# What Historical Events Led to Textured Hair Discrimination Laws? ❉ Question

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

---

![The artful chiaroscuro accentuates the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sophisticated-black-woman-short-natural-hair-portrait-studio-black-and-white.jpg)

![This arresting black and white image showcases the beauty of African hair styled into smooth, sculpted waves, reflecting deep cultural heritage and personal expression. The strategic use of light accentuates the hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dramatic-portrait-of-african-woman-with-sculpted-ebon-afro-hairdo.jpg)

## Roots

There exists a silence, often unheard in the din of modern life, yet it carries the resonant hum of countless generations. This is the chorus of our textured hair, a living lineage entwined with the very fabric of identity. Before we unravel the legal constructs that have sought to constrain this natural magnificence, we must first listen to the earth beneath our feet, to the primal stirrings that shaped each curl and coil, each wave and kink. Our hair, a testament to ancestral pathways, has always been a beacon, a living archive recording history, spirituality, and societal standing across continents.

The journey into laws that govern our coils is not a recent phenomenon. It reaches back through centuries, a somber thread woven through the vibrant historical panorama of Black and mixed-race experiences. It begins not with legislative decrees, but with the systematic imposition of an alien aesthetic, a foundational shift in how beauty was perceived, particularly in the wake of forced displacements and colonial ambition.

Ancestral societies across Africa held hair in sacred esteem. It was often viewed as the most elevated part of the body, a conduit for spiritual energy and a direct connection to the divine. Hairstyles communicated a person’s world ❉ their age, marital status, social rank, wealth, even their ethnic group or village of origin.

The elaborate coiffures seen in ancient Egyptian depictions, or the intricate braiding techniques dating back 3500 BC in Namibia, speak to a world where hair was a profound visual language. Hairdressing was a communal act, a shared ritual of care and bonding, solidifying familial and tribal ties.

> The story of textured hair discrimination begins not with legal statutes, but with the erasure of ancestral reverence for Black hair as a vibrant cultural and spiritual symbol.

![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)

## How Did Ancestral Hair Practices Reflect Social Standing?

In many pre-colonial African societies, the complexity and artistry of a hairstyle directly mirrored an individual’s societal standing. A queen might wear ornate beaded braids, while a warrior preparing for conflict would have a specific, functional style. These styles were not static; they changed with life events like childbirth, marriage, or even mourning.

The Maasai, for instance, held specific beliefs concerning hair and spiritual energy, often decorating their locs with red ochre paste to symbolize their earthly connection. This inherent cultural value, deeply rooted in ancestral practices, made hair a vital extension of identity and community, a living crown.

With the transatlantic slave trade, this profound connection was brutally severed. One of the initial acts of dehumanization was the forced shaving of heads upon arrival in the New World. This act was not merely about sanitation; it was a deliberate, violent effort to erase identity, to strip away the visible markers of [heritage](/area/heritage/) and community that hair represented.

Stripped of their traditional tools and practices, enslaved Africans, driven by resilience, repurposed whatever was available ❉ butter, kerosene, even combs meant for livestock ❉ to care for their hair. This desperate ingenuity spoke volumes about the enduring importance of hair, even under the most oppressive conditions.

The seeds of legal discrimination were sown in this era of imposed white supremacy. Hair, so visible and so deeply connected to identity, became a convenient target for control. The aim was not simply to suppress individual expression; it was to solidify a racial hierarchy, to delineate who belonged and who was, by decree, inherently inferior. This historical backdrop is critical for understanding the subsequent, overt legal actions that would follow.

![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)

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

## Ritual

From the brutal silencing of ancestral styling rituals, a new, bitter ritual emerged: the systematic legal subjugation of textured hair. The colonial era, particularly in the Americas, saw the formalization of discriminatory practices, moving beyond mere social pressure to codified laws. These early statutes were not isolated incidents; they represented a deliberate and calculated effort to control the bodies and identities of Black and mixed-race individuals, especially women, whose hair, despite its inherent beauty, was deemed a threat to the established racial order.

A prime example, resonant with enduring cultural defiance, are the **Tignon Laws** enacted in colonial Louisiana in 1786. Governed by Spanish authorities at the time, New Orleans was home to a vibrant community of free women of color, many of whom adorned their hair in elaborate, captivating styles, often incorporating feathers and jewels. Their elegance and allure, however, were perceived as a challenge to the status quo, and notably, a threat to the perceived social standing of white women. Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró, under pressure from white society, mandated that these women wear a **tignon** ❉ a headscarf or handkerchief ❉ to cover their hair in public.

This law was not merely a fashion decree; it was a sumptuary law, designed to enforce social distinctions and mark free women of color as subordinate to white women, effectively associating them with the enslaved population. The tignon was a tool meant to diminish their beauty and assert a racial hierarchy. Yet, in a powerful act of collective resistance and a beautiful re-appropriation of oppression, these women transformed the mandated head covering into a statement of style and defiance. They donned colorful, expensive fabrics, tying them in intricate knots, and adorning them with jewels, turning a symbol of subjugation into a mark of their enduring beauty, wealth, and creativity.

The tignon, instead of signifying inferiority, became a banner of resistance, a tangible manifestation of their spirit. This historical example powerfully illuminates how discriminatory laws, aimed at erasing heritage, can inadvertently become catalysts for even deeper expressions of cultural identity and resilience.

> The Tignon Laws illustrate a profound historical truth: attempts to suppress Black hair often sparked creative, enduring expressions of heritage.

![This striking monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty and versatility of textured hair, particularly the intricate styling of dreadlocks, set against the striking contrast of light and shadow, inviting a deeper appreciation for modern Black hair artistry and cultural pride.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-styled-dreadlocks-and-mesh-top.jpg)

## How Did the Tignon Laws Redefine Identity?

The Tignon Laws, though intended to strip identity, paradoxically solidified it. By forcing a covering, the laws drew attention to the very hair they sought to hide, elevating it in the consciousness of those subjected to the decree. Free women of color, in their elegant adoption of the tignon, showcased an unbroken spirit and a deep cultural rootedness, transforming an oppressive mandate into an act of self-definition.

This collective artistic rebellion spoke to an inherent truth: that ancestral beauty and self-expression could not be legislated away. The tignon became a symbol of their unity, defiance, and a subtle yet potent rejection of imposed norms.

Beyond the Tignon Laws, the broader landscape of the antebellum period and the Jim Crow era continued to demonize Black features, including hair. Advertisements often depicted African Americans with “nappy-haired caricatures,” perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The pressure to conform to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) meant many Black individuals, even after slavery, felt compelled to straighten their hair using harsh chemical relaxers or hot combs. This was often a matter of survival, as adopting straighter hair was seen as a way to gain acceptance and social mobility in a society that valued white aesthetic norms.

The notion of “good hair” ❉ hair that was straighter or looser in curl pattern ❉ created internal divisions within the Black community, a painful legacy of externally imposed beauty standards. This pervasive societal pressure, even without direct legal enforcement, operated as a de facto discriminatory system, shaping personal choices for generations.

The science of hair texture provides a lens through which to understand the biological foundations that discriminatory laws sought to suppress. Textured hair, particularly Type 3 and Type 4 curls and coils, originates from oval or elliptical hair follicles, causing the strand to twist and coil as it grows. This structural difference makes it inherently more prone to dryness because the natural oils (sebum) produced by the scalp have a harder time traveling down the coiled strand.

Additionally, the bends and curves in the hair shaft create points of natural weakness, making [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) more fragile and susceptible to breakage from harsh manipulation. Scientific understanding validates the need for specific, nurturing care that honors these unique biological characteristics, a stark contrast to historical efforts to “tame” or straighten such hair to align with a foreign aesthetic.

These historical events, from the [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) to the pervasive societal pressures, collectively laid the groundwork for modern-day hair discrimination. They established a precedent that certain hair textures and styles, particularly those connected to Black heritage, were “unprofessional,” “unruly,” or “inappropriate,” setting the stage for future legal and social challenges that continue to echo in contemporary times.

![The portrait embodies a contemporary aesthetic, highlighting the beauty and versatility of textured hair within an elegant framework. The contrast of light and shadow creates an evocative image, celebrating both minimalist design and the rich heritage expressed through coil formations in Black hair traditions, reflecting an interplay between modern styling and ancestral roots](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-woman-textured-hair-high-bun-minimalist-composition-black-white.jpg)

![The textured hair styles and the cooperative act of grinding grain symbolizes community wellness. This scene emphasizes the interwoven nature of ancestral heritage, cultural identity, and holistic hair care practices, reflecting the traditional roots and beauty rituals deeply embedded within Black communities](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-depicting-grinding-grain-with-traditional-hair-wraps.jpg)

## Relay

The baton of struggle, forged in the crucible of early colonial oppression, passed through generations, carrying the weight of cultural heritage and the relentless aspiration for self-acceptance. The mid-20th century, a period of profound social upheaval, witnessed the emergence of the **Civil Rights Movement** in the United States, a powerful force that began to challenge the very foundations of racial inequality. It was within this crucible that textured hair, in its natural, unbound state, became a profound symbol of resistance and liberation, pushing back against centuries of imposed [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards.

The “Black Is Beautiful” movement, a cultural corollary to the [Civil Rights](/area/civil-rights/) efforts, explicitly championed Afrocentric aesthetics. It was a clarion call for Black individuals to embrace their natural features, including their hair, as inherently admirable and worthy of pride. The **Afro**, in particular, became an iconic symbol of this era. It was not merely a style; it was a political statement, a visual declaration of self-love and a rejection of the prevailing societal pressure to straighten or alter one’s hair to fit a narrow, white ideal.

Figures like Angela Davis, with her striking Afro, inspired countless individuals to follow suit, embodying a collective defiance. This shift, however, came with its own set of challenges, as employers and schools continued to view natural Black hairstyles as “unprofessional” or “unacceptable”.

> The Civil Rights Era transformed natural textured hair into a powerful emblem of defiance, challenging discriminatory beauty norms.
Despite the monumental passage of the **Civil Rights Act of 1964**, which prohibited employment discrimination based on race, its application to hair was not immediately clear. Courts were left to interpret whether natural hair, and by extension, natural hairstyles, were protected under this umbrella. Early cases yielded mixed results. In 1976, for instance, in **Jenkins v.

Blue Cross Mutual Hospital Insurance**, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld a race discrimination lawsuit against an employer for bias against Afros, agreeing that Afros were protected under Title VII. However, this did not extend protection to other natural styles like braids. A later case in 1981, involving an airline demanding a Black woman not wear braids, sided with the employer, stating braids were not an immutable racial characteristic, unlike the Afro. This created a perplexing and uncertain legal landscape, demonstrating a fundamental disconnect between legal statutes and lived racial experiences.

![This evocative portrait features a woman whose braided hair, adorned with ribbons, and traditional embroidered dress speaks to a deep ancestral heritage. The image is an exploration of textured hair traditions and cultural expression reflecting identity and empowering beauty standards for Black women](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-hairstyle-and-embroidered-dress.jpg)

## How Does Hair Discrimination Persist in Modern Contexts?

Even as the [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) movement gained renewed momentum in the 21st century, often spurred by celebrities embracing their natural textures, discrimination persisted. Cases of students being removed from classrooms or athletes being forced to cut their hair for violating dress codes continued to surface. For example, in 2010, Chastity Jones was denied a job offer as a customer service representative because she refused to cut her locs, a manager reportedly stating, “They tend to get messy”.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit on her behalf, but the case was ultimately dismissed, with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the lower court’s ruling. This specific case highlights the continued judicial struggle to connect hairstyle discrimination directly to racial discrimination under existing civil rights laws, a critical legal loophole.

This ongoing disparity fueled the necessity for targeted legislation. The **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) emerged as a legislative response to address the pervasive issue of [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) directly. The Act, which has been passed in numerous states and is pending at the federal level, explicitly prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, including braids, locs, twists, and Afros, in workplaces and schools.

California became the first state to pass the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) in 2019, with many others following suit. This legislation represents a significant, long-overdue step toward recognizing natural hair as inextricably linked to racial identity, thereby protecting it under civil rights provisions.

The journey from the Tignon Laws to the CROWN Act reveals a continuing thread of resilience. It highlights how cultural practices and ancestral identity, though challenged and legislated against, continue to endure and demand recognition within the broader societal fabric. The legal battles fought over hair are not simply about appearance; they are about autonomy, cultural expression, and the fundamental right to exist authentically, honoring one’s heritage without penalty.

- **Sumptuary Laws** ❉ Early legal attempts to control dress and appearance, such as the Tignon Laws, served to reinforce racial and social hierarchies by targeting specific hair styles and coverings.

- **Eurocentric Beauty Standards** ❉ Historically enforced through social pressure and media, these standards privileged straight hair, leading to the stigmatization and marginalization of textured hair.

- **Civil Rights Activism** ❉ The “Black Is Beautiful” movement and the wider Civil Rights struggle transformed natural hair into a symbol of pride and protest, pushing back against assimilationist pressures.
The scientific understanding of textured hair has also progressed, countering historical narratives that deemed it “unruly.” Modern science confirms that the unique structure of textured hair ❉ its elliptical follicle shape and higher number of disulfide bonds ❉ results in its characteristic coils and kinks. This natural biology explains why it requires specific care, such as greater hydration, to maintain its health and elasticity. Legal recognition of this inherent structure and the cultural styles derived from it is a step toward aligning legal frameworks with both scientific reality and the profound cultural significance of textured hair heritage.

![The black and white portrait celebrates afro textured hair in its naturally shaped state, while showcasing elegance and beauty in simplicity. The minimalist aesthetic allows focus on heritage, individuality, and the enduring strength found through self-acceptance, reflecting cultural roots, and unique hair identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-black-woman-showcasing-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

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

## Reflection

The historical events that sculpted [textured hair discrimination](/area/textured-hair-discrimination/) laws serve as profound markers in the enduring story of identity, resilience, and belonging. Our collective journey through these legal landscapes, from the chilling directives of the Tignon Laws to the hard-won protections of the CROWN Act, brings us to a quiet understanding: hair is never simply strands upon a scalp. It is a living, breathing archive, each coil holding the echoes of ancestral wisdom, the whispers of resistance, and the powerful, unyielding spirit of those who came before us.

The discrimination faced by textured hair communities is a stark reminder of how arbitrary standards of beauty become tools of oppression, aimed at fragmenting personal dignity and collective heritage. Yet, the persistent beauty of natural hair, the innovation in its care, and the unwavering fight for its affirmation speak to a deeper truth. It is a testament to the inherent strength of human spirit, to the unwavering desire to connect with one’s roots, and to the profound realization that authenticity is an unalienable right.

Roothea’s ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos finds its most potent expression in this historical narrative. It beckons us to not just understand the laws, but to feel the legacy ❉ the sorrow of ancestral loss, the courage of defiance, and the quiet triumph of cultural continuity. The journey continues, for legal frameworks are but one layer.

The true work of liberation lives in the heart, in the stories we tell, in the care we extend to ourselves and one another, and in the space we claim for every magnificent, unique strand. In honoring this shared heritage, we not only heal the past but also shape a future where every curl, coil, and wave is celebrated as the living legacy it truly is.

![Classic beauty radiates from this afro-adorned Black woman in a stark black and white studio setting, honoring heritage. Her composed demeanor and the spotlight on her natural hair texture capture strength, celebrating Black hair traditions and identity through expressive hairstyling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-in-studio-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

![The focused examination of spiraled textured hair in this image evokes the deep connection between self-care, heritage, and the deliberate art of nurturing ancestral hair patterns emphasizing the importance of thoughtful hair practices and highlighting the inherent beauty found within textured hair.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/womans-hands-examining-twisted-strands-black-textured-hair-against-neutral.jpg)

## References

- Bennett-Alexander, Corliss, and Harrison, Laura. (2016). Employment Law for Business. McGraw-Hill Education.

- Byrd, Ayana, and Tharps, Lori L. (2001). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.

- CROWN Coalition. (2024). The CROWN Act: Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.

- Everett, Donald E. (1966). Free Persons of Color in New Orleans, 1769-1803. The Journal of Negro History, 51(1), 36-54.

- Griffin, Chanté. (2019). How Natural Black Hair at Work Became a Civil Rights Issue. JSTOR Daily.

- Hamilton, Ayanna. (2021). Hair and Black Women’s Identity. Cambridge University Press.

- Kempf, Katherine, et al. (2024). The Impact of Hair Discrimination on Black Students. Education Review.

- Long, Carolyn. (2001). Casting a Shadow: Creating and Maintaining a Free People of Color in New Orleans. University Press of Mississippi.

- Omotos, Adetutu. (2018). The Significance of Hair in Ancient African Civilizations. Journal of Pan African Studies, 11(7).

- Nunley, Courtney. (2019). Hair Politics: How discrimination against black hair in schools impacts black lives. Education & Urban Society, 51(8), 999-1021.

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

- Winters, Lisa Ze. (2016). The Mulatta Concubine: Terror, Intimacy, Freedom, and Desire in the Black Transatlantic. University of Georgia Press.

## Glossary

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair History represents the accumulated knowledge and evolving practices surrounding textured hair care and styling across generations and continents, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals.

### [Heritage](https://roothea.co/area/heritage/)

Meaning ❉ Heritage, within the realm of textured hair understanding, signifies the enduring legacy of ancestral knowledge and genetic predispositions that define the unique characteristics of Black and mixed-race hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Historical Hair Laws denote the past socio-legal strictures and informal societal conventions that historically sought to regulate or restrict the natural appearance of hair, disproportionately affecting individuals with Black and mixed-race hair textures.

### [Female Led Knowledge](https://roothea.co/area/female-led-knowledge/)

Meaning ❉ Female Led Knowledge, within the realm of textured hair, signifies a distinct approach to comprehending and managing Black and mixed-race hair, grounded in lived experience and refined by careful observation.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Discrimination gently describes the often-unseen bias or unfavorable treatment individuals experience because of their natural hair’s curl, coil, or wave patterns, particularly affecting those with Black or mixed-race heritage.

### [Civil Rights Movement](https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights-movement/)

Meaning ❉ The Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal period of advocacy for equity and justice, gently yet comprehensively reshaped the perception of Black hair, moving beyond inherited societal constraints that once limited its public expression.

### [Discrimination Laws](https://roothea.co/area/discrimination-laws/)

Meaning ❉ Discrimination Laws, within the landscape of textured hair understanding, are legislative frameworks designed to safeguard individuals from unfair treatment based on their natural hair textures, protective styles, or hair type characteristics, particularly those associated with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Civil Rights](https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/)

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.

### [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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Historical Events Shaped the Spiritual Meaning of Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-the-spiritual-meaning-of-textured-hair/)
![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](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-braided-crown-wearing-headwrap-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Anti-Discrimination Hair](https://roothea.co/term/anti-discrimination-hair/)
![The monochrome portrait captures the beauty and radiance of a confident woman with a short, coiled Afro, her textured hair a statement of natural beauty and heritage. Her joyous expression, coupled with the cut-out top and tasteful jewelry, celebrates self-expression through personal style, rooted in cultural heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-woman-laughing-against-solid-backdrop-with-coiled-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

### [Can Historical Hair Discrimination Inform Current International Law?](https://roothea.co/question/can-historical-hair-discrimination-inform-current-international-law/)
![The portrait evokes the profound connection between ancestral heritage and self-expression through textured hair. The detailed beadwork symbolizes cultural artistry and provides a glimpse into holistic practices, emphasizing how each strand is a story interwoven with identity and community.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-young-black-girl-with-beaded-braids-showcasing-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Professional Hair Discrimination](https://roothea.co/term/professional-hair-discrimination/)
![Soft light reveals the beauty of coiled braids in this monochrome portrait. This is a visual narrative exploring nuanced aesthetics, braided coil formations, and the rich tapestry of mixed-race heritage, inviting reflection on ancestral connections and the personalized expression of identity through natural hair textures.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-mixed-race-woman-with-braided-coiled-hairstyle.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Specifically Targeted Black Women's Hair Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-specifically-targeted-black-womens-hair-expression/)
![The image](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-adorned-with-braids-and-jewelry.jpg)

### [What Historical Events Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair in Employment?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-employment/)
![Captured in monochrome, the hands carefully manage the child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gentle-hands-combing-through-childs-naturally-coiled-blonde-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Do Contemporary Laws Address Historical Hair Biases for Black Women?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-contemporary-laws-address-historical-hair-biases-for-black-women/)
![This monochrome portrait honors the beauty of Black women through a lens of strength and artistic choice, reflecting individual style within rich cultural narratives. The platinum coiled hairstyle celebrates self expression and unique pattern, connecting modern aesthetics with historical roots.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-platinum-blonde-coiled-short-hair.jpg)

### [Hair Discrimination Neurobiology](https://roothea.co/term/hair-discrimination-neurobiology/)
![Elegant monochromatic study featuring a young woman with beautifully sculpted platinum finger waves, highlighting the intricate detail of vintage hair styling techniques. The juxtaposition of light and shadow emphasizes the timeless allure of expressive black hair traditions and celebrates nuanced artistry in textured hair styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-young-woman-with-sculpted-platinum-finger-waves.jpg)

### [What Legal Protections Exist against Textured Hair Discrimination Today?](https://roothea.co/question/what-legal-protections-exist-against-textured-hair-discrimination-today/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-mixed-race-women-combing-out-natural-hair-freshly-washed.jpg)

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            }
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        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How did the Tignon Laws redefine identity?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "The Tignon Laws, though intended to strip identity, paradoxically solidified it. By forcing a covering, the laws drew attention to the very hair they sought to hide, elevating it in the consciousness of those subjected to the decree. Free women of color, in their elegant adoption of the tignon, showcased an unbroken spirit and a deep cultural rootedness, transforming an oppressive mandate into an act of self-definition. This collective artistic rebellion spoke to an inherent truth: that ancestral beauty and self-expression could not be legislated away. The tignon became a symbol of their unity, defiance, and a subtle yet potent rejection of imposed norms."
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How does hair discrimination persist in modern contexts?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "Even as the natural hair movement gained renewed momentum in the 21st century, often spurred by celebrities embracing their natural textures, discrimination persisted. Cases of students being removed from classrooms or athletes being forced to cut their hair for violating dress codes continued to surface. For example, in 2010, Chastity Jones was denied a job offer as a customer service representative because she refused to cut her locs, a manager reportedly stating, \"They tend to get messy\". The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit on her behalf, but the case was ultimately dismissed, with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the lower court's ruling. This specific case highlights the continued judicial struggle to connect hairstyle discrimination directly to racial discrimination under existing civil rights laws, a critical legal loophole."
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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{
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    "@type": "WebPage",
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    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/heritage/",
            "name": "Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Heritage, within the realm of textured hair understanding, signifies the enduring legacy of ancestral knowledge and genetic predispositions that define the unique characteristics of 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/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/tignon-laws/",
            "name": "Tignon Laws",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/tignon-laws/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Tignon Laws, enacted in late 18th-century colonial Louisiana, were decrees requiring free and enslaved Black women to cover their hair with a tignon or headscarf when in public spaces."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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-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/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-discrimination/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Discrimination gently describes the often-unseen bias or unfavorable treatment individuals experience because of their natural hair’s curl, coil, or wave patterns, particularly affecting those with Black or mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/",
            "name": "Black Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair History represents the accumulated knowledge and evolving practices surrounding textured hair care and styling across generations and continents, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-hair-laws/",
            "name": "Historical Hair Laws",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-hair-laws/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Historical Hair Laws denote the past socio-legal strictures and informal societal conventions that historically sought to regulate or restrict the natural appearance of hair, disproportionately affecting individuals with Black and mixed-race hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/female-led-knowledge/",
            "name": "Female Led Knowledge",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/female-led-knowledge/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Female Led Knowledge, within the realm of textured hair, signifies a distinct approach to comprehending and managing Black and mixed-race hair, grounded in lived experience and refined by careful observation."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights-movement/",
            "name": "Civil Rights Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Civil Rights Movement, a pivotal period of advocacy for equity and justice, gently yet comprehensively reshaped the perception of Black hair, moving beyond inherited societal constraints that once limited its public expression."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/discrimination-laws/",
            "name": "Discrimination Laws",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/discrimination-laws/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Discrimination Laws, within the landscape of textured hair understanding, are legislative frameworks designed to safeguard individuals from unfair treatment based on their natural hair textures, protective styles, or hair type characteristics, particularly those associated with Black and mixed-race heritage."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-led-to-textured-hair-discrimination-laws/
