# What Historical Biases against Black Hair Does the CROWN Act Address? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-16
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![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)

![This monochrome portrait highlights the beauty of textured hair, its helical formation rendered in striking detail. The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-textured-afro-hairstyle-and-shawl.jpg)

## Roots

To journey into the heart of what the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) truly addresses, we must first listen to the whispers of heritage that coil within each strand of textured hair. This is not simply a legal act; it is a recognition, long overdue, of a living legacy, a defiance against centuries of imposed silence and systemic devaluation. For generations, the vibrant coil, the resilient loc, the intricate braid, has been more than adornment for Black and mixed-race communities. It has been a language, a map, a spiritual conduit, a marker of identity, and a repository of history itself.

Yet, this profound connection has been tragically misunderstood, dismissed, and, most painfully, punished in spaces that demand conformity to an alien aesthetic. The CROWN Act steps onto this ancient ground, attempting to mend a rupture, to affirm what ancestral wisdom has always known: our hair is wholly, beautifully our own.

![This evocative portrait celebrates textured hair through a complex crown braid. It symbolizes cultural artistry, embracing heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-crown-braid-hairstyle-textured-hair-cultural-heritage.jpg)

## The Hair Follicle and Its Heritage

Our understanding of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) begins at its very source: the follicle. Unlike the more cylindrical follicles often associated with Eurocentric hair types, those that birth coily and tightly curled strands tend to be elliptical or S-shaped, with a retro-curvature at the hair bulb. This unique structure influences the hair shaft’s elliptical cross-section and its characteristic high curvature. This curvature, while conferring a certain resilience and ability to retain voluminous styles, also renders the hair more susceptible to mechanical damage and breakage if handled improperly.

Ancestral practitioners understood this intrinsic nature, developing care rituals that respected the hair’s unique architecture long before microscopes revealed its secrets. They knew, through observation and inherited wisdom, that these strands thirsted for deep moisture and gentle handling.

The very biology of textured hair, then, becomes a point of historical contention. When Eurocentric beauty standards ❉ prioritizing straight, long, and smooth hair ❉ became the societal norm, the natural characteristics of [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) were deemed “unruly,” “messy,” or “unprofessional.” This devaluation was not accidental; it served to justify dehumanization during the [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) and to enforce social hierarchies after slavery’s abolition. The CROWN Act, in its essence, challenges this deeply ingrained biological bias, affirming that the natural state of Black hair needs no apology or alteration to meet standards of human worth or professional competence. 

> The CROWN Act acknowledges a profound truth: the inherent structure of textured hair, a heritage marker, has been unjustly weaponized as a tool of discrimination.

![The portrait captures a young girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-young-black-girl-with-high-density-afro-and-shadow-play.jpg)

## Language and Labeling Biases

Consider the lexicon of hair. Words like “nappy,” “kinky,” or “woolly” have long been used to describe Black hair, often with derogatory connotations, reflecting centuries of negative perceptions tied to slavery and dehumanization. These terms were not neutral descriptors; they were deployed to underscore a supposed difference, an “otherness,” classifying [Afro-textured hair](/area/afro-textured-hair/) as closer to animal fur than human hair.

This linguistic assault on hair was a part of a broader systemic effort to strip away cultural identity. Even the term “dreadlocks” originally derived from slave traders describing Afro-textured hair as “dreadful” during the Middle Passage.

The CROWN Act directly counters this legacy of linguistic bias by explicitly protecting hair textures that are “coiled or tightly curled” and styles like “locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, Afros or any other hairstyle that is commonly associated with a race or national origin.” By naming and protecting these styles, the act reclaims and dignifies the ancestral language of Black hair, asserting its rightful place as a valid, professional, and beautiful expression of self. 

The historical devaluation of Black hair manifested in policies that enforced conformity.

- **The Comb Test** ❉ After slavery, some organizations used a fine-tooth comb at their doors, denying entry if one’s hair could not be easily combed through.

- **The Pencil Test** ❉ During Apartheid in South Africa, a pencil was placed in a person’s hair; if it stayed, they were classified as Black, if it fell, they could be considered white.

- **Tignon Laws** ❉ In 18th-century Louisiana, free Black women were compelled to wear a tignon (head-covering) to conceal their elaborate hairstyles, which were seen as too enticing to white men, asserting a visual social marker between free Black women and white women.
These are not isolated incidents but reflections of a pervasive system that sought to control and diminish Black identity through hair. The CROWN Act stands as a legislative response to these historical attempts at policing Black bodies and cultural expression. 

![This dramatic monochromatic portrait celebrates the striking beauty of an intentional bald style and distinct hair design. The image highlights empowerment, challenging traditional beauty standards and underscoring the impact of textured artistry and individuality in expressing personal identity and cultural narrative](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-bald-woman-featuring-a-striking-hair-design.jpg)

![The striking portrait explores ancestral beauty through her carefully styled braids, highlighting the cultural significance woven into her textured hair, which is complemented by her patterned traditional attire. The image invites contemplation on beauty standards, cultural representation, and mindful hair practice within heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-black-woman-braids-accented-with-ribbon-heritage-inspired-look.jpg)

## Ritual

The hair on our heads, particularly textured hair, has long served as a profound repository for meaning, tradition, and ritual across African cultures. These practices, passed through generations, were not mere acts of grooming; they were expressions of social standing, spiritual connection, and collective identity. They formed a tender thread, weaving individuals into the rich tapestry of their communities.

Yet, the brutal interruptions of enslavement and subsequent systemic racism sought to sever this connection, to dismantle the very ritual and meaning of Black hair. The CROWN Act acknowledges this historical assault on tradition, seeking to restore the dignity of these ancestral practices in modern spaces.

![This portrait evokes Old Hollywood splendor through the lens of contemporary beauty standards. The strategic shaping of her hair emphasizes ancestral heritage and offers a sophisticated take on natural expressive styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-exquisite-finger-wave-hairstyle.jpg)

## Hair as a Map and Message in Antiquity?

Before the shadows of forced migration fell upon the continent, African hairstyles communicated volumes. They served as a visual language, signaling age, marital status, social rank, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs. For instance, the Yoruba people of Nigeria crafted intricate styles, like the “Irun Kiko” (a thread-wrapping method), which spoke to femininity, marriage, and coming-of-age rites.

The Himba tribe in Namibia used red ochre paste on their dreadlocked styles, signifying their connection to the earth and their ancestors. These were not simply choices of aesthetics; they were living archives, each braid and twist a carefully constructed sentence in the grand narrative of a people.

The transatlantic slave trade, however, aimed to erase these profound cultural markers. Slave traders often shaved the heads of captives, a deliberate act of dehumanization designed to strip away their identities and sever their connection to homeland and heritage. Despite this horrific attempt at cultural annihilation, [ancestral hair](/area/ancestral-hair/) practices endured as acts of silent protest and resistance. For example, during enslavement, some African women, particularly rice farmers, braided rice seeds into their hair as a means for survival, carrying sustenance and culture with them to a new, hostile land.

Cornrows were also reportedly used to conceal maps for escape routes, turning hair into a clandestine communication system. These are stories of profound resilience, where the ritual of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) became a subversive act of survival and cultural preservation.

> The historical refusal to acknowledge Black hair as a site of profound cultural ritual is a bias the CROWN Act seeks to dismantle.

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

## The Interruption of Cultural Norms

The post-slavery era introduced new forms of bias that further cemented Eurocentric beauty standards. The pressure to conform to these norms, often associated with social and economic advancement, led to the widespread adoption of chemical relaxers and hot combs. Straighter hair was deemed “good hair” and became a perceived requirement for opportunities, perpetuating the damaging idea that natural textures were “unkempt” or “unprofessional.” This systemic pressure had, and continues to have, a measurable psychological impact.

Black women, for instance, are 1.5 times more likely than other women to be sent home from work or know of a woman sent home due to her hairstyle, according to a 2019 study supported by Dove. This statistic offers a stark illustration of how deep the roots of [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) run into the very fabric of professional and educational spaces, compelling individuals to chemically alter their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) to avoid such professional and social exclusion.

Consider the persistent pressures that compelled individuals away from their natural textures:

- **Societal Acceptance** ❉ Straightened hair was often seen as a gateway to social acceptance and opportunities in white-dominated spaces.

- **Economic Opportunity** ❉ Job offers were rescinded, and promotions denied, purely based on natural hairstyles, creating direct economic disparities.

- **Internalized Bias** ❉ Generations were socialized to believe that Eurocentric features represented the standard of beauty, leading to internalized negative perceptions of their own hair.

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

## Reclaiming the Stylist’s Hand

The CROWN Act directly challenges the notion that certain hairstyles, particularly those historically worn by Black individuals, are “unprofessional” or “distracting” in workplaces and schools. By legally protecting styles such as braids, locs, twists, and Afros, the act supports the reclamation of ancestral styling practices. It recognizes that these styles are not trends but deeply rooted expressions of cultural heritage. The act implicitly validates the intricate artistry and communal significance that has always surrounded Black hair care ❉ a practice that historically served as a space for bonding, storytelling, and the transmission of knowledge across generations. 

The psychological harm caused by hair discrimination is significant. It can lead to anxiety, lowered self-esteem, cultural disconnection, and chronic stress. The CROWN Act aims to mitigate these harms by offering legal recourse and fostering environments where Black individuals can wear their natural hair with pride and without fear of reprisal. It allows the tender thread of heritage, once so deliberately frayed, to be rewoven into the fabric of everyday life, asserting a profound right to self-expression rooted in a rich ancestral past. 

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

![Bathed in sunlight, these Black and mixed-race women actively engage in hair care, highlighting the beauty and diversity inherent in textured hair formations. Their engagement is an act of self-love rooted in ancestral heritage, echoing a commitment to holistic hair wellness and empowered self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-mixed-race-women-combing-out-natural-hair-freshly-washed.jpg)

## Relay

The journey of textured hair, from ancient communal styling rituals to modern battles for recognition, represents a relay of resilience across generations. Each historical bias, a hurdle placed in the path of self-acceptance, reveals the deep-seated societal constructions of beauty and professionalism that have long disadvantaged Black and mixed-race communities. The CROWN Act, in its legislative attempt to dismantle these biases, carries forward a legacy of resistance, drawing upon centuries of ancestral wisdom and contemporary understanding to chart a course for genuine equity. This act is a testament to the enduring power of heritage and the necessity of confronting systems that sought to diminish it. 

![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)

## Evolution of Legal Challenges

The path to the CROWN Act has been long and fraught with legal complexities, demonstrating how deeply hair discrimination was embedded within legal frameworks. Early interpretations of civil rights legislation often failed to extend protections to hair discrimination. For example, while the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited employment discrimination based on race, courts frequently debated whether hair discrimination constituted racial bias. 

A key legal challenge emerged in 1981 with the case of _Rogers v. American Airlines_. A Black woman took American Airlines to court because the company prohibited her from wearing braids. The court sided with the airline, reasoning that braids were not an immutable racial characteristic, unlike an Afro.

This ruling set a precedent for decades, legally upholding corporations’ rights to ban braided hairstyles in the workplace. This legal stance underscored a fundamental misunderstanding, or perhaps a deliberate sidestepping, of how deeply intertwined hair is with Black [racial identity](/area/racial-identity/) and heritage. Such rulings forced individuals to choose between their cultural expression and their livelihoods, contributing to significant economic disparities and psychological distress.

> The CROWN Act seeks to correct decades of legal oversight that failed to recognize hair as a central component of racial identity.
The reintroduction of the CROWN Act in Congress, after passing the House but being blocked in the Senate multiple times, underscores the ongoing struggle. Lawmakers who oppose the bill often argue that existing laws banning race-based discrimination already apply. This perspective ignores the specific nature of hair discrimination, which has historically found loopholes in broader anti-discrimination statutes. The CROWN Act specifically names and protects styles like **locs**, **cornrows**, **twists**, **braids**, and **Bantu knots**, directly addressing this historical oversight. 

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

## The Psychological and Economic Cost of Bias

The biases addressed by the CROWN Act have tangible, painful consequences beyond the symbolic. Psychologically, consistent exposure to messages that label one’s natural hair as “unprofessional” or “unacceptable” can internalize negative stereotypes, leading to reduced self-esteem, anxiety, and even chronic stress. Research from the Perception Institute’s 2016 “Good Hair” study indicated that a majority of people, regardless of race, hold some bias toward [Black women](/area/black-women/) and their hair.

A 2020 Duke University study further found that Black women with natural hairstyles were perceived as less professional and less competent, and were less likely to be recommended for job interviews than candidates with straight hair. These findings highlight a systemic issue that impacts career advancement and educational opportunities.

Economically, the pressure to conform can be substantial. Black women spend disproportionately more on hair care and products, often including costly and damaging chemical treatments to achieve straightened looks. Job loss or rescinded offers due to hair discrimination directly impact financial stability and perpetuate socioeconomic inequalities. The case of Chasity Jones, whose job offer was rescinded because she refused to cut her locs, illustrates this direct economic harm.

While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit on her behalf, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the district court’s ruling in favor of the employer, reinforcing the urgent need for legislation like the CROWN Act. This historical example clearly illuminates the direct connection between racial bias against textured hair and its severe, measurable impact on the individual’s economic well-being and life trajectory (Jones, 2016).

![The dramatic interplay of light and shadow in this monochrome portrait enhances the structural beauty of the braided crown hairstyle, paying homage to the timeless artistry within Black hair traditions and the enduring expression of identity and holistic hair care.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-crown-hairstyle-elegance.jpg)

## Unbound Helix: A Future Reimagined?

The CROWN Act, while not yet a federal law, represents a significant step in recognizing and rectifying these historical wrongs. It moves beyond simply banning discrimination; it explicitly protects hair textures and styles linked to racial identity. This legislative action signals a societal shift towards affirming diverse [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) rooted in heritage. It acknowledges that true inclusivity requires dismantling the very structures that have historically marginalized Black hair. 

What challenges persist for hair freedom?

- **Implementation and Enforcement** ❉ Despite state-level CROWN Acts, consistent enforcement and awareness remain hurdles.

- **Implicit Bias** ❉ The act addresses explicit discrimination, but implicit biases ❉ subtle, unconscious judgments ❉ still influence perceptions.

- **Global Reach** ❉ Hair discrimination rooted in Eurocentric norms extends beyond the United States, requiring broader cultural shifts.
The spirit of the CROWN Act is one of liberation, allowing individuals to embrace their natural hair, a profound connection to their ancestral lineage, without fear of professional or social penalty. It allows the vibrant, diverse expressions of Black hair, once suppressed, to flourish openly, honoring the resilience and creativity that have defined this heritage for centuries. This act is not an endpoint, but a powerful continuation of the relay, passing the baton of self-affirmation and cultural pride to future generations. 

![Spiral braided crown hairstyle, a striking black and white image highlighting the intricate design and texture on the person](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-crown-braid-hairstyle-on-textured-hair.jpg)

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

## Reflection

As we close this dialogue on the CROWN Act and its deep engagement with the biases against Black hair, we find ourselves standing at a compelling crossroads. Our journey has traced the elemental biology of textured hair, echoing ancient wisdom that saw it as sacred, a vital channel to the divine and a communicator of one’s very being. We have witnessed how the tender thread of communal care rituals transformed into clandestine acts of survival under the brutal weight of enslavement, and how these traditions persisted despite relentless efforts to diminish them.

Then, we charted the intricate relay of modern legal battles, recognizing the enduring struggle for liberation, a struggle that culminates, in part, with the CROWN Act. This act, then, is more than a legal decree; it serves as a resonant affirmation of the Black hair story, a story of resistance, innovation, and self-possession.

The essence of Roothea’s “Soul of a Strand” lies in this profound understanding: that every coil, every loc, every braid carries the whispers of ancestors, the triumphs of communities, and the boundless potential of self-definition. The biases the CROWN Act addresses are not abstract concepts; they are the inherited weight of centuries, pressures that sought to sever a people from their inherent beauty and the vibrant expressions of their heritage. By pushing back against the notion that textured hair is somehow “unprofessional” or “unfit” for mainstream spaces, the CROWN Act helps cultivate an environment where the full spectrum of Black and mixed-race [hair heritage](/area/hair-heritage/) can simply exist, visibly, beautifully, and without compromise.

It reinforces that our hair, in its natural glory and its protective styles, is a profound statement of identity, a celebration of ancestral lines, and a powerful, living archive for generations to come. The work continues, but the ground shifts, allowing our inherent radiance to shine, unbound.

![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.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-brown-women-in-sunlight-styling-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

![This monochromatic portrait exudes timeless elegance, showcasing the beauty of structured hair juxtaposed with soft, coiled patterns. Her poised expression and the satin shirt](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-elegant-woman-with-coiled-hairstyle-and-satin-shirt.jpg)

## References

- Bencosme, Yamilex. “Beauty is Pain: Black Women’s Identity and Their Struggle with Embracing.” University of New Hampshire Scholars Repository, 2017.

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

- Caldwell, Paulette. “A Hair Piece: Perspectives on the Intersection of Race and Gender.” _Duke Law Journal_, vol. 1991, no. 2, 1991, pp. 365-396.

- Caffrey, Cait. “Afro-textured hair.” EBSCO Research Starters, 2023.

- Opie, Tamika L. and Deborah W. Phillips. “The Effects of Afrocentric Hairstyles on Perceptions of Professionalism and Dominance in the Workplace.” _Social Psychological and Personality Science_, 2015. (Referenced in NCDA)

- Powell, Lisa. “Why Natural Hair is Good Hair: The CROWN Act and Ending Hair Discrimination in the Workplace.” _NCDA_, 2021.

- Randle, Janel. “Black Hair, Black Beauty and The Brainwashing of African American Women.” _Journal of African American Studies_, 2015. (Referenced in Bencosme)

- Robinson, C. “Good Hair”: Examining the Cultural and Psychological Significance of Hair for Black Women. _Journal of Black Psychology_, 2011. (Referenced in Bencosme)

- Russell, Kathy, Midge Wilson, and Ronald Hall. _The Color Complex: The Politics of Skin Color Among African Americans_. Anchor Books, 1992. (Referenced in Moses)

- White, Jacqueline. “Black Women and Their Hair: An Exploration of Historical and Cultural Meanings.” _Journal of Black Studies_, 2005. (Referenced in Bencosme)

## Glossary

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

Meaning ❉ Hair Care, when understood through the lens of textured hair, signifies a mindful discipline for preserving the vigor of coily, kinky, and wavy strands.

### [Hair as Crown](https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-crown/)

Meaning ❉ Hair as Crown signifies the deeply held personal and cultural esteem for textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race communities.

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

Meaning ❉ Natural Hair describes hair that maintains its original structural configuration, untouched by chemical processes like relaxers, texturizers, or permanent color that alter its natural coil, curl, or wave definition.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act establishes legal protections against discrimination based on hair texture and styles frequently worn by individuals of Black or mixed heritage.

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

Meaning ❉ Afro-textured hair describes hair fibers exhibiting diverse coil and zig-zag patterns, often characterized by an elliptical cross-section and multiple points of curvature along each strand.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act History carefully outlines the legislative progression designed to safeguard individuals from bias rooted in their natural hair textures and protective styles, marking a significant advancement for those with Black and mixed-race hair communities.

### [Crown Chakra Connection](https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra-connection/)

Meaning ❉ The Crown Chakra Connection, within the Roothea framework, points to a subtle, intuitive understanding of textured hair.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Impacts denote the tangible shifts arising from legislative protections for natural hair textures within professional and academic spheres.

### [Hair Bias](https://roothea.co/area/hair-bias/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Bias describes an often unseen inclination towards certain hair textures, typically those with straighter or loosely wavy patterns, over the beautiful coily, kinky, or tightly curled formations.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Does Shea Butter's Composition Address the Specific Moisture Needs of Coiled Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-shea-butters-composition-address-the-specific-moisture-needs-of-coiled-hair/)
![Her confident gaze and signature coiled textured hair, styled with a modern undercut, speaks volumes about the blend of ancestral heritage and expressive styling. This portrait is an ode to natural formations, and individuality, fostering conversations around black hair traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-coiled-textured-hair-and-undercut.jpg)

### [What Modern Laws Protect Textured Hair Heritage against Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/what-modern-laws-protect-textured-hair-heritage-against-discrimination/)
![The photograph elegantly frames a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-asymmetrical-bob-hairstyle-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [How Do CROWN Act Provisions Recognize Ancestral Styles?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-crown-act-provisions-recognize-ancestral-styles/)
![The monochrome treatment accentuates textures and shadows, highlighting the artistic process of intertwining thread with the coil formations. This symbolic act links ancestral heritage to the intentional craft of self-expression through stylized formations, embodying unique narratives and holistic well-being practices.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intricate-thread-work-connecting-coiled-textured-hair-formations-in-monochrome.jpg)

### [Why Is Textured Hair Historically Discriminated Against?](https://roothea.co/question/why-is-textured-hair-historically-discriminated-against/)
![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)

### [In What Ways Does the CROWN Act Affirm Textured Hair as Cultural Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-the-crown-act-affirm-textured-hair-as-cultural-heritage/)
![The image conveys a moment of intimate care, as hands apply a rich moisturizer to tightly coiled hair, celebrating the beauty and strength of Black hair traditions and holistic care. This act embodies cultural identity, ancestral connection, and wellness for expressive styling, nourishing the hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nourishing-textured-hair-deep-moisture-treatment-application-black-and-white.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does Textured Hair Embody Resistance against Assimilation?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-textured-hair-embody-resistance-against-assimilation/)
![This black and white portrait embodies ancestral heritage with its intricate braided updo, a timeless styling of textured hair which speaks volumes of cultural identity and the enduring artistry within Black hair traditions each braid reflecting meticulous detail in the pursuit of beauty and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-braided-hairstyle-updo-regal-profile-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Historical Biases Impacted Textured Hair Recognition?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-biases-impacted-textured-hair-recognition/)
![The monochrome palette highlights the textures within her hair formations and woven ornaments, evoking a timeless connection to heritage, while the focus on natural elements points towards holistic ideals of beauty and expressive artistry in hair styling rooted in cultural nuance.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-adorned-with-braided-headband-and-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Does the CROWN Act Foster Self-Expression and Cultural Connection for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-the-crown-act-foster-self-expression-and-cultural-connection-for-textured-hair/)
![Bathed in light and shadow, the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-coils-and-sunlight-shadows.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient Hair Tools Address Textured Hair Biology?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-hair-tools-address-textured-hair-biology/)
![The monochrome study shows hands united, shaping heritage through generations of ancestral traditions, communal preparation and holistic wellness. Each coil, each strand, symbolizes the strength and resilient beauty passed down, a testament to the enduring spirit woven through every coil.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-prepare-rice-in-traditional-african-setting-textured-hair-present.jpg)

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    },
    "headline": "What Historical Biases against Black Hair Does the CROWN Act Address? ❉ Question",
    "description": "The CROWN Act addresses historical biases rooted in Eurocentric beauty standards that deemed Black hair unprofessional and denied opportunities. ❉ Question",
    "url": "https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-biases-against-black-hair-does-the-crown-act-address/",
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Roothea",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/author/roothea/"
    },
    "datePublished": "2025-06-16T12:29:51+08:00",
    "dateModified": "2025-06-16T12:29:52+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
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        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-sculpted-textured-hair-style.jpg",
        "caption": "This monochromatic portrait captures a striking woman with intricately sculpted textured hair, celebrating the beauty and artistry of natural hair formations. The elegant style reflects ancestral heritage while embracing contemporary beauty standards, resonating with themes of self-expression and hair wellness."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Hair as a Map and Message in Antiquity?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nBefore the shadows of forced migration fell upon the continent, African hairstyles communicated volumes. They served as a visual language, signaling age, marital status, social rank, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs. For instance, the Yoruba people of Nigeria crafted intricate styles, like the \"Irun Kiko\" (a thread-wrapping method), which spoke to femininity, marriage, and coming-of-age rites. The Himba tribe in Namibia used red ochre paste on their dreadlocked styles, signifying their connection to the earth and their ancestors. These were not simply choices of aesthetics; they were living archives, each braid and twist a carefully constructed sentence in the grand narrative of a people.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "Unbound Helix: A Future Reimagined?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe CROWN Act, while not yet a federal law, represents a significant step in recognizing and rectifying these historical wrongs. It moves beyond simply banning discrimination; it explicitly protects hair textures and styles linked to racial identity. This legislative action signals a societal shift towards affirming diverse beauty standards rooted in heritage. It acknowledges that true inclusivity requires dismantling the very structures that have historically marginalized Black hair.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
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    "mentions": [
        {
            "@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/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/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "name": "Transatlantic Slave Trade",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Transatlantic Slave Trade represents a deeply impactful historical period, where the forced displacement of African peoples significantly altered the lineage of textured hair understanding."
        },
        {
            "@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/afro-textured-hair/",
            "name": "Afro-Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/afro-textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Afro-textured hair describes hair fibers exhibiting diverse coil and zig-zag patterns, often characterized by an elliptical cross-section and multiple points of curvature along each strand."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/racial-identity/",
            "name": "Racial Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/racial-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Racial Identity, in the gentle realm of textured hair understanding, quietly speaks to the deep-seated link between an individual's heritage and the informed approach to Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Heritage denotes the ancestral continuum of knowledge, customary practices, and genetic characteristics that shape the distinct nature of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-crown/",
            "name": "Hair as Crown",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-crown/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair as Crown signifies the deeply held personal and cultural esteem for textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-history/",
            "name": "CROWN Act History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act History carefully outlines the legislative progression designed to safeguard individuals from bias rooted in their natural hair textures and protective styles, marking a significant advancement for those with Black and mixed-race hair communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra-connection/",
            "name": "Crown Chakra Connection",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra-connection/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Crown Chakra Connection, within the Roothea framework, points to a subtle, intuitive understanding of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-impacts/",
            "name": "CROWN Act Impacts",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-impacts/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Impacts denote the tangible shifts arising from legislative protections for natural hair textures within professional and academic spheres."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-bias/",
            "name": "Hair Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Bias describes an often unseen inclination towards certain hair textures, typically those with straighter or loosely wavy patterns, over the beautiful coily, kinky, or tightly curled formations."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-biases-against-black-hair-does-the-crown-act-address/
