# What Historical Laws Regulated Textured Hair during Colonial Times? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-05-31
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![This black and white portrait immortalizes a refined beauty, celebrating textured hair versatility with perfectly sculpted finger waves. The vintage-inspired coiffure exemplifies an enduring sophistication, highlighting the artistry and cultural significance of expressive styling through distinctive ancestral heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-elegant-woman-showcasing-art-deco-finger-waves-hairstyle.jpg)

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

## Roots

The very strands that crown our heads hold whispers of ancestors, stories etched in their coil and curl. To speak of [historical laws](/area/historical-laws/) regulating [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) during colonial times is to confront a deliberate assault on a vibrant, deeply rooted heritage. It is to trace the deliberate attempts to sever a people from their ancestral knowing, from the spiritual significance and communal bonds woven into every braid, every twist. For many, hair was, and remains, a living archive, a tangible link to identity, status, and spirit that colonial powers sought to dismantle. 

Consider the profound symbolism of hair in pre-colonial African societies. Before the brutal transatlantic crossings, hair was a language unto itself. It communicated lineage, marital status, age, wealth, and even spiritual beliefs. The intricate patterns of cornrows, the regal stature of a meticulously styled Afro, or the earthy beauty of locs adorned with ochre and shells ❉ these were not mere aesthetics.

They were declarations of self, of community, of a connection to the divine. For instance, the Yoruba people of Nigeria used elaborate hairstyles to symbolize community roles, while the Himba tribe in Namibia coated their dreadlocked styles with red ochre paste, a symbol of their connection to the earth and ancestors. This rich cultural landscape, where hair served as a spiritual conduit and a social map, was precisely what colonial systems sought to erase.

> Colonial laws targeting textured hair were not merely about appearance; they aimed to dismantle a people’s spiritual and social fabric.
The very act of shaving the heads of captured Africans upon their arrival in the Americas was a calculated act of dehumanization. It was a stark, brutal severing of identity, a forced amnesia designed to strip individuals of their connection to homeland, tribe, and family. This act, so seemingly simple, carried the weight of profound violence, disrupting the ancient wisdom that saw the head as the most elevated part of the body, a portal for spirits to pass through to the soul. The impact of these early, unspoken “laws” set a chilling precedent for the explicit legislation that would follow. 

![This intimate monochromatic image showcases a mindful approach to dark, coiled hair maintenance through controlled combing, symbolizing a deep connection to ancestral grooming traditions and the art of nurturing one](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/person-combing-dark-coiled-hair-with-wooden-wide-toothed-comb.jpg)

## What Did Colonial Powers Seek to Control through Hair?

The desire to control Black and mixed-race bodies extended, quite literally, to the scalp. Colonial authorities, driven by a need to establish and maintain rigid social hierarchies, viewed the distinct beauty and cultural significance of textured hair as a threat. This was particularly evident in regions where free people of African descent began to acquire economic independence and social standing. Their elegant dress and elaborate hairstyles, often mirroring or even surpassing the fashions of white society, challenged the prescribed racial order. 

The core motivation behind these regulations was to visibly mark people of African descent as inferior, regardless of their legal status. It was a visual sorting mechanism, a way to reinforce the notion of a subservient class and to prevent any blurring of racial lines that might disrupt the colonial power structure. This suppression was not just about physical appearance; it was about stifling self-expression, pride, and the very spirit of resistance that hair could embody. 

![Illuminated by ethereal backlight, the Black woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-locs-highlighted-by-backlight.jpg)

![Radiant smiles reflect connection as textured hair is meticulously braided affirming cultural heritage, community and the art of expressive styling. This moment underscores the deep rooted tradition of Black hair care as self care, celebrating identity and skilled artistry in textured hair formation for wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-braiding-textured-hair-black-hair-traditions-expressive-styling-portrait.jpg)

## Ritual

As we delve deeper into the historical echoes of colonial hair regulation, we recognize a shared desire to understand the profound impact of these decrees on the living traditions of textured [hair care](/area/hair-care/) and community. This exploration moves beyond mere historical fact, inviting us to witness the quiet resilience and ingenious resistance that emerged from these oppressive measures. The laws, while designed to diminish, inadvertently forged new rituals of defiance and cultural preservation, deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom. 

Perhaps the most striking example of a historical law directly regulating textured hair is the infamous **Tignon Laws** of Louisiana. Enacted in 1786 by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró, these laws mandated that all women of African descent ❉ free or enslaved, Creole or Black ❉ cover their hair with a simple knotted headwrap, known as a “tignon,” when in public. The stated aim was to curb what colonial authorities perceived as “excessive attention to dress” and to prevent women of color from “competing too freely with white women for status.” In essence, the elaborate hairstyles and adornments worn by these women, often featuring feathers, beads, jewels, and silks, were seen as too alluring, attracting the attention of white men and thus threatening the established social order. 

> The Tignon Laws, intended as a badge of inferiority, were transformed by resilient women into symbols of defiant beauty.
The ingenuity of the women subjected to these laws speaks volumes about the enduring spirit of textured hair heritage. Rather than submitting to humiliation, they transformed the tignon into a powerful statement of resistance and beauty. They fashioned their mandated [headwraps](/area/headwraps/) from luxurious fabrics, adorned them with vibrant jewels and feathers, and tied them in intricate, artistic knots that celebrated their unique style and cultural lineage. This act of [sartorial insurgency](/area/sartorial-insurgency/) turned a symbol of oppression into a mark of distinction, wealth, and creativity.

(Scott, Year, p. 123). The tradition of head-wrapping itself was not new; it had deep roots in West African cultures, where various styles of head coverings communicated social status, marital status, and even spiritual beliefs. The Tignon Laws, therefore, inadvertently provided a new canvas for the continuation of these ancestral practices in a colonial context.

Beyond formal legislation, the colonial period also saw the imposition of informal, yet equally potent, “laws” through societal pressures and practices. The widespread derogatory labeling of textured hair as “wool” or “nappy” served to dehumanize and devalue Black bodies and their natural attributes. [Missionary schools](/area/missionary-schools/) in colonial Africa, for instance, sometimes required African children to shave their heads, a practice that many Africans viewed as a deliberate strategy to strip them of their identity and culture. This enforced uniformity aimed to sever the spiritual and cultural ties historically linked to hair, fostering a sense of shame and inferiority. 

![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)

## How Did Enslavement Alter Hair Practices?

The brutal conditions of enslavement directly impacted hair care practices, forcing adaptations and the creation of new rituals. Upon arrival in the Americas, the forced shaving of heads was a common practice, a stark visual representation of lost freedom and individuality. Without access to traditional tools or ingredients, enslaved individuals often resorted to using whatever was available for hair maintenance, such as bacon grease or butter for lubrication. 

Despite these immense challenges, hair remained a powerful medium for communication and resistance. Cornrows, for example, were not only practical for field work but also served as a means of encoding messages, including escape routes from plantations. These hidden messages, woven into the very fabric of their hair, represent a profound act of defiance and a testament to the enduring ancestral knowledge that persisted even under extreme duress. 

![The black and white portrait evokes timeless elegance as the model](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-young-woman-with-natural-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

![This portrait invites reflection on identity, beauty and innovation within Black hair traditions, capturing the sculptural elegance of textured hair. The artistic styling and monochrome presentation elevate the image, blending heritage, wellness and expressive individuality, celebrating Black culture](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-black-woman-with-sculptural-textured-hair-styling.jpg)

## Relay

How does the legacy of [colonial laws](/area/colonial-laws/) regulating textured hair continue to shape contemporary identity and care practices, bridging [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) with the ongoing pursuit of liberation? This inquiry propels us into the nuanced complexities of the present, where the echoes of past legislation reverberate through societal perceptions, beauty standards, and the very language we use to describe textured hair. The story of these historical laws is not merely a chapter closed; it is a living, breathing narrative that underscores the resilience of heritage and the continuous re-affirmation of self. 

The policing of [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) during colonial times, particularly through measures like the Tignon Laws, established a blueprint for discrimination that has persisted for centuries. These laws, born of racial anxiety and a desire to maintain social order, laid the groundwork for the stigmatization of textured hair. Even after the formal repeal of the [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the underlying sentiment ❉ that Black hair was somehow “unprofessional,” “unruly,” or “inappropriate” ❉ continued to influence societal norms.

This historical context is vital for understanding why [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) remains a civil rights issue today. As recently as 2010, Chastity Jones was denied a job offer because she refused to cut her locs, with the hiring manager reportedly stating, “They tend to get messy.” This contemporary example directly connects to the colonial legacy of viewing natural Black hair as undesirable or disorderly.

The language itself, a powerful tool of both oppression and liberation, bears the scars of this history. Terms such as “kinky” and “nappy,” once used by white people to express disapproval and deem afro-textured hair inferior, became ingrained in the lexicon, motivating individuals to cover or alter their hair. The enduring pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, which favor straight hair, led to widespread practices of hair straightening through various methods, a direct consequence of this historical devaluation. 

![This image evokes vintage glamour, showcasing sculpted Afro textured hair achieved through masterful styling. The dramatic contrast and precise hair formations emphasize the timeless elegance of this ancestral heritage inspired look, celebrating both the beauty and cultural expression inherent in textured hair artistry](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-sculpted-afro-textured-hairstyle-and.jpg)

## What Modern Legislation Addresses Hair Discrimination?

In recent years, a significant movement has emerged to legally challenge and dismantle the vestiges of this colonial-era hair discrimination. This movement has given rise to the **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), a legislative effort to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. California was the first state to pass such legislation in 2019, expanding the definition of race in employment and education codes. As of June 2023, twenty-three states have followed suit, recognizing that hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination rooted in historical prejudice. 

This modern legislative push directly confronts the historical pattern of controlling Black bodies and identities through hair. It acknowledges that policies discriminating against Black hairstyles are not merely about aesthetics but are deeply intertwined with a legacy of anti-Blackness that seeks to undermine self-pride. The CROWN Act represents a vital step in affirming the right to wear one’s hair in its natural state or in protective styles, without fear of professional or educational repercussions. It is a legal affirmation of textured hair heritage, a recognition of its intrinsic beauty and cultural significance. 

Beyond legal frameworks, the resilience of [textured hair heritage](/area/textured-hair-heritage/) manifests in the vibrant natural hair movement. This movement, gaining significant traction in recent decades, represents a reclamation of ancestral [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) and a rejection of imposed Eurocentric ideals. It is a conscious choice to honor the hair that grows from one’s scalp, celebrating its unique patterns, its strength, and its versatility. This resurgence is a direct counter-narrative to the historical attempts at erasure, a powerful statement of self-acceptance and cultural pride. 

- **Cultural Reclamation** ❉ The natural hair movement actively reclaims and celebrates traditional African hairstyles, transforming them from perceived markers of inferiority into symbols of pride and beauty.

- **Economic Empowerment** ❉ The growth of the Black hair care industry, though still facing disparities in ownership, signifies a shift towards products and services that cater specifically to textured hair needs, often drawing inspiration from ancestral ingredients and practices.

- **Global Dialogue** ❉ Discussions around hair discrimination and the importance of textured hair heritage are now part of a broader global conversation on anti-Blackness and cultural identity, fostering solidarity across the African diaspora.
The scientific understanding of textured hair, once used to rationalize its perceived “otherness,” is now being reframed through a heritage lens. Modern [hair science](/area/hair-science/) can validate and explain the efficacy of long-standing traditional care practices, demonstrating how ancestral wisdom often aligns with contemporary biological understanding. For instance, the protective nature of braids and twists, long practiced in African communities, is now scientifically understood for its role in minimizing breakage and promoting hair health. This intersection of science and heritage allows for a deeper, more respectful appreciation of textured hair’s elemental biology and its historical care. 

![Through the ritualistic application of smoking herbs to the textured hair, the photograph profoundly narrates ancestral resilience, embracing holistic hair care, connecting wellness and historical practice symbolizing a bridge between heritage and contemporary Black hair identity while creating the perfect expert-like SEO image mark up.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ritual-purification-with-smoldering-herbs-for-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

## Does Hair Discrimination Still Exist?

Despite legislative advancements, hair discrimination remains a persistent issue in various sectors. Cases continue to arise in schools and workplaces where individuals face scrutiny or penalties for wearing natural styles like locs, braids, or Afros. This ongoing challenge underscores the deep-seated nature of anti-Black hair sentiment, a direct lineage from colonial attitudes.

The fight for true acceptance and equity for textured hair is a continuous one, requiring ongoing advocacy, education, and the dismantling of deeply ingrained biases. The narrative of resilience, however, continues to be written, with each strand representing a connection to a powerful and enduring heritage.

![This black and white study captures a young girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-with-voluminous-afro-textured-hair-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![A black and white image resonates deeply through showcasing the passing down of cultural knowledge via hands intertwining kinky hair. This familial moment celebrates heritage, highlights the intricate artistry of black hairstyling traditions, and emphasizes commitment to natural hair care within an intergenerational black family dynamic, enhancing porosity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-hands-braiding-black-textured-hair-ancestral-tradition-and.jpg)

## Reflection

To journey through the historical laws that regulated textured hair during colonial times is to stand at the confluence of pain and profound power. It is to witness the deliberate attempts to diminish a heritage, yet also to behold the unwavering spirit that transformed mandates of subjugation into vibrant declarations of self. Each coil, each curl, each meticulously crafted style holds within it the memory of resistance, the echoes of ancestral wisdom, and the enduring beauty of a people who refused to be erased. The story of textured hair, from the colonial edicts to the contemporary CROWN Act, is a testament to the living, breathing archive of identity, a narrative continuously written with every strand that defies expectation and celebrates its inherent splendor. 

![The monochrome portrait evokes ancestral pride through deliberate Fulani-inspired face painting, highlighting coiled afro texture styled with care the striking contrast celebrates natural sebaceous balance and emphasizes the profound connection to cultural heritage, illustrating enduring aesthetic strength within ethnic beauty ideals.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-embodied-heritage-with-fulani-inspired-face-painting-artistry.jpg)

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

## References

- Byrd, A. & Tharps, L. (2002). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.

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

- Long, C. (2007). Spiritual Merchants: Religion, Magic, and Commerce in Bahian Candomblé. Temple University Press.

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

- Parris, C. (2015). The Cultural Politics of Hair: From the Colonial to the Contemporary. Lexington Books.

- Scott, G. (2019). The Headwrap: A Global History of Fashion and Identity. Bloomsbury Visual Arts.

- Skeehan, D. (2020). The Plantationocene: A New Human Epoch. University of Minnesota Press.

- Thompson, S. (2009). Black Women and the Politics of Hair. Routledge.

- Winters, Z. (2015). The Mulatta Concubine: Terror, Intimacy, Freedom, and Desire in the Black Transatlantic. University of Georgia Press.

- White, S. & White, G. (1995). Slave Narratives. Oxford University Press.

## Glossary

### [Hair Terminology](https://roothea.co/area/hair-terminology/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Terminology describes the specialized vocabulary that gently guides one's understanding of textured hair.

### [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.

### [Beauty Standards](https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/)

Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance.

### [Enslavement Hair Practices](https://roothea.co/area/enslavement-hair-practices/)

Meaning ❉ Enslavement Hair Practices refers to the coercive hair manipulation methods endured by African individuals during their subjugation.

### [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.

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

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

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

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

### [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.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair Care Adaptations signify the thoughtful, individualized adjustments made to hair routines and product selections, a practice arising from a deepening understanding of one's specific textured hair, its inherent structure, and its particular needs ❉ a continuous growth in personal hair wisdom.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Colonial Hair Ideology](https://roothea.co/term/colonial-hair-ideology/)
![Echoing ancestral beauty rituals, the wooden hair fork signifies a commitment to holistic textured hair care. The monochromatic palette accentuates the timeless elegance, connecting contemporary styling with heritage and promoting wellness through mindful adornment for diverse black hair textures.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artisan-crafted-wooden-hair-fork-for-textured-hair-holistic-care-rituals.jpg)

### [How Do Historical Laws Impact Textured Hair Acceptance?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-historical-laws-impact-textured-hair-acceptance/)
![This striking portrait captures a moment of intense focus, showcasing a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-monochrome-portrait-woman-with-shaved-head-and-intense-gaze.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Impacted Textured Hair Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-impacted-textured-hair-expression/)
![This evocative portrait of a woman adorned with locs captures the interplay of light and shadow, accentuating both strength and vulnerability. The image honors the heritage of textured hair while inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity, beauty standards, and the ongoing dialogue around hair expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-an-african-american-woman-with-locs-and-shadow-play.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Impacted Head Covering Practices in the Diaspora?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-impacted-head-covering-practices-in-the-diaspora/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-holds-ornate-wooden-comb-textured-hair-care-heritage-portrait-black-and.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Pre-Colonial Hair Care Rituals Shape Today's Textured Hair Regimens?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-pre-colonial-hair-care-rituals-shape-todays-textured-hair-regimens/)
![The monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty of braided textured hair, echoing ancestral strength and cultural expression. The meticulous braiding technique highlights the diverse styling possibilities within Black hair traditions, while the subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Textured Hair Serve as a Cultural Archive during Colonial Times?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-textured-hair-serve-as-a-cultural-archive-during-colonial-times/)
![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](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-hair-caged-headpiece-afrocentric-modernity-art.jpg)

### [What Natural Substances Guarded Textured Hair in Ancient Times?](https://roothea.co/question/what-natural-substances-guarded-textured-hair-in-ancient-times/)
![The concentrated clay embodies holistic hair care rituals, offering gentle cleansing and mineral nourishment for textured hair strands to promote health and longevity, echoing ancestral practices. Its simple presence honors the connection between earth, heritage, and the vitality of the scalp.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fine-clay-powder-composition-for-heritage-hair-mask-raw-ingredient.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Impacted Textured Hair Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-impacted-textured-hair-identity/)
![This detailed braid pattern embodies the cultural legacy of hair expressions, highlighting both structured artistry and ancestral hair traditions. The interlocked structure is a complex visual representation of deep interconnectedness, care practices, and the enduring narrative woven through heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intricate-braided-hair-strand-formation-showing-ancestral-interlocking-textural.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Shaped Perceptions of Black Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-perceptions-of-black-hair-heritage/)
![The graceful arc of braided extensions against a grayscale backdrop speaks volumes, a Black woman embodies freedom and joy. This evocative image celebrates textured hair as a canvas for identity, strength, and cultural affirmation, radiating an indomitable spirit that connects ancestral heritage with her unique expressive styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ebony-woman-radiating-joy-with-braided-hair-freedom-movement-on-road.jpg)

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            "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."
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            "name": "Textured Hair",
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            "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."
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            "name": "Hair Care",
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            "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."
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            "name": "Sartorial Insurgency",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-insurgency/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Sartorial Insurgency refers to a gentle, yet firm, reordering of one's approach to textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals, moving beyond external dictates to an inner authority."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/headwraps/",
            "name": "Headwraps",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/headwraps/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Headwraps, within the realm of textured hair understanding, are protective head coverings, deeply rooted in the heritage of Black and mixed-race communities."
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            "name": "Missionary Schools",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Missionary Schools, within the delicate landscape of textured hair understanding, points to historical educational settings."
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            "name": "Ancestral Wisdom",
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            "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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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/tignon-laws/",
            "name": "Tignon Laws",
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            "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."
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            "name": "Hair Discrimination",
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            "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."
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            "@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."
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        {
            "@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."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-science/",
            "name": "Hair Science",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Science, specifically for textured hair, represents the systematic understanding of its distinct biomechanics and growth cycles."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-terminology/",
            "name": "Hair Terminology",
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            "name": "Enslavement Hair Practices",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Enslavement Hair Practices refers to the coercive hair manipulation methods endured by African individuals during their subjugation."
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            "name": "Natural Hair Movement",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/",
            "name": "Black Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair History represents the accumulated knowledge and evolving practices surrounding textured hair care and styling across generations and continents, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals."
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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care-adaptations/",
            "name": "Hair Care Adaptations",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Care Adaptations signify the thoughtful, individualized adjustments made to hair routines and product selections, a practice arising from a deepening understanding of one's specific textured hair, its inherent structure, and its particular needs ❉ a continuous growth in personal hair wisdom."
        }
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}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-regulated-textured-hair-during-colonial-times/
