# What Historical Events Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair in Employment? ❉ Question

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

---

![This expressive monochrome portrait captures the inherent beauty and volume of spiraling textured hair, highlighting cultural connections to textured hair traditions the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-long-spiraling-textured-hair-style.jpg)

![The baker’s flour-dusted hands reflect time-honored food preparation, linking generations through shared wellness practices. This black-and-white image evokes a quiet moment of creation while simultaneously celebrating the nourishment, ancestral identity, and expressive creativity embodied by mindful craftsmanship](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/crafting-dough-hands-deep-textured-hair-legacy-flour-dust-black-and-white.jpg)

## Roots

Consider, for a moment, the living tapestry of your own being, each strand a testament to countless generations. For textured hair, this connection to the past runs particularly deep, holding within its coils and curls not just genetic code, but the whispers of ancestors, the triumphs of survival, and the profound significance of heritage. It is a story told not merely in fibers and follicles, but in the echoes of historical events that have, for centuries, sculpted perceptions of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) within the unforgiving corridors of employment.

How could something so inherent to identity become a barrier to livelihood? The answer lies in the deep currents of history, in the deliberate dismantling of ancestral reverence for textured hair.

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

## Ancient Reverence and Ancestral Wisdom

Across [ancient African](/area/ancient-african/) civilizations, hair was far more than a simple adornment. It served as a powerful language, a visual narrative that communicated profound truths about an individual’s identity, social standing, age, marital status, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual beliefs. The very act of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) was a communal, sacred ritual, a time for bonding, storytelling, and the transmission of ancestral wisdom from elder to youth. Complex braiding patterns, intricate twists, and sculpted styles were not fleeting trends but held deep cultural and spiritual meanings.

For instance, in Yoruba culture, hair was considered the portal through which spirits entered the soul, making its maintenance an act of honoring spiritual power. These practices, passed down through time, celebrated the natural coil and curl as a sign of beauty, abundance, and connection to the divine.

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-short-platinum-blonde-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

## The Transatlantic Shift in Perception

The forced migration of Africans through the transatlantic slave trade severed countless physical ties to ancestral lands, but the memory of hair’s sacredness endured in various forms. Yet, this era marked a brutal turning point in the perception of textured hair. Amidst the dehumanizing conditions, traditional hair care practices were often impossible to maintain, and in many instances, hair was forcibly shaved as a means to strip enslaved individuals of their cultural identity. The colonizers and enslavers introduced and enforced Eurocentric ideals of beauty, equating [African hair](/area/african-hair/) textures with inferiority, deeming them “unprofessional,” “untidy,” or “unmanageable.”

> The imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards during the era of enslavement initiated a systematic denigration of textured hair, transforming a cultural symbol into a marker of perceived inferiority.
This systematic devaluation was not merely social; it became legally codified. In a particularly telling instance, the **Tignon Laws** were established in Louisiana in 1786. These laws compelled free Creole women of color, who often wore elaborate hairstyles that showcased their coils and kinks with dignity, to cover their hair with a tignon or head-rag.

This mandate aimed to visually signify their status as members of a lower social class, akin to enslaved people, regardless of their freedom. The very fabric of society began to associate natural Black hair with a “badge of inferiority,” ensuring that opportunities for advancement, particularly in employment, would be predicated on conformity to imposed aesthetics.

![United by shared tradition, women collectively grind spices using time-honored tools, linking their heritage and labor to ancestral methods of preparing remedies, foods and enriching hair care preparations. This visual narrative evokes generational wellness, holistic care, and hair health practices rooted in community and ancestral knowledge](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-united-in-traditional-african-spice-grinding-ritual-black-and-white.jpg)

## Early Colonial Policies and Their Echoes

- **Head-rag Requirements** ❉ Enslaved women working in fields were often made to cover their hair due to harsh conditions. House slaves sometimes mimicked enslaver hairstyles or wore wigs.

- **Tignon Laws** ❉ Specifically targeted free women of color in New Orleans, forcing head coverings to denote their lower social standing, regardless of freedom.

- **“Woolly” Descriptions** ❉ Derogatory terms like “kinky” and “nappy” were used by white people to express disapproval of Afro-textured hair, mocking it through caricatures in media.

![This evocative portrait captures the essence of sophistication and cultural pride, where Black textured hair traditions meet modern professional expression. The braided ponytail, coupled with poised elegance, signifies a powerful statement of identity and heritage this image celebrates the enduring beauty and strength inherent in self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-ponytail.jpg)

![This intimate black and white composition highlights the cultural significance of hair care for Black women, as the woman holds a handcrafted wooden comb, visually linking the tangible object to broader narratives of identity, heritage, self-esteem, and embracing unique hair textures and patterns as a celebration of ancestral strength.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-holds-ornate-wooden-comb-textured-hair-care-heritage-portrait-black-and.jpg)

## Ritual

The legacy of ancestral traditions, while challenged, persisted through generations, quietly adapting to new realities. After emancipation, the shadows of centuries-long bondage continued to influence every facet of Black life, including hair. The external pressures to conform to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) intensified, creating a complex internal dialogue about identity and acceptance. Many Black women, seeking avenues for social and economic advancement, felt compelled to alter their hair’s natural form, navigating a societal landscape where straight hair was deemed the benchmark of “professionalism.” This era saw the rise of new rituals, born of necessity and survival, reshaping the everyday care and presentation of textured hair in profound ways.

![The intricate monochrome textured hair formations suggest strength, resilience, and beauty. Light and shadow interplay to highlight unique undulations, reflective of ancestral pride and meticulous hair wellness routines](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-abstract-textured-hair-formations-reflecting-light-and-shadow.jpg)

## The Straightening Imperative and Economic Pathways

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the popularization of chemical relaxers and hot combs. These tools offered a means to achieve the smooth, straight styles favored by dominant society. A significant figure in this period was **Madam C.J. Walker**, born Sarah Breedlove.

A self-made millionaire, Walker developed and marketed hair care products, including those that aided in hair straightening. Her empire created unprecedented economic opportunities for Black women, employing tens of thousands as sales agents who traveled door-to-door, offering both products and a path to financial independence. While some historians note her contributions to racial uplift through economic empowerment, others reflect upon how her widespread influence also reinforced the notion that straight hair was a prerequisite for social mobility. The very concept of “good hair” ❉ hair that more closely resembled straighter textures ❉ became intertwined with perceived respectability and success.

![Captured in stark monochrome, this portrait celebrates a woman’s style, featuring her textured hair and distinct shaved designs, juxtaposed with her professional attire, echoing themes of identity, heritage, and self-expression through unique natural hair formations in an urban setting, highlighting her holistic commitment.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/stylish-african-american-woman-with-tapered-haircut-and-professional-attire.jpg)

## Afro as a Statement of Sovereignty

The mid-20th century, particularly the 1960s and 1970s, bore witness to a powerful cultural awakening: the **Civil Rights Movement** and the **Black Power Movement**. Within this seismic shift, the Afro emerged not simply as a hairstyle but as a potent symbol of Black pride, self-love, and a direct challenge to [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) norms. It was a public declaration of solidarity within the Black community and a weapon in the fight for racial equality. Activists and artists alike donned the Afro, making it an icon of liberation.

**Angela Davis**, a scholar and political activist, became synonymous with the Afro, her image embodying resistance against injustice and a rejection of forced assimilation. This period marked a reclaiming of African identity through hair, a conscious decision to wear one’s natural texture without apology.

> The rise of the Afro during the Black Power Movement transformed textured hair into a revolutionary symbol of pride and a rejection of oppressive beauty standards.
Despite this cultural resurgence, the path to acceptance in employment was far from smooth. While courts began to acknowledge the Afro as a protected racial characteristic under Title VII of the [Civil Rights](/area/civil-rights/) Act of 1964 in some instances, such as the 1976 case of Jenkins v. Blue Cross Mutual Hospital Insurance, the broader legal landscape remained inconsistent and often hostile to other natural styles. The social pressure to conform to Eurocentric aesthetics, even after the Civil Rights movement, continued to influence employment decisions, subtly dictating how [Black women](/area/black-women/) presented themselves in professional spaces.

![The pumice stone](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pumice-stone-texture-close-up-for-porosity-comparison-in-hair.jpg)

## Shifting Cultural Currents and Employment Realities

The decades following the [Black Power movement](/area/black-power-movement/) saw a complex interplay of assimilationist pressures and renewed expressions of natural hair. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a proliferation of pressed and permed styles, influenced by widespread hair care advertisements. Yet, this period also saw the increasing popularity of styles like braids and cornrows, often showcased by Black celebrities. These styles, however, frequently became the subject of legal challenges, as companies sought to regulate employee appearance.

A prominent case involved a Black woman suing American Airlines in 1981 because the company demanded she remove her braids. The court sided with the airline, arguing that braids were not an immutable racial characteristic like the Afro. This ruling set a challenging precedent, subsequently used by other employers to justify similar demands, as seen when the Hyatt Regency required employee Cheryl Tatum to resign for refusing to remove her cornrows. This historical legal precedent highlighted the precarious position of textured hair in employment, where cultural expression was often deemed a mutable, and thus punishable, choice.

![Hands administer creamy treatment to textured coils, as women stand by, witnessing an outdoor hair ritual rooted in ancestral heritage and holistic wellness practices for Black hair the scene offers a poignant reflection on historical hair care traditions passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of heritage and community.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-textured-hair-treatment-ritual-outdoor-setting.jpg)

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

## Relay

The legacy of ancestral practices continues to inform contemporary expressions of self, even as the landscape of employment presents ongoing hurdles. The fight for true equity in the workplace, particularly concerning textured hair, remains a persistent and evolving struggle, built upon the foundations laid by historical injustices. The echoes of past discrimination resonate in modern policies and unspoken biases, demanding continuous vigilance and legislative action to ensure that one’s inherent being is never a barrier to opportunity.

![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)

## Contemporary Discrimination and the CROWN Act

Even in the 21st century, discrimination against textured hair in employment persists, reflecting deep-seated, historically ingrained biases. A 2023 study by Dove and LinkedIn found that Black women’s hair is **2.5 times as likely as white women’s hair to be perceived as “unprofessional.”** The implications extend beyond perception; approximately **two-thirds (66%) of Black women report changing their hair for a job interview**, with 41% altering their hair from curly to straight. This data reveals a persistent pressure to conform to Eurocentric [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) to secure employment, a direct lineage from the historical narratives of assimilation. Over 20% of Black women between the ages of 25 and 34 have been sent home from work because of their hair.

One of the most widely cited modern instances illustrating this ongoing struggle is the case of **Chastity Jones**. In 2010, she received a job offer from Catastrophe Management Solutions, only to have it rescinded when she refused to cut her locs, which the company deemed “messy.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit on her behalf in 2013, arguing that the company’s action constituted racial discrimination. However, the case was ultimately dismissed, with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the lower court’s ruling that locs were not an immutable racial characteristic.

> Despite strides in civil rights, textured hair still faces systemic bias in contemporary employment, leading to significant personal and professional compromises.
The outcomes of cases like Jones’s underscored the legal ambiguity and vulnerability Black individuals faced. Federal civil rights laws, while prohibiting race-based discrimination, often did not explicitly include [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) or protective hairstyles within their definitions of race, creating a loophole that allowed discriminatory practices to continue. This legal vacuum prompted a renewed legislative push, giving rise to the **CROWN Act**.

![Women braid textured hair, passing down ancestral techniques in a scene celebrating Black hair traditions. This practice demonstrates deep commitment to heritage while emphasizing beauty, self-expression, and the significance of communal support for holistic hair wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-braiding-textured-hair-cultural-exchange-and-hair-care-practices.jpg)

## How Does Legislation Address Historical Harms?

The CROWN Act, an acronym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” directly confronts this historical issue by prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture and culturally significant hairstyles. California led the way, passing the first [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) in 2019, amending its anti-discrimination statutes to explicitly include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists. Since then, a growing number of states have enacted similar legislation, recognizing [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) as a form of racial discrimination.

The push for the CROWN Act at the federal level reflects a collective desire for nationwide protection, ensuring that the legacy of ancestral hair is no longer a professional liability. While the federal CROWN Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, it has not yet been enacted into federal law. This ongoing legislative journey highlights the deep-seated nature of the biases it seeks to dismantle, biases that have been cultivated and reinforced through centuries of historical events.

![Captured in monochrome, the hands carefully manage the child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gentle-hands-combing-through-childs-naturally-coiled-blonde-textured-hair.jpg)

## Legal Responses and Ongoing Advocacy

The CROWN Act’s existence signifies a crucial recognition that policies prohibiting natural hairstyles are often rooted in white standards of appearance and perpetuate racist stereotypes that declare Black hairstyles unprofessional. It represents an attempt to redefine what constitutes “professionalism” in the workplace, moving away from a narrow, Eurocentric ideal toward one that respects the diversity and heritage of all hair textures. The act protects various styles, including:

- **Afros** ❉ A symbol of Black Power and resistance that emerged in the 1960s.

- **Braids** ❉ Styles with deep historical roots in Africa, used for communication and identity.

- **Locs** ❉ Traditionally linked to spiritual practices in some cultures, now often perceived as messy or unprofessional in corporate settings.

- **Twists** ❉ A protective style with cultural significance.

- **Bantu Knots** ❉ Ancient African style that is also a protective measure for hair.

![This striking portrait showcases the beauty of textured hair artistry and professional elegance. The expertly crafted braids, meticulously styled, symbolize heritage and empowerment, while the tailored blazer conveys confidence](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-intricate-braided-hairstyle-and-professional.jpg)

![The intimate portrait celebrates ancestral heritage through intentional hair care, a woman lovingly coats her intensely coiled textured hair with a nourishing hair mask. A self-care ritual honoring the legacy of Black hair traditions, showcasing the commitment to healthy, expressive styling with holistic products](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-rich-hair-mask-to-intensely-coiled-textured-hair-at-home.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey of textured hair through the annals of employment history is a profound exploration of human resilience, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of heritage. It is a story not yet concluded, for the gentle wisdom of ancestral practices still guides many, and the echoes of past struggles continue to inform the present. Each strand, each curl, each coil carries the memory of an unbroken lineage, a silent protest against erasure, and a radiant affirmation of self.

Roothea seeks to be a living archive, a space where the elemental biology of textured hair meets the sacred traditions of its care, and where its role in shaping futures is honored with reverence. Understanding these historical events allows us to see beyond superficial aesthetics, recognizing textured hair as a powerful conduit to one’s ancestry, a physical manifestation of an identity that has, against all odds, continued to flourish.

From the ancient African belief that hair served as a connection to the spiritual realm, to the painful imposition of foreign beauty standards during enslavement, and the defiant blossoming of the Afro during the [Black Power](/area/black-power/) Movement, the story of textured hair in employment reflects a larger societal narrative of control and liberation. The ongoing work of legislation like the CROWN Act is not merely about legal precedent; it is about reclaiming dignity, valuing authenticity, and weaving the diverse strands of humanity into a truly inclusive future. It reminds us that every hair texture holds its own unique beauty and a deep history, deserving of respect, celebration, and unwavering acceptance in every sphere of life, including the professional one.

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

![The image celebrates natural textured hair, as a vital part of Black identity and pride, with a timeless and elegant portrait in monochrome. She embodies strength and beauty through her confident gaze and perfectly shaped afro, making a powerful statement about self-acceptance and ancestral beauty practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-natural-afro-hair.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. D. (2014). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.

- Caldwell, P. (1991). A Hair Piece: Perspectives on the Regulation of Black Women’s Hair. Duke Law Journal.

- Davis, A. Y. (1981). Women, Race & Class. Random House.

- Mercer, K. (1994). Welcome to the Jungle: New Positions in Black Cultural Studies. Routledge.

- Opie, T. L. & Phillips, K. W. (2015). The Natural Hair Bias in Job Recruitment. Academy of Management Proceedings.

- Patton, T. O. (2006). Hey Girl, Am I More Than My Hair? African American Women and Their Struggles with Beauty. Peter Lang Publishing.

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

- Thompson, B. (2009). A Brand New World: Madam C.J. Walker and the Black Beauty Culture. University of Illinois Press.

## Glossary

### [Hair Pigmentation Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/hair-pigmentation-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Pigmentation Perceptions refers to the nuanced understanding of how melanin variations within textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals, influence its unique characteristics and care requirements.

### [Cultural Hair Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Hair Perceptions delineate the collective societal viewpoints and ascribed values concerning hair textures, particularly those indigenous to Black and mixed-race lineages.

### [Colonial Hair Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Colonial Hair Perceptions signify the enduring influence of historical beauty standards, often rooted in Eurocentric ideals, upon the comprehension and management of hair with natural coils, curls, and waves, particularly within Black and mixed-race heritage.

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

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

### [Albinism Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Albinism Perceptions refer to the nuanced understanding of hair characteristics stemming from hypopigmentation, particularly within the diverse spectrum of Black and mixed-race hair textures.

### [Cultural Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Perceptions gently reveal the varied viewpoints and collective understandings that have long framed how textured hair, particularly Black and mixed-race hair, is observed and attended to.

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

Meaning ❉ Heritage Perceptions denote the individual and communal understandings of ancestral hair legacies, influencing how one comprehends, tends to, and engages with their distinct textured hair.

### [Hair Loss Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/hair-loss-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ "Hair Loss Perceptions" describes the individual and communal understandings surrounding hair thinning or loss, particularly within the textured hair community.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair Texture identifies the inherent physical configuration of individual hair strands, from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns, a fundamental characteristic for those with Black and mixed heritage hair.

### [Employment Equity](https://roothea.co/area/employment-equity/)

Meaning ❉ Employment Equity, in the gentle realm of textured hair understanding, refers to the deliberate practice of ensuring fairness and respectful opportunity within professional settings for individuals whose crowns reflect the beautiful spectrum of Black and mixed heritage hair.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Cultural Beliefs Shaped Historical Practices for Textured Hair Vitality?](https://roothea.co/question/what-cultural-beliefs-shaped-historical-practices-for-textured-hair-vitality/)
![Deep in concentration, the matriarch](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elderly-black-woman-masterfully-weaving-traditional-basketry-with-natural.jpg)

### [What Historical Events Shaped Textured Hair as Resistance?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-textured-hair-as-resistance/)
![The image beautifully captures the fusion of modern styling and natural hair texture. With a stylish undercut and expertly styled wave, the subject embodies a bold and graceful sense of identity and cultural pride through her expressive hair design, celebrating individuality.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-showcasing-textured-hair-styles-and-modern-undercut-design.jpg)

### [What Traditional Wisdom Shaped Historical Textured Hair Care Regimens?](https://roothea.co/question/what-traditional-wisdom-shaped-historical-textured-hair-care-regimens/)
![The black and white image evokes a profound connection with natural textured hair heritage, as the woman guides the other](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intergenerational-bonding-textured-hair-care-rituals-showcasing-black-heritage.jpg)

### [What Historical Events Shaped the Protective Use of Head Coverings for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-the-protective-use-of-head-coverings-for-textured-hair/)
![An evocative image showcasing minimalist adornment emphasizing elegance in afro hair, her silver head jewelry speaks to ancient African hair traditions and modern aesthetic principles. This portrait explores heritage and self-expression within the nuanced conversation of textured hair and identity, with deep cultural roots.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-sleek-short-hair-adorned-jewelry.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Events Influence Modern Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-events-influence-modern-textured-hair-practices/)
![A timeless monochrome portrait evokes strength and grace, celebrating the beauty of naturally textured hair, and the heritage and wellness within ancestral styles. The headband subtly accents the afro](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-wearing-headband-and-strapless-top.jpg)

### [What Historical Dietary Shifts Shaped the Genetic and Epigenetic Landscape of Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-dietary-shifts-shaped-the-genetic-and-epigenetic-landscape-of-textured-hair-heritage/)
![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](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-a-young-girl-with-coiled-hair-braids.jpg)

### [What Historical Events Influenced Scalp Care Practices for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-influenced-scalp-care-practices-for-textured-hair/)
![This expressive monochrome portrait captures the inherent beauty and volume of spiraling textured hair, highlighting cultural connections to textured hair traditions the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-long-spiraling-textured-hair-style.jpg)

### [How Did Colonial Perceptions Alter Hair's Ancestral Meaning?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-colonial-perceptions-alter-hairs-ancestral-meaning/)
![This vintage hair pick, immortalized in monochrome, speaks volumes about ancestral beauty rituals and the enduring legacy of textured hair traditions. Its robust form emphasizes the enduring practices in textured hair care, echoing ancestral wisdom passed through generations and holistic wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-vintage-hair-pick-detailed-texture-ancestral-heritage-beauty-tool.jpg)

### [Hair Pigmentation Perceptions](https://roothea.co/term/hair-pigmentation-perceptions/)
![An artist intently captures the essence of coiled hair formations in a digital medium, honoring its structure and cultural significance. This design reflects the beauty in the helix form as she explores a blend of modern digital tools with heritage of expressive styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artist-digital-drawing-curly-coiled-hair-design-black-and-white.jpg)

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                "text": "The CROWN Act, an acronym for \"Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,\" directly confronts this historical issue by prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture and culturally significant hairstyles. California led the way, passing the first CROWN Act in 2019, amending its anti-discrimination statutes to explicitly include traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists. Since then, a growing number of states have enacted similar legislation, recognizing hair discrimination as a form of racial discrimination."
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-employment/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "name": "Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancient-african/",
            "name": "Ancient African",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancient-african/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Ancient African,\" within the scope of textured hair understanding, refers to the foundational knowledge and gentle practices passed through generations across diverse African cultures."
        },
        {
            "@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/african-hair/",
            "name": "African Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Hair identifies the diverse spectrum of natural hair structures primarily observed within populations of African lineage, characterized by distinctive curl formations, ranging from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns."
        },
        {
            "@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/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric Beauty describes an aesthetic framework that historically positions features and hair textures common in European populations as the prevailing ideal."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "name": "Civil Rights",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Civil Rights, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, points to the fundamental freedom and equal access allowing individuals with Black and mixed-race hair to define, care for, and present their unique hair identity without prejudice."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "name": "Black Women",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/",
            "name": "Black Power Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Black Power Movement represents a transformative period, gently guiding Black and mixed-race individuals toward a thorough re-evaluation of their hair heritage."
        },
        {
            "@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-texture/",
            "name": "Hair Texture",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Texture identifies the inherent physical configuration of individual hair strands, from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns, a fundamental characteristic for those with Black and mixed heritage hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/black-power/",
            "name": "Black Power",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Black Power,\" within the sphere of textured hair, quietly articulates a gentle yet firm assertion of personal sovereignty over one's unique hair identity and its care."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-pigmentation-perceptions/",
            "name": "Hair Pigmentation Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-pigmentation-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Pigmentation Perceptions refers to the nuanced understanding of how melanin variations within textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals, influence its unique characteristics and care requirements."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-perceptions/",
            "name": "Cultural Hair Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Hair Perceptions delineate the collective societal viewpoints and ascribed values concerning hair textures, particularly those indigenous to Black and mixed-race lineages."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-perceptions/",
            "name": "Colonial Hair Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Colonial Hair Perceptions signify the enduring influence of historical beauty standards, often rooted in Eurocentric ideals, upon the comprehension and management of hair with natural coils, curls, and waves, particularly within Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/",
            "name": "Albinism Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Albinism Perceptions refer to the nuanced understanding of hair characteristics stemming from hypopigmentation, particularly within the diverse spectrum of Black and mixed-race hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-perceptions/",
            "name": "Cultural Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Perceptions gently reveal the varied viewpoints and collective understandings that have long framed how textured hair, particularly Black and mixed-race hair, is observed and attended to."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/heritage-perceptions/",
            "name": "Heritage Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/heritage-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Heritage Perceptions denote the individual and communal understandings of ancestral hair legacies, influencing how one comprehends, tends to, and engages with their distinct textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-loss-perceptions/",
            "name": "Hair Loss Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-loss-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Hair Loss Perceptions\" describes the individual and communal understandings surrounding hair thinning or loss, particularly within the textured hair community."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/employment-equity/",
            "name": "Employment Equity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/employment-equity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Employment Equity, in the gentle realm of textured hair understanding, refers to the deliberate practice of ensuring fairness and respectful opportunity within professional settings for individuals whose crowns reflect the beautiful spectrum of Black and mixed heritage hair."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-events-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-employment/
