# What Historical Laws Attempted to Control Black Hair Expression? ❉ Question

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

---

![Intense monochromatic portraiture celebrates natural coiled hair, highlighting the texture and shape under stark lighting. This artistry signifies deeper narratives of identity affirmation, self-acceptance, and the beauty found within authentic expressions of ancestral heritage, specifically related to Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-intricate-coiled-natural-hair-texture.jpg)

![The detailed porous surface evokes the inherent strength and resilience found in natural formations like volcanic rock, echoing the enduring beauty of tightly coiled hair textures maintained through generations of ancestral practices and holistic textured hair care methods.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-surface-detail-intricate-porous-structure-volcanic-rock-beauty-heritage.jpg)

## Roots

Consider, for a moment, the very strands that spring from the scalp, each a testament to ancestry, a living archive. For Black and mixed-race communities, these coiled wonders, these waves and kinks, are not merely biological formations; they are profound expressions of a shared heritage. They carry stories of migration, resistance, and enduring beauty.

To speak of [historical laws](/area/historical-laws/) attempting to control [Black hair expression](/area/black-hair-expression/) is to speak of attempts to silence a language, to sever a connection to deep ancestral wisdom, and to diminish a vibrant cultural legacy. The very notion of legislating how one’s hair may be worn strikes at the core of personal freedom and, more importantly, at the heart of collective [identity](/area/identity/) that has always found voice in hair.

Before the shadows of legal restriction began to lengthen, hair in numerous African societies held immense significance. It was a visual dictionary, communicating a person’s social standing, age, marital status, tribal identity, and even their spiritual leanings. Hairstyles acted as social markers, reflecting a person’s journey through life.

Elders wore styles distinct from younger individuals, and those of a higher societal position often sported more elaborate arrangements. This understanding of hair as a profound communication medium forms the foundation of its heritage, making any attempt to control it a direct assault on the personhood and communal fabric.

![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)

## Ancient Echoes of Textured Hair

Across pre-colonial African lands, hair was revered. It was viewed in many cultures as the highest point of the body, a conduit for spiritual energy, a point of connection to the divine and to ancestors. This reverence meant that hairstyling was not a casual act but a ritual, often communal, strengthening bonds and transmitting knowledge across generations. The sheer artistry involved in crafting intricate braids, twists, and coils reflected a deep appreciation for beauty and the meticulous care given to one’s physical presentation, inextricably linked to one’s spiritual well-being. 

> Hair in pre-colonial African societies served as a sophisticated visual language, articulating social status, age, and spiritual ties.
The variety of styles was immense, each with its own story and purpose. From the highly decorative plaits of East African tribes, sometimes colored with natural dyes and adorned with jewelry and animal bones, to the complex geometric patterns of West African braids, frequently enhanced with beads and cowrie shells, hair was a canvas of self-expression. These practices were centuries old, some dating back thousands of years, offering glimpses into the societal structures and spiritual practices of early African civilizations. The forced transatlantic movement of African peoples, beginning in the fifteenth century, initiated a brutal dismantling of these traditions, often starting with the coerced shaving of heads, a deliberate act of dehumanization to strip individuals of their identity and cultural roots. 

![Inspired by nature’s bounty, the image captures a deeply personal ritual, reflecting the essence of traditional textured hair care practices passed down through generations. This moment illustrates ancestral heritage, fostering healing and celebrates the inherent beauty found in the union of nature, holistic self-care, and textured hair identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-practices-holistic-textured-hair-care-ritual-in-natural-setting.jpg)

## Why Did Hair Become a Target?

The attempts to control Black [hair expression](/area/hair-expression/) were rarely about hygiene or order, despite stated intentions. Instead, they were instruments of subjugation, designed to enforce social hierarchies and diminish the power and allure of Black individuals. When people are stripped of their cultural identifiers, their collective strength can wane. Hair, being so visible and so deeply symbolic, became a prime target. 

Consider the phenomenon in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the late 18th century. As the free Black population grew, particularly Creole women of color, their elegance and elaborate hairstyles became a perceived challenge to the existing social order. These women, many of whom were of mixed ancestry, often possessed economic freedom and social grace that transcended the rigid racial boundaries of the time. Their beauty and confidence, often expressed through their adornment, including their hair, unsettled the colonial power structure. 

![The poignant black and white image invites reflection on heritage, innocence, and the inherent beauty found in textured hair formations, with the child’s steady stare, amplified by the contrasted afro and accenting flower, underscoring the significance of honoring diverse Black hair traditions and expressive styling from childhood.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/childs-gaze-black-and-white-portrait-with-afro-and-flower-accent.jpg)

![The striking black and white portrait embodies a celebration of natural hair texture and ancestral pride, emphasizing the inherent beauty and strength found in the distinctive coiffure that connects to heritage and offers a powerful statement of self-acceptance.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-textured-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## Ritual

The intricate bond between [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) and its heritage extends beyond mere aesthetic appeal, finding a powerful expression in the rituals of styling and maintenance. For centuries, the creation and care of [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) has been a communal act, a transfer of knowledge, and a tangible connection to the past. When laws sought to control this expression, they were not simply dictating a fashion choice; they were attempting to disrupt a sacred practice, a living ritual of identity and belonging. 

![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)

## Colonial Commands and Defiant Adornment

The most well-documented historical legal attempt to control Black hair expression in the United States emerged in colonial Louisiana. In 1786, Spanish Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró enacted the **Tignon Laws**, formally titled the ‘bando de buen gobierno’ or “proclamation of good government”. This decree targeted free Black women, mandating that they cover their hair with a headscarf, a ‘tignon’. The intent was overtly discriminatory: to visibly mark these women as belonging to the enslaved class, regardless of their free status, and to curtail their perceived competition with white women for social standing and male attention. 

The tignon was meant to be a badge of inferiority, a forced veil over the beauty that the colonial authorities found unsettling. Yet, the spirit of ancestral resilience found a way to resist. These Black women, artists of their own existence, transformed the very instrument of their suppression into a vibrant display of defiance. They wore their tignons with exquisite fabrics ❉ silks, satins, and Madras cloths ❉ adorning them with jewels, feathers, and ribbons.

The wraps became elaborate, artful statements, making the women even more striking and asserting their inherent dignity. This act of reclaiming and reinterpreting the tignon stands as a powerful case study of resistance, demonstrating how heritage can subvert oppression through creativity and self-determination.

> The Tignon Laws, intended to diminish the standing of free Black women, instead sparked a powerful cultural movement of defiant headwrap artistry.
This historical example, while geographically specific, illuminates a broader pattern. Attempts to control Black hair are recurrent because hair is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is, and always has been, deeply tied to communal identity and ancestral memory. The very textures of Black hair, often defying conventional European standards of “neatness” or “manageability,” have historically been demonized. This demonization became a justification for forced conformity, pushing for styles that mimicked Eurocentric ideals, often through painful and damaging processes like hair straightening and chemical relaxers, particularly in the 19th century. 

![The photograph captures a profound sense of self assurance and modern natural hairstyle artistry. This portrait symbolizes embracing unique Afro textured hair formations and the bold self expression found within contemporary mixed-race heritage narratives promoting positive imagery and ancestral pride](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-person-with-curly-hair-and-fade-hairstyle-looking-forward.jpg)

## How Did Traditional Hair Practices Adapt under Pressure?

Despite laws and societal pressures, the practices of textured hair care and styling persevered, albeit often in hidden spaces or adapted forms. Enslaved Africans, for instance, used cornrows not just for practical purposes, but also to conceal rice seeds for survival or even to create maps for escape. The skill and artistry involved in these practices were passed down, becoming forms of coded communication and silent resistance. 

- **Protective Styling** ❉ Ancient practices like braiding and twisting were not just for beauty; they protected hair from environmental damage, especially during labor. These techniques, with roots deep in African heritage, became crucial for preserving hair health under harsh conditions.

- **Communal Grooming** ❉ Even when public display was restricted, the act of hair grooming within families and communities remained a vital social activity, strengthening bonds and transmitting cultural knowledge. This shared experience kept the tradition alive, even if the visible outcome was suppressed.

- **Ingenuity in Adornment** ❉ The use of available materials ❉ scraps of cloth, natural elements ❉ to adorn and style hair speaks to an enduring creativity that refused to be extinguished. The transformation of the tignon from a symbol of oppression to one of distinction showcases this adaptability and spirit.
The resilience of these heritage practices demonstrates that while laws can dictate outward appearance, they struggle to extinguish the intrinsic cultural value and deep personal connection to hair that exists within a people. The rituals surrounding textured hair continue to connect Black communities to their rich past, a testament to enduring wisdom. 

![This portrait captures the essence of coiled hair as an integral expression of identity and heritage, showcasing the power and beauty inherent in its natural spirals. The stark contrast underscores the resilience and depth found within ancestral traditions and the embrace of authentic self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-voluminous-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

![This monochrome portrait encapsulates a mindful moment as the woman applies her holistic treatment, promoting the health and definition of her coils. The photograph celebrates her connection to ancestral self-care practices, highlighting the beauty and strength found in textured hair and its unique spiral patterns](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-applies-holistic-hair-mask-for-natural-coil-definition-black-and.jpg)

## Relay

The journey of historical laws attempting to control Black hair expression culminates in a contemporary struggle that echoes centuries of resilience. The underlying currents of these past legislative efforts ❉ namely, to assert social dominance and enforce Eurocentric beauty standards ❉ continue to surface, albeit in more subtle forms, within institutions and societal perceptions. To truly grasp the breadth of this ongoing dynamic, we must look beyond isolated decrees and recognize a persistent societal pressure to conform, which has spurred powerful counter-movements rooted firmly in heritage. 

![This captivating black and white portrait celebrates a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-showcasing-natural-kinky-coily-textured-hair.jpg)

## Are Current Hair Discrimination Laws a Direct Legacy of Historical Controls?

Indeed, the discriminatory practices faced by Black individuals regarding their hair today are a direct historical continuation of the attempts to control Black hair expression of past centuries. While explicit laws like the [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) have faded, their spirit persists in unwritten rules, dress codes, and biases in professional and educational settings. Studies have shown that Black women, for instance, are disproportionately subject to adverse treatment, including being sent home from work or school, or even terminated, because of their natural hairstyles. This is not merely a matter of perceived professionalism; it is an enduring racialized judgment that deems Black hair, in its natural state, as inherently “unprofessional” or “distracting,” a perception deeply rooted in historical biases that equated Black physical attributes with inferiority. 

Consider the **Chastity Jones case** from 2010, a stark example of this persistent discrimination. Ms. Jones had a job offer rescinded because she refused to cut her locs, with the company’s hiring manager reportedly stating, “They tend to get messy.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) brought a lawsuit on her behalf, arguing racial discrimination, yet the case was ultimately dismissed, and the ruling upheld by an appeals court. This judicial outcome underscored the legal ambiguities surrounding hair discrimination, where natural hair, intrinsically linked to race, was not always explicitly protected under federal anti-discrimination laws focused on “immutable characteristics.” 

![This monochromatic portrait celebrates African heritage and ancestral hair traditions, showcasing meticulously styled short natural hair with striking silver highlights. The image invites reflection on identity, expressive styling, and the holistic beauty found in textured hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-african-descent-woman-with-undulating-short-styled-hair.jpg)

## The Enduring Legacy of the Textured Strand

The challenges of past eras, however, have not extinguished the profound connection Black people hold to their hair heritage. Quite the opposite; they have fueled a powerful reclamation. The **Natural Hair Movement**, gaining significant momentum from the 1960s Civil Rights era and resurging robustly in the 21st century, is a collective affirmation of ancestral beauty and a direct repudiation of historical attempts at control. This movement champions the diverse spectrum of textured hair ❉ afros, locs, braids, twists, and coils ❉ as symbols of identity, self-acceptance, and pride. 

The legislative arena has seen responses to this persistent issue. The **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) is a contemporary legislative effort to protect individuals from discrimination based on their hair texture or protective hairstyles. California passed the first [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) in 2019, making it illegal for schools and employers to discriminate against Black hair. As of July 2024, approximately 25 U.S.

states have enacted similar legislation, with ongoing efforts at the federal level to pass a national CROWN Act. This wave of legislation is a modern acknowledgment of the deep-seated historical prejudice against Black hair and a vital step in dismantling its enduring legal and social manifestations.

> The CROWN Act stands as a modern legislative shield, directly addressing the lingering echoes of historical hair discrimination.
The reemergence of [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) expression is not a fleeting trend; it is a profound cultural realignment, a conscious reassertion of identity with Africa and the African Diaspora. It builds a collective consciousness around the historical oppression against natural hair, offering a perspective where [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) are self-defined by [Black women](/area/black-women/) and men. This movement underscores that understanding hair culturally involves analyzing how cultural symbols like the afro are reclaimed and transformed into enduring statements of individual expression and collective style. The very act of wearing one’s hair in its natural glory becomes a statement, a whispered story of ancestral wisdom, and a bold declaration of freedom from past and present impositions. 

![Elevated hairstyle represents a cultural statement, reflecting Black hair traditions alongside contemporary expression. Confident presentation with nuanced detail invites contemplation on identity, wellness, and power, demonstrating both heritage and the transformative potential found within textured hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-featuring-natural-textured-hair-and-sleek-style.jpg)

![Bathed in light, this evocative portrait captures the inherent grace of a young woman celebrating her afro](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-black-woman-with-natural-afro-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the historical laws that sought to control Black hair expression reveals a narrative of constant tension: between subjugation and spirited defiance, between imposed norms and inherent cultural wisdom. Each coiled strand, each resilient wave, each intricately braided pattern carries within it the memory of these struggles and the triumphs over them. What began as a vital identifier in ancient lands, a conduit for spirit and community, was later met with the blunt force of colonial decrees and the insidious creep of societal prejudice. 

Yet, the story of Black hair is not simply one of suppression; it is a profound testament to an unyielding spirit. From the inventive adornments of the tignon, transforming a symbol of shame into a beacon of sartorial protest, to the enduring power of cornrows used for clandestine communication during brutal enslavement, Black hair has consistently been a medium of [resistance](/area/resistance/) and a canvas for identity. The contemporary natural hair movement, and the rise of protective legislation like the CROWN Act, are not new inventions; they are vibrant continuations of an ancestral legacy, a deep breath taken after centuries of holding back, a joyous shout against silence. The textured helix, far from being confined by historical laws, continues to unwind, revealing endless possibilities of expression, a living, breathing archive of heritage, self-definition, and unparalleled beauty. 

![Black obsidian](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/porous-black-obsidian-stone-texture-for-afro-hair-product-inspiration.jpg)

![The repetitive arrangement of bamboo stalks, accentuated by light and shadow, creates a visually captivating texture, resonating with the interwoven narrative of heritage. These stalks mirror the strength found in traditional hair care philosophies, reflecting holistic approaches to textured hair health and expressiveness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-bamboo-texture-demonstrating-natural-patterns-of-growth-and.jpg)

## References

- Barreau, Annaëlle. 2022. “Afro-Hair and the Law: The State of American and Canadian Law on Race-Based Hair Discrimination.” McGill Journal of Law and Health.

- Byrd, Ayana, and Lori Tharps. 2014. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Publishing.

- Dabiri, Emma. 2020. Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair. Harper Perennial.

- Gould, Virginia M. 1996. The Devil’s Lane: Sex and Race in the Early South. Oxford University Press.

- Long, Carolyn. 2014. Creole: The History and Legacy of Louisiana’s Free People of Color. Louisiana State University Press.

- Taylor, Taura. 2016. “Going Natural: Black Women’s Didactic Hair Culture.” In Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair, edited by Tameka Ellington and Joseph L. Underwood.

- White, Luise. 2000. Speaking with Vampires: Rumor and History in Colonial Africa. University of California Press.

## Glossary

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

Meaning ❉ Cultural Hair Expression represents the conscious, deeply personal statement of identity through the styling and care of one's hair, particularly pertinent for those with textured, Black, or mixed-race hair.

### [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](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.

### [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.

### [Identity](https://roothea.co/area/identity/)

Meaning ❉ Identity, for textured hair, signifies the specific, unique characteristics that define one's coils, curls, or waves, extending beyond mere appearance to include their inherent requirements and cultural lineage.

### [Chokwe Artistic Expression](https://roothea.co/area/chokwe-artistic-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Chokwe Artistic Expression, rooted deeply in Central African heritage, speaks to a purposeful creation through precise geometric forms and symbolic representations.

### [Sartorial Expression](https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Sartorial Expression, concerning textured hair, refers to the intentional selection and arrangement of styling choices and care practices that communicate personal identity and heritage.

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Expression defines the intentional styling and presentation of textured hair, serving as a distinct articulation of individual identity, cultural heritage, and personal aesthetic within Black and mixed-race communities.

### [Textured Hair Digital Expression](https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-digital-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Digital Expression signifies the mindful engagement with online platforms and tools to expand one's comprehension of coily, curly, and wavy hair, to streamline care practices, and to put knowledge into gentle action.

### [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

### [In What Ways Do Cornrows Contribute to the Contemporary Expression of Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-cornrows-contribute-to-the-contemporary-expression-of-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This portrait captures the essence of beauty through textured hair expression, showcasing cornrow braids as a celebration of ancestral heritage and a symbol of self-care. The geometric patterns create a striking visual narrative, reflecting cultural identity with depth and grace.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-with-braided-cornrows-hairstyle-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Is the Lasting Effect of Tignon Laws on Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-lasting-effect-of-tignon-laws-on-textured-hair/)
![This expressive black and white portrait captures a confident woman addressing a crowd, her voice amplified by the microphone, while radiant skin and textured coils become symbols of resilience and identity. The image suggests a fusion of self-expression and ancestral heritage, amplified through natural hair celebration.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/confident-woman-speaks-at-microphone-textured-coiled-hair-portrait-black-and.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Affected Black Women's Head Coverings?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-affected-black-womens-head-coverings/)
![Within an intimate, intergenerational setting, women collaborate, passing down ancestral braiding techniques, celebrating diverse hands styling while addressing the nuances of low porosity high-density coils, applying emollient products and showcasing Fulani braiding artistry and holistic hair care. The Madrasi head tie is showcased for identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-braiding-heritage-diverse-hands-styling-natural-textured-hair-coils.jpg)

### [How Did Tignon Laws Redefine Headwear for Black Women?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-tignon-laws-redefine-headwear-for-black-women/)
![The interplay of light and shadow on her face, partially veiled by her hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-coiled-afro-textured-hair-style.jpg)

### [In What Ways Do Historical Beauty Ideals Impact Contemporary Hair Health and Cultural Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-historical-beauty-ideals-impact-contemporary-hair-health-and-cultural-expression/)
![This portrait captures the essence of heritage through the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-african-woman-with-elaborate-braided-hairstyle-and-adornments.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Affected Black Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-affected-black-hair/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-textured-hair-and-clean-lines.jpg)

### [What Laws Mandate Textured Hair Training?](https://roothea.co/question/what-laws-mandate-textured-hair-training/)
![Moringa seeds, captured in stark monochrome, symbolize a connection to ancient beauty rituals and the revitalization of holistic hair care for diverse textured hair. These seeds embody a legacy where tradition and natural ingredients converged, enriching well-being through mindful hair care practices and ancestral heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/moringa-seeds-holistic-hair-care-ingredient-in-black-and-white-detail.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Laws against Black Hair Connect to Modern Legal Movements?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-laws-against-black-hair-connect-to-modern-legal-movements/)
![Botanical textures evoke the organic foundations of holistic hair care, mirroring Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives. This leaf arrangement, reminiscent of ancestral heritage, connects natural ingredients with expressive styling for texture, promoting wellness and celebrating the artistry of textured hair formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artistic-black-and-white-leaves-arrangement-represents-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Did Historical Laws Impact Black Women's Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-historical-laws-impact-black-womens-hair-heritage/)
![This dramatic portrait celebrates Black hair traditions through its majestic braided crown, a testament to ancestral heritage and expressive styling. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the texture and artistry of the braids, honoring the woman’s strength and the enduring legacy of Black beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-braided-hairstyle.jpg)

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            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Expression defines the intentional styling and presentation of textured hair, serving as a distinct articulation of individual identity, cultural heritage, and personal aesthetic within Black and mixed-race communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-laws/",
            "name": "Historical Laws",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-laws/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Historical Laws, within the gentle scope of textured hair understanding, point to the fundamental, enduring principles that guide the distinct characteristics and responses of coils, curls, and waves."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/identity/",
            "name": "Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Identity, for textured hair, signifies the specific, unique characteristics that define one's coils, curls, or waves, extending beyond mere appearance to include their inherent requirements and cultural lineage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-expression/",
            "name": "Hair Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Expression signifies the intentional presentation of one's hair, particularly for individuals with coils, kinks, and waves, as a gentle declaration of personal spirit and a respectful acknowledgment of heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "name": "Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "name": "Black Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair describes the spectrum of hair textures primarily found within communities of African heritage, recognized by its distinct curl patterns ❉ from expansive waves to tightly coiled formations ❉ and an often elliptical follicle shape, which fundamentally shapes its unique growth trajectory."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/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/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/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/resistance/",
            "name": "Resistance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/resistance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Resistance, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, speaks to the inherent qualities of Afro-descendant and mixed-heritage strands that inform their response to care and styling."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-expression/",
            "name": "Cultural Hair Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-hair-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Hair Expression represents the conscious, deeply personal statement of identity through the styling and care of one's hair, particularly pertinent for those with textured, Black, or mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/chokwe-artistic-expression/",
            "name": "Chokwe Artistic Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/chokwe-artistic-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Chokwe Artistic Expression, rooted deeply in Central African heritage, speaks to a purposeful creation through precise geometric forms and symbolic representations."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-expression/",
            "name": "Sartorial Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Sartorial Expression, concerning textured hair, refers to the intentional selection and arrangement of styling choices and care practices that communicate personal identity and heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-digital-expression/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Digital Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-digital-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Digital Expression signifies the mindful engagement with online platforms and tools to expand one's comprehension of coily, curly, and wavy hair, to streamline care practices, and to put knowledge into gentle action."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-attempted-to-control-black-hair-expression/
