# What Ancestral Hair Practices Do Laws Now Uphold? ❉ Question

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

---

![This striking portrait celebrates the beauty and cultural significance of locs, a protective style often representing ancestral heritage and a connection to Black hair traditions. The luminous backdrop contrasts with shadowed areas to create a deep, contemplative focus on identity and pride](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-protective-locs-and-natural-radiance.jpg)

![The monochrome aesthetic highlights the inherent beauty and geometric design of the carefully crafted locs hairstyle, creating a powerful statement of personal expression and cultural identity. With precise makeup and a sharp eye, the image captures her unique look, embodying both strength and elegance](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-short-locs-hairstyle-and-defined-facial-features.jpg)

## Roots

To journey into the intersection of [ancestral hair practices](/area/ancestral-hair-practices/) and contemporary [legal frameworks](/area/legal-frameworks/) is to trace the intricate patterns of heritage woven into the very fabric of human identity. It is a profound exploration, one that asks us to consider not merely the biological strands that crown us, but the profound cultural narratives each coil and wave carries. For those with textured hair, particularly individuals from Black and mixed-race lineages, hair is far more than a physical attribute; it is a living archive, a repository of stories stretching back through generations, speaking of resilience, artistry, and deep communal bonds (Essel, 2023). Our inquiry into what ancestral hair practices laws now uphold invites us to honor this truth, to look at how the wisdom of old ways now finds echo in the [legal protections](/area/legal-protections/) of today. 

The very structure of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) ❉ its helical shape, its varied porosity, its unique density ❉ has long been misunderstood or, worse, devalued within dominant societal norms (Byrd & Tharps, 2002). Yet, within ancestral contexts, these inherent characteristics were celebrated, understood as integral to one’s being and connection to lineage. Practices developed over millennia addressed these particularities, fostering health and affirming beauty.

The scientific lexicon of today, with terms like cuticle, cortex, and medulla, helps us comprehend the biology, while the ancestral lexicon, rich with terms for braiding, oiling, and knotting, conveys practices honed by experience. The two spheres, science and tradition, coalesce when we see how modern understanding validates the efficacy of ancient care rituals.

![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)

## Understanding Textured Hair’s Ancestral Blueprint

Hair anatomy and physiology, when examined through a heritage lens, reveal a remarkable adaptability. The tightly coiled or intricately curled patterns, common across African diasporic communities, possess specific structural characteristics that demand particular care. These include a higher density of disulfide bonds in certain areas, contributing to their unique curl patterns, and a cuticle layer that may be more open, impacting moisture retention.

Ancestral communities, long before modern chemistry, understood these nuances instinctively. Their care rituals, passed down orally and through lived example, reflected a deep intuitive knowledge of how to nourish and protect these delicate, yet strong, strands.

> Ancestral hair practices, deeply rooted in cultural identity, are now explicitly protected by laws recognizing hair discrimination as a form of racial bias.
Consider the traditional methods of African [hair care](/area/hair-care/) that predated industrial products. These often involved local botanicals, natural oils, and clays. The Himba tribe of Namibia, for instance, has long used a paste called **otjize**, a blend of butterfat and ochre, not only for its distinct red hue but for its practical benefits, shielding hair from the sun and insects (Essel, 2023). This demonstrates an intricate understanding of both protective elements and aesthetic expression. 

![The portrait, marked by deep monochrome contrast, captures the Black woman in locs, radiating confidence. This artistic portrayal signifies the strength found in Black hair traditions and self-expression, reflecting a profound connection to ancestral pride and holistic identity with beauty](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-locs-and-light-play.jpg)

## How Traditional Hair Terminology Endures

The language surrounding textured hair is as layered as the strands themselves, carrying echoes of both historical experience and cultural resilience. Beyond scientific classifications, there exists a profound lexicon born from generations of collective care. 

- **Locs** ❉ A powerful symbol with spiritual and cultural roots extending back centuries, valued across various African traditions as an expression of identity and ancestral connection (Essel, 2023).

- **Braids** ❉ Encompassing styles like **cornrows**, **box braids**, and **plaits**, these were historically used for communication, social status, and artistic expression, conveying messages about age, marital status, or tribal affiliation (Essel, 2023).

- **Twists** ❉ A foundational protective style, traditionally used to manage and nourish hair while promoting length retention.

- **Bantu Knots** ❉ A traditional African styling method that also serves as a protective measure, creating defined curls when unfurled.
The persistent policing of these terms and the styles they represent, often deemed “unprofessional” or “unkempt” within [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards, necessitated formal legal recognition (NAACP Legal Defense Fund, n.d.). This long history, spanning from the forced shaving of enslaved Africans’ heads as a means to strip [cultural identity](/area/cultural-identity/) (Byrd & Tharps, 2002) to the later “Tignon Laws” in 18th-century Louisiana that compelled [Black women](/area/black-women/) to cover their hair (NAACP Legal Defense Fund, n.d.), laid bare a systemic attempt to erase heritage. The modern legal landscape, in recognizing these styles, formally acknowledges this painful past and seeks to repair its ongoing effects. 

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-locs-and-precision-shaved-hair-design.jpg)

![This portrait explores modern black hair styling, merging shaved sides with elegantly crafted locs, highlighting contemporary expressions of heritage and individuality the image](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-modern-locs-and-shaved-sides.jpg)

## Ritual

The daily and ceremonial rhythms of textured hair styling are living rituals, each twist, coil, and braid a deliberate act of heritage preservation. These practices are not mere adornment; they are techniques honed over generations, speaking to collective memory, artistry, and community. From the foundational act of detangling with intention to the intricate sculpting of protective styles, these rituals carry a profound weight of cultural meaning.

The influence of ancestral practices on modern styling is undeniable, shaping how many approach the care and presentation of textured hair today. It is within this deeply personal sphere that legal protections find their most tangible application, seeking to safeguard the right to cultural expression.

![This intimate portrait highlights the beauty of intentional textured hair design, where sculpted locs meet modern, minimalist style. The striking contrast between shaved sides and defined face emphasizes self-expression, making a compelling statement about identity, heritage, and the enduring significance of hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-elegant-woman-with-locs-and-shaved-sides-style.jpg)

## How Have Traditional Styling Techniques Shaped Current Protections?

Laws now upholding [ancestral hair](/area/ancestral-hair/) practices directly address a history of exclusion and bias. For generations, certain natural hairstyles were unjustly deemed unprofessional or inappropriate in academic and workplace settings, forcing individuals to alter their hair to conform to Eurocentric aesthetics (Economic Policy Institute, 2023). The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), originating in California in 2019 and since adopted by many states, is a direct legislative response to this historical reality. It broadens the definition of race to specifically include hair texture and [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) associated with race, such as braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots, thereby prohibiting discrimination based on these characteristics. 

This legal action acknowledges that discrimination based on hair is, in fact, racial discrimination (NAACP Legal Defense Fund, n.d.). For example, a 2020 study from Michigan State University and Duke University found that Black women with natural hairstyles were less likely to secure job interviews compared to white women or Black women with straightened hair. This stark reality underscored the economic and social barriers created by hair bias. The CROWN Act directly challenges such biases by offering legal recourse and affirming the right to wear one’s hair in styles that reflect cultural heritage. 

> Legal frameworks like the CROWN Act formally recognize and protect traditional textured hair styles as an extension of racial identity and heritage.
The protective styling encyclopedia, particularly, draws heavily from ancestral ingenuity. Styles like cornrows, box braids, and locs, practiced for centuries in African communities, are now explicitly protected under these laws. These styles served practical purposes of [hair health](/area/hair-health/) and maintenance in ancestral contexts, alongside their profound social and spiritual meanings (Essel, 2023). 

![This black and white image celebrates cultural hair artistry. Cornrow braids, expertly woven, showcase beauty and heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-black-woman-with-cornrow-braids-and-sleek-style.jpg)

## Tools of the Trade, past and Present

The tools employed in [textured hair care](/area/textured-hair-care/) and styling echo this journey from ancient wisdom to contemporary understanding. While modern innovations offer new possibilities, many foundational instruments remain rooted in historical practices. 

This connection between historical tools and contemporary legal protections highlights a profound shift. The law now formally safeguards the right to wear styles that were once a source of discrimination, styles that are direct descendants of these ancient techniques and the wisdom of the hands that created them. 

![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)

![The woman embodies refined sophistication in her black dress and silver jewelry, with her artfully styled locs radiating both heritage and modern elegance. Her confident look and the timeless black and white aesthetic connect to themes of identity, beauty, and the enduring power of self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-locs-and-silver-accessories-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## Relay

The perpetuation of textured hair traditions, from the deep roots of ancestral knowledge to the living rituals of care, culminates in a powerful relay of heritage that shapes individual and communal futures. It is a transmission of wisdom, a living library of practices that extends beyond mere aesthetics to encompass holistic wellbeing and profound identity affirmation. The journey from ancient remedies to contemporary legislative triumphs showcases a collective striving for recognition and respect. When we consider what ancestral [hair practices](/area/hair-practices/) laws now uphold, we truly speak to this ongoing passage of cultural wealth, securing its rightful place in society. 

![This evocative portrait of a woman adorned with locs captures the interplay of light and shadow, accentuating both strength and vulnerability. The image honors the heritage of textured hair while inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, beauty standards, and the ongoing dialogue around hair expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-an-african-american-woman-with-locs-and-shadow-play.jpg)

## How Do Laws Uphold the Ancestral Wisdom of Hair Regimens?

The protective legal frameworks established in recent years, such as the CROWN Act across various U.S. states, do more than merely prohibit discrimination; they validate the holistic approaches to textured hair care passed down through generations. These laws implicitly support the ancestral wisdom that emphasized protective styles and careful maintenance, recognizing these choices as fundamental expressions of racial and cultural identity. For instance, a considerable study by Dove and LinkedIn in 2023 revealed that Black women with coiled or textured hair are twice as likely to encounter workplace microaggressions, and over one-fifth of Black women between 25 and 34 years old have been sent home from their jobs because of their hair.

This data clarifies the very real consequences of the absence of such legal protections, underscoring the systemic bias these acts seek to dismantle. The impact of such discrimination extends beyond professional detriment, often affecting self-esteem and overall wellbeing (White-Jolivette, 2023).

Ancestral regimens often centered on principles of low manipulation, moisture retention, and scalp health ❉ truths now affirmed by modern trichology. The historical context of hair care for Black and mixed-race communities, often marked by the forced imposition of [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) and the use of harsh chemical straighteners for societal acceptance (Powell, 2018), provides a compelling backdrop for these legal advancements. The CROWN Act helps to dismantle the institutionalized racism embedded in appearance policies that historically targeted Black hair. 

> Modern legal protections for ancestral hair practices are a crucial step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and fostering holistic wellbeing.
The night-time sanctuary, particularly the use of head coverings like bonnets or durags, stands as a prime example of an ancestral practice now implicitly affirmed by this legal landscape. These coverings, used for centuries to preserve hairstyles, retain moisture, and protect strands during sleep, represent a simple yet profoundly effective method of care. While no law directly mandates the use of bonnets, the legislation that protects natural styles ensures that the effects of these preparatory rituals ❉ like well-preserved braids or defined locs ❉ are not met with disciplinary action in professional or educational environments. This protection allows individuals to maintain practices that contribute to their hair health and, by extension, their overall sense of self and heritage without fear of penalty. 

![This portrait evokes a sense of timeless beauty, with the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-silver-braids-and-elegant-dress.jpg)

## Traditional Ingredients and Modern Hair Wellness

The ingredients deeply ingrained in ancestral hair care, long revered for their therapeutic and protective qualities, find new appreciation as legal protections foster a broader acceptance of textured hair in its natural state. This cultural shift creates space for the re-emergence of heritage-based formulations. 

Many ancestral wellness philosophies viewed hair as a spiritual antenna, a conduit for wisdom and connection (Essel, 2023). Care for it was therefore integrated into broader practices of self-care and community wellbeing. This approach contrasts sharply with the historical pressure to chemically alter hair for conformity (Powell, 2018), a practice now understood to have significant health implications for individuals (McLane Middleton, 2023). 

- **Shea Butter** ❉ A staple from West Africa, prized for its conditioning and sealing properties, historically used to moisturize hair and scalp.

- **Coconut Oil** ❉ Widespread in various diasporic communities, recognized for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss.

- **Aloe Vera** ❉ Valued across many indigenous cultures for its soothing and hydrating benefits to the scalp.

- **Amla (Indian Gooseberry)** ❉ A traditional Ayurvedic herb used for strengthening hair and promoting growth in South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.
The laws that now safeguard the right to wear one’s hair naturally allow for a more expansive understanding of professional appearance, where hair is healthy and well-cared for, regardless of texture or style. This legislative progress helps to dismantle the racist roots of hair discrimination, which often stemmed from Eurocentric [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) that deemed coiled or kinky hair as “dirty” or “unkempt”. As societies recognize the beauty and validity of diverse hair textures, space is created for these ancestral ingredients and the philosophies that accompany them to truly flourish. 

![The portrait captures the strength and grace of a Black woman, her distinct hair crafted into a culturally rich style of braided locs, enhanced by a simple hairpin her textured hair serves as a connection to identity, heritage, and expressive styling.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-locs-and-hairpin.jpg)

![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)

## Reflection

The journey of textured hair, from its elemental biological blueprint to its powerful expression of identity, stands as a testament to enduring heritage. What ancestral hair practices laws now uphold represents far more than legal statutes; it marks a profound societal shift, a collective awakening to the sanctity of self-expression rooted in deep history. The coil, the braid, the loc ❉ each a living echo from ancient sources, carrying wisdom that has persevered through epochs of challenge. These laws, while a modern construct, validate the long-held truth that our hair is not merely an accessory.

It is a crown, intimately bound to the very soul of who we are, a living archive of generations of artistry, resilience, and belonging. The path ahead invites further recognition, a more complete understanding, and an even deeper reverence for the boundless beauty of every strand, in all its inherited glory.

![The elegant cornrow braids demonstrate a legacy of ancestral braiding, showcasing scalp health through strategic hair part placement, emphasizing the cultural significance of protective styles, hair density considerations, and low manipulation practices to support healthy textured hair growth rooted in natural hair traditions.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cornrow-braids-on-young-black-girl-showcasing-scalp-health-and-shine.jpg)

![Captured in sharp monochrome, the serene gaze of a youth with styled locs evokes themes of identity and ancestral heritage while reflecting a commitment to holistic hair care and expressive styling. The surf backdrop subtly hints at harmonious connection with nature, enriching the cultural narrative](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-man-with-locs-hairstyle-and-a-thoughtful-expression-close-up.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. L. (2002). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Griffin.

- Essel, S. (2023). The SAGE Encyclopedia of African Cultural Heritage in North America Hairstyles, Traditional African. SAGE Publications, Inc.

- Economic Policy Institute. (2023). The CROWN Act: A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroom. Economic Policy Institute.

- NAACP Legal Defense Fund. (n.d.). Hair Discrimination FAQ.

- Powell, C. (2018). Bias, Employment Discrimination, and Black Women’s Hair: Another Way Forward. BYU Law Review, 2018(4), 939-966.

- White-Jolivette, T. (2023). African American Women’s Experience of Wearing Natural Textured Hair. Walden University.

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

## Glossary

### [Protective Styles](https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/)

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.

### [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.

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

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

### [Legal Protections](https://roothea.co/area/legal-protections/)

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.

### [Ancestral Hair Laws](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-laws/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Laws denote the deep-seated wisdom and practical principles for textured hair care, meticulously observed and passed down through generations within Black and mixed-race lineages.

### [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.

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

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

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Culture refers to the deep well of inherited wisdom and continually refined practices surrounding the stewardship of coily, kinky, and wavy hair textures.

### [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.

### [Legal Frameworks](https://roothea.co/area/legal-frameworks/)

Meaning ❉ Consider 'Legal Frameworks' within our tender care for textured hair as the gentle, yet firm, foundational guidelines we lay down for ourselves.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Historical Laws Relate to Textured Hair Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-relate-to-textured-hair-discrimination/)
![The woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-sculpted-natural-hair-updo-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Laws Shape Black Hair in Workplaces?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-laws-shape-black-hair-in-workplaces/)
![This compelling portrait showcases bold artistry, embracing the beauty of textured hair. The juxtaposition of coiled hair and the undercut, along with the subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-defined-coiled-hair.jpg)

### [How Did the Tignon Laws Influence Black Women's Hair Practices and Cultural Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-the-tignon-laws-influence-black-womens-hair-practices-and-cultural-expression/)
![Bathed in radiant sunlight, these Black and Brown women engage in the practice of styling their diverse textured hair patterns, highlighting ancestral heritage, affirming beauty standards, and demonstrating holistic haircare routines that honor coils, waves, springs, and undulations in a shared setting, reflecting community and self-love.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-brown-women-in-sunlight-styling-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Oppressed Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-oppressed-textured-hair/)
![Against a backdrop of tempestuous skies, the subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-with-dynamically-styled-textured-hair.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Practices Link to Modern Textured Hair Care Laws?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-practices-link-to-modern-textured-hair-care-laws/)
![This textured clay mask application, bathed in monochrome light, symbolizes a deeper connection to ancestral hair care practices, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness, heritage, and expressive styling within mixed-race hair narratives and the beauty of natural formation.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-clay-mask-swirl-highlighting-natural-hair-care-rituals-in-monochrome.jpg)

### [How Did Sumptuary Laws Affect Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-sumptuary-laws-affect-textured-hair/)
![The portrait captures the timeless elegance of textured hair styled into neat finger waves, reminiscent of vintage glamour and reflecting cultural artistry. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-short-finger-waved-textured-hair.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Affected Ancestral Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-affected-ancestral-hair-practices/)
![Hands extract aloe vera pulp for a traditional hair treatment, connecting generations through natural haircare rituals. This image represents a tangible link to ancestral heritage and the enduring beauty of holistic textured hair care practices promoting optimal scalp health and resilient hair formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/extracting-aloe-vera-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-preparation-method.jpg)

### [How Did the Tignon Laws Reshape Hair Covering Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-the-tignon-laws-reshape-hair-covering-heritage/)
![The monochrome study emphasizes the woman’s elegant features framed by her platinum blonde afro textured hair, a nod to expressive style within mixed-race hair narratives. The close crop fosters an intimate connection with the viewer, reinforcing holistic beauty ideals and textured hair pride through ancestral heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-short-platinum-blonde-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Do Traditional Shea Butter Practices Uphold Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-traditional-shea-butter-practices-uphold-textured-hair-heritage/)
![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)

---

## Raw Schema Data

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "Question",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "What Ancestral Hair Practices Do Laws Now Uphold?",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-practices-do-laws-now-uphold/"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-practices-do-laws-now-uphold/"
    },
    "headline": "What Ancestral Hair Practices Do Laws Now Uphold? ❉ Question",
    "description": "Laws now uphold ancestral hair practices, safeguarding cultural styles like braids and locs as extensions of racial identity. ❉ Question",
    "url": "https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-practices-do-laws-now-uphold/",
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Roothea",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/author/roothea/"
    },
    "datePublished": "2025-06-14T14:33:03+08:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-01-11T08:50:48+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Question"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-locs-and-precision-shaved-hair-design.jpg",
        "caption": "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."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Have Traditional Styling Techniques Shaped Current Protections?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nLaws now upholding ancestral hair practices directly address a history of exclusion and bias. For generations, certain natural hairstyles were unjustly deemed unprofessional or inappropriate in academic and workplace settings, forcing individuals to alter their hair to conform to Eurocentric aesthetics (Economic Policy Institute, 2023). The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), originating in California in 2019 and since adopted by many states, is a direct legislative response to this historical reality. It broadens the definition of race to specifically include hair texture and protective styles associated with race, such as braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots, thereby prohibiting discrimination based on these characteristics.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Do Laws Uphold the Ancestral Wisdom of Hair Regimens?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe protective legal frameworks established in recent years, such as the CROWN Act across various U.S. states, do more than merely prohibit discrimination; they validate the holistic approaches to textured hair care passed down through generations. These laws implicitly support the ancestral wisdom that emphasized protective styles and careful maintenance, recognizing these choices as fundamental expressions of racial and cultural identity. For instance, a considerable study by Dove and LinkedIn in 2023 revealed that Black women with coiled or textured hair are twice as likely to encounter workplace microaggressions, and over one-fifth of Black women between 25 and 34 years old have been sent home from their jobs because of their hair. This data clarifies the very real consequences of the absence of such legal protections, underscoring the systemic bias these acts seek to dismantle. The impact of such discrimination extends beyond professional detriment, often affecting self-esteem and overall wellbeing (White-Jolivette, 2023).\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-practices-do-laws-now-uphold/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-practices/",
            "name": "Ancestral Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Practices signify the accumulated knowledge and customary techniques passed down through generations within Black and mixed-race communities, specifically concerning the well-being and styling of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/ancestral-hair/",
            "name": "Ancestral Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair refers to the inherited genetic characteristics and structural predispositions of one's hair, particularly significant for individuals with Black or mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@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/hair-health/",
            "name": "Hair Health",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-health/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Health, for textured strands, denotes a state of optimal scalp vitality and fiber integrity, where each coil and kink displays balanced hydration and intrinsic resilience."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Care refers to the considered practice of attending to the unique structure of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-practices/",
            "name": "Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Hair Practices\" refers to the considered actions and routines applied to the care, maintenance, and presentation of one's hair, particularly pertinent for textured hair types, including Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/ancestral-hair-laws/",
            "name": "Ancestral Hair Laws",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-laws/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Laws denote the deep-seated wisdom and practical principles for textured hair care, meticulously observed and passed down through generations within Black and mixed-race lineages."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Heritage\" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-culture/",
            "name": "Black Hair Culture",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-culture/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Culture refers to the deep well of inherited wisdom and continually refined practices surrounding the stewardship of coily, kinky, and wavy hair textures."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-practices-do-laws-now-uphold/
