# What Historical Forces Changed Textured Hair Care? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-11
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

_
![The portrait captures the essence of Maasai identity through intricate beadwork and short Afro-textured hair, a powerful representation of ancestral heritage and holistic beauty. Expressive styling and light celebrate Black hair traditions, inviting contemplation on cultural narratives woven into each coil and adornment](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maasai-woman-adorned-with-intricate-beaded-headdress-and-traditional-jewelry.jpg)

## Roots

Consider for a moment the very strands that spring from the scalp, a living chronicle spun from ancestral memory and the earth’s bounty. For those whose lineage traces through the vibrant lands of Africa, [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) has always been far more than a simple adornment. It served as a profound testament to identity, a language spoken without words, its coils and curls holding stories of tribe, age, marital status, and even spiritual connection.

Before the heavy hand of colonialism touched the continent, [hair care](/area/hair-care/) was a cherished art, a communal act, a time for deep connection and the passing of ancient wisdom. Communities gathered, often under the warmth of the sun, engaging in rituals that nourished both the hair and the spirit.

The biological architecture of textured hair, with its elliptical follicle shape and varied curl patterns, often spiraling into tight coils or distinct kinks, was understood not through microscopes, but through generations of lived experience. [Ancient African](/area/ancient-african/) peoples recognized the inherent dryness of such hair, its tendency to contract, and the need for particular moisturizing agents. They knew the earth’s yield held the remedies, crafting elixirs from indigenous plants and butters. The scientific validation of these historical methods comes much later, yet the ancestral practices themselves carried the weight of empirical knowledge, gathered through centuries of observation. 

> Pre-colonial African hair care embodied a profound connection to identity, community, and the earth’s inherent generosity.

![The interplay of light and shadow on her face, partially veiled by her hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-coiled-afro-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## What Ancient African Hair Care Practices Taught Us?

The care of textured hair in ancient Africa involved a deep respect for natural elements. Women and men alike utilized a pantheon of plant-derived oils and butters, extracting their moisturizing and strengthening properties. This knowledge was localized, yet echoes of common approaches resound across diverse regions. 

- **Shea butter** ❉ A cornerstone, pressed from the nuts of the shea tree, offering unparalleled moisture and protection from harsh climates.

- **Marula oil** ❉ Extracted from the fruit kernels of the marula tree, revered for its nourishing qualities in southern Africa.

- **Rhassoul clay** ❉ From the Atlas Mountains, used as a cleansing and purifying agent, lifting impurities without stripping natural oils.

- **Ghee** ❉ Clarified butter, particularly among Ethiopian communities, applied for conditioning and luster.
These substances were not simply products; they were extensions of the environment, interwoven with daily life and spiritual understanding. Hair was oiled, conditioned, and styled with a precision that speaks volumes of the value placed upon it. The act of cleansing, preparing, and adorning hair was often a multi-day endeavor, a testament to its significance. 

![The Dogon man’s intense gaze and carefully braided hair, combined with the traditional mask, create a powerful visual narrative on heritage and identity. Textured hair patterns add visual depth and resonate with holistic hair care principles and styling practices in diverse mixed-race contexts](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dogon-mans-striking-portrait-with-traditional-mask-and-braided-hair.jpg)

## How Did Early Societies See Hair’s Meaning?

The intricate designs seen in rock paintings dating back to 3500 BCE, depicting women with cornrows, offer early glimpses into the enduring artistry and purpose of hair styling. These styles communicated a person’s story ❉ their clan, their position within society, their marital status, or even their readiness for marriage. For instance, a particular braid pattern might signify a rite of passage, moving a young girl into womanhood, or a specific arrangement of adornments might announce wealth or a spiritual devotion. The Yoruba people, for example, believed hair to be the most elevated part of the body, a conduit for messages to the gods, and braided it with this reverence. 

Then came the abrupt rupture. The [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) tore millions from their homelands, severing not only familial bonds but also the very roots of cultural practice. One of the immediate acts of dehumanization was the shaving of heads upon capture and transport. This brutal act aimed to strip individuals of their identity, their spiritual connection, and the visual language of their heritage.

Without access to their traditional tools, oils, or the communal spaces for hair care, hair became matted, tangled, and often concealed under scarves, a stark contrast to its previous glory. This marked a forced alteration of hair care, transforming it from a celebration of being into a silent struggle for preservation.

![The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-intricate-braided-hairstyle-and-ornament.jpg)

![The image explores beauty and identity, with the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-intricate-locs.jpg)

## Ritual

The arrival in the New World brought with it an imposed erasure of heritage, yet the human spirit, resilient and tenacious, found ways to preserve fragments of ancestral wisdom. Stripped of their traditional implements and ingredients, enslaved Africans had to adapt, improvising with whatever was at hand. They used bacon grease, butter, or kerosene as rudimentary conditioners, and cornmeal as a dry shampoo, a stark testament to the lengths people would go to care for their hair, even under the most brutal conditions. This period witnessed the birth of new traditions, born of necessity and quiet defiance. 

![The introspective gaze and intricately patterned coils of highlighted textured hair communicate a powerful story of cultural heritage. The detailed portrait captures the essence of identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/contemplative-portrait-of-man-with-patterned-textured-hair-and-intense-gaze.jpg)

## How Did Hair Become a Language of Resistance?

The communal act of hair care, a custom so central in pre-colonial Africa, continued on plantations, albeit in secret and under duress. Sundays, often the only day of rest, became a sacred time for this ritual, fostering bonds and transmitting cultural practices in hushed tones. Cornrows, which had centuries-old roots in African cultures as indicators of tribal affiliation and social rank, took on a new, urgent significance. They became coded maps, pathways to freedom, with specific patterns indicating escape routes or safe houses along the Underground Railroad.

Seeds were even concealed within braids, a hope for survival and sustenance in a stolen land. This clandestine use of hair as a form of communication is a potent historical example of [textured hair heritage](/area/textured-hair-heritage/) as a tool for survival and resistance.

After emancipation, the struggle for acceptance within a Eurocentric society brought new pressures. Straight hair became a perceived doorway to opportunity, a symbol of assimilation. This era witnessed the rise of innovative tools and products designed to alter hair texture. 

![The monochrome tones accentuate the beauty and resilience in her tightly coiled hair, a textured crown that reflects a powerful legacy. Light and shadow sculpt a portrait that invites contemplation on ancestral roots, identity expression, and the art of holistic hair care traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-showcasing-defined-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

## How Did Innovations Change Hair Care Habits?

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant mechanical and chemical innovations. The hot comb , often attributed to Madam C.J. Walker (though its origins trace back earlier), offered a temporary straightening solution, allowing for the creation of sleek styles. Madam C.J.

Walker, a Black woman who built an empire on hair care, became America’s first self-made female millionaire, creating products specifically for [Black women](/area/black-women/) at a time when mainstream options were non-existent. Her work, however, existed within a societal context that still favored altered hair textures.

The chemical relaxer, invented by Garrett A. Morgan in the early 20th century and later popularized with more effective formulas by George E. Johnson in the 1950s (with his Ultra Sheen product), introduced a more permanent method of straightening tightly coiled hair.

This product, marketed as a less damaging and more convenient option, transformed hair care for generations, becoming for many a rite of passage, some beginning its use as young as five years old. The desire to conform, coupled with aggressive marketing, cemented its place in the beauty routines of millions of Black women.

> The enduring allure of chemical alteration in hair care is a direct echo of societal pressures that valued conformity above natural expression.

![The image exudes elegance, celebrating the inherent beauty of Afro-textured hair, where each defined coil contributes to a powerful statement of identity and heritage. Soft light dances on her radiant skin creating a captivating moment that honors tradition and promotes holistic hair care practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-natural-afro-textured-hair-in-monochrome.jpg)

![The stoic expression captures the weight of ancestral heritage, amplified by the traditional face paint patterns adorning her skin, creating a powerful visual narrative of cultural identity and resilience, with the feathers in her textured hair symbolizing connection to nature and spiritual realms.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-indigenous-woman-adorned-with-cultural-face-painting.jpg)

## Relay

The mid-20th century brought a powerful cultural reckoning, challenging the imposed beauty standards that had taken root over centuries. The Civil Rights Movement and the subsequent Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s marked a profound shift, where hair became a visible, potent symbol of Black pride and activism. Rejecting Eurocentric norms, Black Americans embraced their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) texture, with the Afro hairstyle becoming an iconic declaration of self-love and solidarity.

Activists like Angela Davis championed the Afro, transforming it into a weapon in the fight for racial equality and a public affirmation of Black identity. This period was a deliberate act of reclaiming a heritage long suppressed.

![The monochrome composition draws focus to the detailed braid patterns and the textured bun, emphasizing the importance of protective styles in Black hair traditions. This image celebrates hair styling as a powerful form of heritage expression and individual identity through holistic hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portraiture-woman-protective-hairstyling-braids-twisted-bun-with.jpg)

## What Caused Hair to Become a Political Statement?

The socio-political climate of the 1960s ignited a desire for self-determination that extended to every aspect of Black life, including appearance. The idea that “Black is Beautiful” resonated deeply, assuring Black individuals that their natural features, including their hair, held inherent worth. Marcus Garvey’s earlier call to “Don’t remove the kinks from your hair! Remove them from your brain!” found renewed relevance, urging a mental decolonization alongside a physical one.

This era saw a deliberate turning away from chemical straighteners and pressing combs, a conscious choice to wear hair in its authentic state, whether in voluminous Afros, intricate braids, or cornrows. A 1972 study of Black teens in St. Louis revealed a significant uptick, with 90 percent of young men and 40 percent of young women sporting their natural kinks, reflecting a broader national trend.

This celebration of natural texture, however, faced persistent societal resistance, particularly in professional and educational settings. Discrimination against natural Black hairstyles has a long history, with rules and policies often deeming Afros, locs, or braids as “unprofessional”. The fight for hair freedom continues today, embodied in legislative efforts such as the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), first introduced in 2019, which seeks to prohibit race-based hair discrimination. 

![This compelling portrait showcases bold artistry, embracing the beauty of textured hair. The juxtaposition of coiled hair and the undercut, along with the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-defined-coiled-hair.jpg)

## How Does Understanding Heritage Influence Current Care?

The present wave of the natural hair movement, gaining significant momentum in the early 2000s, has been largely propelled by the advent of social media and accessible digital platforms. This digital landscape has fostered a powerful, interconnected community where knowledge, techniques, and shared experiences are exchanged, often bringing ancient care methods into contemporary practice. Individuals now seek a deeper understanding of textured hair biology, connecting it to [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) and modern scientific insight. 

This quest for holistic care also involves a critical examination of ingredients. For decades, chemical relaxers, while offering straightened styles, presented significant health risks. Recent studies and legal actions have increasingly brought to light the serious health implications associated with these products, including increased risks of uterine cancer and other hormone-related conditions.

A study published in 2023 from Boston University, for instance, indicated that Black women who used relaxers more than twice a year or for over five years experienced a 50% increase in uterine cancer risk. This sobering data has prompted many to seek safer, non-chemical alternatives, reinforcing a return to practices that protect overall well-being alongside hair health.

This contemporary shift acknowledges the historical journey of textured hair, recognizing how external forces shaped its care and perception. It encourages a mindful approach, one that honors biological reality and ancestral knowledge. 

Here are some key areas of focus in modern textured hair care, often rooted in historical precedents: 

- **Moisture Retention** ❉ Recognizing the inherent dryness of textured hair, modern practices emphasize layering water-based products with rich oils and butters, a concept mirroring ancestral use of natural emollients like shea butter.

- **Protective Styling** ❉ Braids, twists, and locs, styles with deep ancient African roots, remain essential. They minimize manipulation and shield delicate strands from environmental stressors, promoting length retention and overall health.

- **Gentle Cleansing** ❉ A move away from harsh sulfates towards co-washing (conditioner-only washing) or low-lather cleansers aligns with the understanding that textured hair benefits from preserving its natural moisture, akin to ancient use of cleansing clays that did not strip the hair.

![Granular clay, captured in stark monochrome, speaks to earth](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artisanal-clay-mask-close-up-for-holistic-textured-hair-care-routine.jpg)

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

## Reflection

The journey of textured hair care, from its origins as a cherished symbol of life and community to its struggles through oppression and its current reclamation as a banner of heritage, is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who wear it. Each coil, every strand, holds within it the whispers of ancestors, the resilience of generations, and the wisdom gathered over millennia. What forces changed textured hair care?

It was the profound shifts in societal structures, from the intricate social systems of [pre-colonial Africa](/area/pre-colonial-africa/) to the brutal realities of the transatlantic slave trade, then to the assimilationist pressures of post-emancipation eras, and finally, the liberatory movements that challenged oppressive norms. These external forces, often violent and dismissive, sought to disconnect individuals from a fundamental aspect of their being.

Yet, the true story of [textured hair care](/area/textured-hair-care/) resides not in its subjugation, but in its unwavering persistence. The ability to adapt, to innovate, to resist, and ultimately, to redefine beauty on its own terms, is a powerful legacy. It is a lineage that speaks of creativity born from constraint, of beauty salvaged from adversity, and of identity asserted against all odds. To tend to textured hair today is to engage in an act of remembrance, a conscious acknowledgment of the traditions, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before.

It is a dialogue with the past, informing a healthier, more authentic present. Our strands are living archives, continuously writing new chapters while holding tight to the old, ensuring that the soul of each helix remains vibrant and unbound.

![The portrait captures a woman embodying both strength and vulnerability through the artistic cage and braided style, creating a powerful statement on identity and heritage. This Afrocentric modern expression celebrates textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-hair-caged-headpiece-afrocentric-modernity-art.jpg)

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

## References

- Byrd, Ayana D. and Lori L. Tharps. <i>Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2014.

- Collins, “Aunt Tildy”. _Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project_. Library of Congress, 1936. (As referenced in various historical accounts of slave narratives).

- Johnson, George E. _Ultra Sheen Relaxer Development_. Johnson Products Company, 1957. (As referenced in historical accounts of hair product development).

- McCreesh, Natalie. “Hair samples from ancient mummies.” _Journal of Archaeological Science_, 2011.

- Morgan, Garrett A. _Hair Relaxer Patent_. U.S. Patent, 1909. (As referenced in historical accounts of patents and inventions).

- Patton, Tracey Owens. “Hey Girl, Am I More Than My Hair?” _The Journal of Black Studies_, 2006.

- Rosado, Sybil Dione. “No Nubian Knots or Nappy Locks: Discussing the Politics of Hair Among Women of African Decent in the Diaspora.” _Transforming Anthropology_, 2003.

- Smith, G.E. _Catalogue Général des Antiquités Égyptiennes du Musée du Caire: Nos 61051-6100, The Royal Mummies_. Imprimerie de L’Institut Français D’Archéologie Orientale, 1912.

- Wilcox, Amanda. “Femininity, Hair Relaxers, and the Impact of Beauty Standards on Black Women’s Health.” _The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine_, 2017.

## Glossary

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

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

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Care refers to the considered practice of attending to the unique structure of coily, kinky, and wavy hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Ancient African](https://roothea.co/area/ancient-african/)

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.

### [Slave Trade](https://roothea.co/area/slave-trade/)

Meaning ❉ The term 'Slave Trade' refers to the systematic, forced transportation of African people across the Atlantic, a historical practice that deeply separated communities from their indigenous lands and ancestral ways of life.

### [Ancestral Wisdom](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/)

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Wisdom, for textured hair, represents the enduring knowledge and discerning observations gently passed through generations concerning the unique character of Black and mixed-race hair.

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

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

### [Black 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.

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

Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair.

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

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.

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair describes the spectrum of hair textures primarily found within communities of African heritage, recognized by its distinct curl patterns ❉ from expansive waves to tightly coiled formations ❉ and an often elliptical follicle shape, which fundamentally shapes its unique growth trajectory.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Do Historical Hair Care Methods Connect with Textured Hair Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-hair-care-methods-connect-with-textured-hair-identity/)
![This portrait evokes a sense of timeless beauty, with the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-silver-braids-and-elegant-dress.jpg)

### [What Historical Forces Altered Textured Hair's Cultural Standing?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-forces-altered-textured-hairs-cultural-standing/)
![This black and white portrait illustrates the ancestral practice of textured hair care, a mother nurturing her child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-childs-textured-hair-at-window-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Hair Care Rituals Inform Modern Practices for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-hair-care-rituals-inform-modern-practices-for-textured-hair/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-united-in-traditional-african-spice-grinding-ritual-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Historical Forces Changed Societal Perceptions of Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-forces-changed-societal-perceptions-of-textured-hair/)
![Gathered in community, women meticulously braid, preserving ancestral heritage through the creation of protective hairstyles that honor textured hair traditions, enhanced by nourishing Jojoba and Shea butter hair products, a symbol of collective care and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/community-braiding-session-group-of-black-women-creating-protective-hairstyles.jpg)

### [What Historical Dietary Shifts Changed Textured Hair Growth?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-dietary-shifts-changed-textured-hair-growth/)
![Hands engage in the mindful preparation of a clay mask, a tradition rooted in holistic wellness, showcasing the commitment to natural treatments for nourishing textured hair patterns and promoting scalp health, enhancing ancestral hair care heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-mixing-natural-clay-mask-in-bowl-for-holistic-hair-wellness.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Hair Care Practices Influence Contemporary Textured Hair Routines?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-hair-care-practices-influence-contemporary-textured-hair-routines/)
![Striking in its simplicity, the monochrome portrait captures the essence of textured hair artistry, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow on the hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-flowing-wavy-hair.jpg)

### [How Have Cultural Views of Textured Hair Changed through History?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-cultural-views-of-textured-hair-changed-through-history/)
![Hands intertwined, an elder passes ancestral skills weaving intricate patterns, textured with the rich history of indigenous knowledge. A potent image reflecting dedication to cultural continuity, holistic care, and the preservation of ancestral practices including natural hair maintenance techniques.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-weaving-an-elders-hands-instructing-younger-hands-on-indigenous.jpg)

### [What Historical Hair Care Methods Influenced Porosity in Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-hair-care-methods-influenced-porosity-in-textured-hair/)
![This powerful monochrome captures the profound ancestral heritage embodied in a Maasai woman, her head adornment enhancing the natural beauty of low porosity high-density coils, showcasing cultural artistry in protective styling helix definition and celebrating sebaceous balance care traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maasai-womans-coiled-hair-adornment-expression-of-heritage-and-identity.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Hair Tools Connect to Modern Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-hair-tools-connect-to-modern-textured-hair-care/)
![Embracing ancestral heritage, the portrait celebrates textured hair with carefully placed braids, a visual narrative resonating with expressive styling and holistic care. The interplay of light and shadow reinforces the strength of identity, mirroring the beauty and resilience inherent in the natural hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-with-braided-hair-accents-and-textured-hair.jpg)

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                "text": " These substances were not simply products; they were extensions of the environment, interwoven with daily life and spiritual understanding. Hair was oiled, conditioned, and styled with a precision that speaks volumes of the value placed upon it. The act of cleansing, preparing, and adorning hair was often a multi-day endeavor, a testament to its significance.\n"
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                "text": " The Shifting Purpose of Braids Through Time Era Purpose of Braids Cultural Connection Pre-Colonial Africa Identity marker, social status, spiritual connection, communal bonding. Deeply integrated into daily life and sacred rituals, signifying a person's standing and belonging. Transatlantic Slave Trade Survival, coded communication (maps), practicality for labor, hidden acts of cultural continuity. A hidden language of resistance, a silent defiance against forced assimilation and dehumanization. Braids, from ancient symbols to tools of liberation, have consistently embodied the enduring spirit of textured hair heritage. \n"
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            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " This celebration of natural texture, however, faced persistent societal resistance, particularly in professional and educational settings. Discrimination against natural Black hairstyles has a long history, with rules and policies often deeming Afros, locs, or braids as \"unprofessional\". The fight for hair freedom continues today, embodied in legislative efforts such as the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), first introduced in 2019, which seeks to prohibit race-based hair discrimination.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does Understanding Heritage Influence Current Care?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " This quest for holistic care also involves a critical examination of ingredients. For decades, chemical relaxers, while offering straightened styles, presented significant health risks. Recent studies and legal actions have increasingly brought to light the serious health implications associated with these products, including increased risks of uterine cancer and other hormone-related conditions. A study published in 2023 from Boston University, for instance, indicated that Black women who used relaxers more than twice a year or for over five years experienced a 50% increase in uterine cancer risk. This sobering data has prompted many to seek safer, non-chemical alternatives, reinforcing a return to practices that protect overall well-being alongside hair health.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "name": "Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/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/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Heritage\" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-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/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/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "name": "Ancestral Wisdom",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Wisdom, for textured hair, represents the enduring knowledge and discerning observations gently passed through generations concerning the unique character of Black and mixed-race hair."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/pre-colonial-africa/",
            "name": "Pre-Colonial Africa",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Pre-Colonial Africa\" refers to the expansive historical period across the African continent prior to significant European colonial influence, primarily before the late 19th century."
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        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-care/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Care",
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            "@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/slave-trade/",
            "name": "Slave Trade",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/slave-trade/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The term 'Slave Trade' refers to the systematic, forced transportation of African people across the Atlantic, a historical practice that deeply separated communities from their indigenous lands and ancestral ways of life."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/",
            "name": "Natural Hair Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@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."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "name": "Black Hair",
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            "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."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-forces-changed-textured-hair-care/
