sometimes served to otherize or diminish the beauty of coils and curls. Early attempts at categorization, while sometimes aiming for scientific rigor, frequently overlooked the vast spectrum of textures within African and mixed-race communities. Traditional African societies, by contrast, understood hair as a visual language, its styles conveying information about a person’s age, social status, marital status, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs (Afriklens, 2024; BBC News, 2015). 

The modern understanding of hair types, like the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, while helpful for product selection, often still struggles to fully capture the complexity and diversity of textured hair. These systems, whether explicit or implicit, sometimes inadvertently perpetuate a hierarchy where looser curls are valued more. The CROWN Act, through its explicit protection of various styles, seeks to dismantle this unspoken hierarchy, insisting that all forms of textured hair, from the tightest coil to the loosest curl, are equally deserving of respect and protection. It reinforces a heritage perspective where the inherent beauty of all natural hair is recognized and celebrated. 

![The monochrome portrait highlights textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-adorned-with-intricate-braided-hairstyle-and.jpg)

![The image captures a poignant moment of care, showing the dedication involved in textured hair management, highlighting the ancestral heritage embedded in these practices. The textured hair formation](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-portrait-of-child-receiving-hair-care-with-black-hair-traditions.jpg)

## Ritual

The act of styling textured hair is rarely a mere chore; it is a ritual, a connection across generations, a continuous affirmation of identity forged through historical currents. From the painstaking sectioning of braids to the careful tending of locs, these practices carry stories and wisdom passed down through ancestral lines. The CROWN Act, in its defense of these styles, acknowledges not only their aesthetic value but also their profound cultural and historical weight. 

Styling African and mixed-race hair has always been both an art and a necessity, particularly for protective styles. In times of slavery, for instance, cornrows were not just hairstyles; they were ingenious maps, sometimes even holding seeds for survival, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of enslaved individuals (University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024; BLAM UK CIC, 2022; Livara Natural Organics, 2023). This legacy of hair as a tool for resistance and communication underscores why its protection is so deeply tied to heritage. 

![This portrait presents a powerful expression of identity through hairstyling. With precision lines and expertly textured hair, it represents not just an aesthetic choice but celebrates cultural heritage and artistic individuality within textured hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-textured-hair-and-clean-lines.jpg)

## What Is the Historical Context of Protective Hair Styling?

Protective styles ❉ such as braids, twists, and locs ❉ have roots stretching back thousands of years in African cultures (Afriklens, 2024). These styles were initially functional, minimizing breakage and allowing hair to grow (Afriklens, 2024). Beyond practicality, they conveyed social standing, age, and marital status (Afriklens, 2024; BBC News, 2015).

For example, archaeological evidence from ancient Egypt and Kush shows elaborate wigs and braided styles that symbolized wealth, devotion, and a connection to deities (Afriklens, 2024). The techniques and tools used, like combs fashioned from wood or bone, were sophisticated and purpose-built for the unique characteristics of textured hair (University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024; Africa Rebirth, 2022).

The post-emancipation era presented new challenges. Many Black individuals faced immense pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, leading to widespread use of chemical straighteners and hot combs, often at great cost to hair health and personal well-being (BBC News, 2015; University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024). Despite this, the heritage of styling endured, often in private spaces and within communities, passed from mother to daughter, friend to friend.

The [Civil Rights](/area/civil-rights/) Movement saw a powerful resurgence of natural styles, with the **Afro** becoming a strong symbol of Black pride and defiance against oppressive norms (BBC News, 2015; University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024). This historical pendulum swing, from forced assimilation to proud reclamation, highlights the CROWN Act’s timeliness.

> The CROWN Act stands as a legal affirmation that textured hair, in its myriad forms, is a protected expression of racial and cultural identity.

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

## How Does Hair Discrimination Impact Identity?

The denial of opportunities due to textured hair is not a new phenomenon; it has a long, documented history within the United States. In 1786, Louisiana passed the “Tignon Laws,” forcing [Black women](/area/black-women/) to cover their hair with headscarves, a direct attempt to diminish their status and control their appearance (Don’t touch my hair!, 2022). This legal precedent, born of racial prejudice, served to reinforce the idea that Black hair, in its natural state, was unprofessional or undesirable. This history of legal and social pressure compelled many Black women to alter their hair, sometimes at the expense of their health, to fit white societal standards (McLane Middleton, 2023). 

A significant legal example that underscored the need for the CROWN Act’s specific protections can be found in the 2016 Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions. In this case, Chastity Jones, a Black job applicant, had a job offer rescinded after refusing to cut her dreadlocks. The court sided with the employer, ruling that a ban on dreadlocks, under a race-neutral grooming policy, did not constitute intentional race-based discrimination because dreadlocks were considered a “mutable characteristic,” meaning they could be changed (EEOC v.

Catastrophe Mgmt. Sols. 2017; McLane Middleton, 2023; EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions, 2024).

This decision, which differentiated between immutable racial characteristics and cultural practices, illuminated the legal void the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) aimed to fill. The Act directly challenges this interpretation, asserting that styles like locs are indeed inextricably linked to racial identity and therefore deserve protection.

- **Cornrows** ❉ Ancient braiding patterns, sometimes used for conveying messages or mapping escape routes during slavery (University of Salford Students’ Union, 2024).

- **Locs** ❉ Styles that have historical roots in various African traditions, often linked to spiritual practices and identity (BBC News, 2015).

- **Bantu Knots** ❉ A protective style originating from the Zulu people of Southern Africa, a symbol of beauty and cultural connection.

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

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

## Relay

The CROWN Act serves as a crucial relay in the long race for recognition and respect for textured hair, extending protections that challenge long-standing biases. It is a legislative response to a lived experience, drawing upon generations of cultural wisdom and scientific understanding to secure equity for current and future generations. The deep roots of this legal action are found in historical struggles against hair discrimination, which has long served as a proxy for racial bias (Changing Lenses, 2022). 

By explicitly defining hair texture and protective hairstyles as traits associated with race, the CROWN Act strengthens legal frameworks. California was the first state to pass such a law in 2019, clarifying that discrimination based on race prohibited by the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and in public education includes discrimination based on traits historically associated with race, such as braids, locs, and twists (Senate Judiciary Committee, 2024; McLane Middleton, 2023). This legislative approach provides a clear mandate, making it harder for entities to claim race-neutrality when their policies disproportionately affect Black individuals. 

![The portrait of this Black woman radiates cultural pride, her textured hair styled in a braided crown beneath a striking headwrap, symbolizes her rich heritage. Her expression is one of quiet strength, reflective of holistic beauty, wellness, and the enduring legacy expressed through her hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-braided-crown-wearing-headwrap-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

## How Does the CROWN Act Address Systemic Bias?

The Act targets both overt discrimination and the subtle, often unconscious biases that shape perceptions of professionalism. Studies have consistently shown that Black women with natural hairstyles are often perceived as less professional than those with straightened hair (Perception Institute, 2016, cited in Don’t touch my hair!, 2022; McLane Middleton, 2023). This perception contributes to a system where conformity to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) becomes a prerequisite for success in educational and employment settings (Sociology, QuickTakes, 2023; [Black Hair](/area/black-hair/) and Hair Texture, 2023). The CROWN Act directly challenges this underlying assumption, affirming that cultural expressions through hair are legitimate and should not hinder opportunity. 

The passage of the CROWN Act at the state and, with ongoing efforts, at the federal level, represents a significant victory in recognizing the inherent value of Black hair practices. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Senator Cory Booker have been instrumental in leading the federal legislative efforts (CROWN Act of 2022, 2022; Black lawmakers reintroduce federal CROWN Act legislation, 2024). Their work builds upon decades of advocacy by groups and individuals who understood that dignity and self-expression through hair are fundamental civil rights (Legal Defense Fund, 2019). The legislation ensures that what once served as a means of control and subjugation is now recognized as a protected aspect of racial identity. 

![This portrait celebrates the beauty of tightly coiled Afro texture, emphasizing ancestral heritage and self expression. The juxtaposition of shaved sides with the rounded crown highlights the dynamic possibilities within black hair traditions, embracing individuality through styling and haircare practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-textured-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

## What Is the Connection to Ancestral Wellness?

Beyond legal definitions, the CROWN Act helps validate the deep ancestral knowledge embedded in textured hair care. Traditional practices, passed down through generations, were not simply about appearance; they were holistic rituals connected to well-being, community, and spiritual grounding (Substack, 2025). The Act opens space for these practices to thrive in public life without penalty. 

Consider the use of natural ingredients in textured hair care, a practice with ancient roots. From shea butter in West Africa, used for moisturizing and protection, to aloe vera for soothing the scalp, these botanical remedies speak to a long history of utilizing nature’s bounty (22 Ayur, 2023; African [Hair Care](/area/hair-care/) Practices, 2025; BLK + GRN, 2019). Ayurvedic herbs like **Amla** (Indian Gooseberry), **Bhringraj**, and **Brahmi**, known for strengthening hair and promoting growth, also reflect a global exchange of traditional wisdom, often influencing care practices in the diaspora (Indiatimes, 2023; Butters and Blacksoap, 2022). The choice to use these ancestral ingredients and methods represents a commitment to inherited wellness practices, which the CROWN Act implicitly protects by upholding the styles they create. 

The societal validation provided by the CROWN Act extends to the psychological well-being of individuals. [Hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) has been shown to cause feelings of inadequacy and diminished self-esteem among Black women (Sociology, QuickTakes, 2023). By offering legal recourse and affirming cultural hair practices, the Act contributes to a broader sense of self-acceptance and pride, allowing individuals to carry their heritage visibly and without compromise. This shift helps undo the internalized racism that can result from constant pressure to conform to unrealistic [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) (Sociology, QuickTakes, 2023). 

- **Legal Evolution** ❉ The CROWN Act represents a legislative evolution, moving beyond previous narrow interpretations of racial discrimination in the courts to include hair.

- **Cultural Validation** ❉ It offers societal recognition for hair practices that are deeply meaningful and have been historically marginalized.

- **Psychological Impact** ❉ The Act supports mental well-being by reducing the pressure to conform and allowing for authentic self-expression.

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

![The portrait captures a profound sense of wisdom and strength emanating from her detailed afro braided hair, reflecting African ancestral beauty traditions. Woven hair ornaments enhance textured elegance, a legacy of holistic cultural expressions and enduring commitment to heritage and wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/resilient-elder-with-braided-afro-textured-hair-and-traditional-adornments.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey of textured hair, from ancient adornment to modern civil right, flows like a living river, carrying stories of struggle and triumph. The CROWN Act, in its quiet strength, acknowledges this profound history, offering a legal bridge from past injustices to a more equitable future. It is a testament to the enduring spirit that has, for generations, found identity, artistry, and resilience within each strand.

This legislation reminds us that personal expression through hair is not a trivial matter. It is a fundamental declaration of self, a visible connection to ancestry, and a vibrant continuation of heritage.

Roothea’s ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos finds its true expression in this legislative moment. The Act honors the wisdom of those who braided survival into their hair during the transatlantic slave trade and celebrates the bold statements of the Afro during the Civil Rights era. It secures the right for every person to carry their historical legacy, their unique biology, and their chosen forms of beauty into any space, unburdened by prejudice.

As we move forward, the CROWN Act serves as a reminder that the path to true inclusion demands not only legal protection but also a deep, abiding respect for the diverse ways in which heritage manifests, particularly in the glorious expressions of textured hair. This is not the end of the story, but a profound chapter in the ongoing narrative of freedom and affirmation.

![This evocative monochrome study honors ancestral braiding artistry, showcasing a woman adorned with a braided crown that beautifully celebrates her afro textured hair and cultural heritage, while demonstrating masterful hair manipulation techniques that have been passed down through generations, for expressive styling.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-crown-hairstyle-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

![The child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-african-child-adorned-with-intricate-coiled-hair-style-and-beadwork.jpg)

## References

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

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

- BLAM UK CIC. (2022). The History of Black Hair.

- Black Hair and Hair Texture: Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion for Black Women in Higher Education. (2023). Emerald Insight.

- Black lawmakers reintroduce federal CROWN Act legislation to ban hair discrimination. (2024).

- Bronde Blvd Salon. (2023). The Science of Hair Color.

- Butters and Blacksoap. (2022). Ayurvedic Herbs and Oils for Natural Hair.

- Changing Lenses. (2022). A Case Study in Privilege: Black Hair Discrimination and Legalization.

- CROWN Act of 2022. (2022). Wikipedia.

- Don’t touch my hair!: A guide to investigating race-based hair discrimination. (2022).

- EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions. (2024).

- EEOC v. Catastrophe Mgmt. Sols. No. 14-13482, 2016 U.S. App. LEXIS 16918 (11th Cir. 2016). (2017). Library Guides – University of Missouri.

- estherotomi. (2015). BLACK HAIR SCIENCE: THE STRUCTURE OF AFRO TEXTURED HAIR.

- Indiatimes. (2023). 10 herbal potions which can give you thick black hair.

- Legal Defense Fund. (2019). Background Resources on Black Hair Discrimination and Bias.

- Livara Natural Organics. (2023). Black History Month: The Rich History of Our African Hair.

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

- Obé Headwear. (2024). Significance of headwraps | Hair care.

- ScienceIQ.com. (2023). What Gives Hair Its Color?

- Senate Judiciary Committee – CA.gov. (2024). Discrimination: race: hairstyles.

- Sociology, QuickTakes. (2023). Student Question: What impact does hair discrimination have on the identity and self-expression of Black women?

- Substack. (2025). Ancestral Hair Rituals to Nourish Your Hair and Soul.

- The African Tales of The Historical 7000 Year Old Afro Comb. (2022). Africa Rebirth.

- The History of Black Hair. (2015). BBC News.

- University of Salford Students’ Union. (2024). The Remarkable History Behind Black Hairstyles.

## Glossary

### [Hair Texture](https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/)

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.

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

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.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair Discrimination, a subtle yet impactful bias, refers to the differential and often unfavorable treatment of individuals based on the natural characteristics or chosen styles of their hair, especially those textures and forms historically worn by Black and mixed-race persons.

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

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

### [Cultural Identity](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/)

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.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Heritage denotes the ongoing societal and personal impact stemming from legislation that protects the right to wear natural Black and mixed-race hair textures without discrimination in schools and workplaces.

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

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.

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

Meaning ❉ The C.R.O.W.N.

### [Crown Care](https://roothea.co/area/crown-care/)

Meaning ❉ "Crown Care" for textured hair, a term spoken with gentle reverence, represents far more than superficial styling; it is a holistic philosophy guiding the sustained well-being of Black and mixed-race hair.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Military addresses hair discrimination within the United States armed forces, ensuring service members can wear their natural hair textures and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, without facing adverse consequences.

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    "dateModified": "2025-06-14T13:30:20+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Question"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-crown-braid-hairstyle-textured-hair-cultural-heritage.jpg",
        "caption": "This evocative portrait celebrates textured hair through a complex crown braid. It symbolizes cultural artistry, embracing heritage."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Constitutes Textured Hair in its Ancestral Form?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nTo truly appreciate the CROWN Act’s reach, one must understand the unique physical architecture of textured hair itself, a blueprint passed down through time. Afro-textured hair, a term used for the natural hair of certain populations in Africa and the African Diaspora, carries distinctive features. It typically presents a tighter curl pattern compared to Caucasian and Asian hair. This coiling, often described as helix-shaped, influences how moisture and sebum travel along the hair shaft, making it more prone to dryness and breakage without proper care (estherotomi, 2015). The very form of the strand carries a heritage of adaptation to diverse climates and environments.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Did Hair Classification Systems Evolve?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nHistorically, descriptions of textured hair often carried the weight of societal bias, using terms that subtly or overtly reflected Eurocentric beauty standards. The very language used to classify hair has sometimes served to otherize or diminish the beauty of coils and curls. Early attempts at categorization, while sometimes aiming for scientific rigor, frequently overlooked the vast spectrum of textures within African and mixed-race communities. Traditional African societies, by contrast, understood hair as a visual language, its styles conveying information about a person’s age, social status, marital status, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs (Afriklens, 2024; BBC News, 2015).\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What is the Historical Context of Protective Hair Styling?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nProtective styles—such as braids, twists, and locs—have roots stretching back thousands of years in African cultures (Afriklens, 2024). These styles were initially functional, minimizing breakage and allowing hair to grow (Afriklens, 2024). Beyond practicality, they conveyed social standing, age, and marital status (Afriklens, 2024; BBC News, 2015). For example, archaeological evidence from ancient Egypt and Kush shows elaborate wigs and braided styles that symbolized wealth, devotion, and a connection to deities (Afriklens, 2024). The techniques and tools used, like combs fashioned from wood or bone, were sophisticated and purpose-built for the unique characteristics of textured hair (University of Salford Students' Union, 2024; Africa Rebirth, 2022).\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does Hair Discrimination Impact Identity?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe denial of opportunities due to textured hair is not a new phenomenon; it has a long, documented history within the United States. In 1786, Louisiana passed the \"Tignon Laws,\" forcing Black women to cover their hair with headscarves, a direct attempt to diminish their status and control their appearance (Don't touch my hair!, 2022). This legal precedent, born of racial prejudice, served to reinforce the idea that Black hair, in its natural state, was unprofessional or undesirable. This history of legal and social pressure compelled many Black women to alter their hair, sometimes at the expense of their health, to fit white societal standards (McLane Middleton, 2023).\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does the CROWN Act Address Systemic Bias?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe Act targets both overt discrimination and the subtle, often unconscious biases that shape perceptions of professionalism. Studies have consistently shown that Black women with natural hairstyles are often perceived as less professional than those with straightened hair (Perception Institute, 2016, cited in Don't touch my hair!, 2022; McLane Middleton, 2023). This perception contributes to a system where conformity to Eurocentric beauty standards becomes a prerequisite for success in educational and employment settings (Sociology, QuickTakes, 2023; Black Hair and Hair Texture, 2023). The CROWN Act directly challenges this underlying assumption, affirming that cultural expressions through hair are legitimate and should not hinder opportunity.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What is the Connection to Ancestral Wellness?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nBeyond legal definitions, the CROWN Act helps validate the deep ancestral knowledge embedded in textured hair care. Traditional practices, passed down through generations, were not simply about appearance; they were holistic rituals connected to well-being, community, and spiritual grounding (Substack, 2025). The Act opens space for these practices to thrive in public life without penalty.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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    "@type": "WebPage",
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    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "name": "Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
            "name": "Protective Styles",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Protective Styles denote a thoughtful strategy in textured hair care, meticulously crafted to shield the hair's more vulnerable lengths from routine manipulation and environmental exposure."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/hair-color/",
            "name": "Hair Color",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-color/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair color, when viewed through the lens of textured strands, is not merely a visual attribute but a core element of a strand's unique biological makeup."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/black-women/",
            "name": "Black Women",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act/",
            "name": "CROWN Act",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act establishes legal protections against discrimination based on hair texture and styles frequently worn by individuals of Black or mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/hair-care/",
            "name": "Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Care, when understood through the lens of textured hair, signifies a mindful discipline for preserving the vigor of coily, kinky, and wavy strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-discrimination/",
            "name": "Hair Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Discrimination, a subtle yet impactful bias, refers to the differential and often unfavorable treatment of individuals based on the natural characteristics or chosen styles of their hair, especially those textures and forms historically worn by Black and mixed-race persons."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/crown-act-heritage/",
            "name": "CROWN Act Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Heritage denotes the ongoing societal and personal impact stemming from legislation that protects the right to wear natural Black and mixed-race hair textures without discrimination in schools and workplaces."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/",
            "name": "C.R.O.W.N. Act",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The C.R.O.W.N."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-care/",
            "name": "Crown Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Crown Care\" for textured hair, a term spoken with gentle reverence, represents far more than superficial styling; it is a holistic philosophy guiding the sustained well-being of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/",
            "name": "CROWN Act Military",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Military addresses hair discrimination within the United States armed forces, ensuring service members can wear their natural hair textures and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, without facing adverse consequences."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-the-crown-act-uphold-heritage/
