# What Historical Laws Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair in Professional Settings? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-05-26
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The portrait of this woman radiates confidence, her Afro](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

![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)

## Roots

The very strands that crown us, alive with their unique twists and turns, carry stories far older than memory, stretching back to ancestral lands where hair was a living archive of identity, status, and spirit. For generations, textured hair, in its myriad forms, served as a profound communicator, a visual language understood within communities. Yet, as the currents of history shifted, so too did the external gaze upon this intrinsic aspect of self.

How did the world, particularly the Western world, begin to perceive and legislate against this natural expression of heritage, especially in spaces where livelihoods were earned? The answers are etched into legal codes, societal pressures, and the resilient spirit of those who wore their hair as a banner.

Before the imposition of restrictive norms, African societies celebrated the versatility and meaning woven into hair. Hair anatomy, with its diverse curl patterns and density, was not merely a biological fact; it was a canvas for cultural expression. Each coil, each strand, possessed inherent value, reflecting the unique genetic blueprint passed down through generations.

Traditional classifications of hair were rooted in communal understanding and function, often denoting lineage, marital status, age, or even a person’s role within the collective. This deep understanding stands in stark contrast to the later, reductive categorizations imposed by systems seeking control.

The essential lexicon of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) in its original contexts was rich with terms that honored its natural state and the intricate styles it could form. Words described the process of care, the communal rituals of braiding and adornment, and the spiritual connections attributed to hair. This linguistic richness speaks to a world where hair was understood as a living extension of the self, deserving of reverence and mindful attention. Even the hair growth cycles were observed through a lens of ancestral wisdom, with practices aligning to support healthy hair through the seasons of life, often considering environmental and nutritional factors unique to specific regions. 

> Ancestral societies viewed textured hair as a living archive, a profound communicator of identity, status, and spirit.
The arrival of transatlantic slavery marked a devastating rupture, not only in human lives but also in the relationship between individuals and their hair heritage. European enslavers often shaved the heads of captured Africans upon arrival in the Americas, a brutal act designed to strip identity and communal ties, rendering individuals anonymous and dehumanized. This act, more than a mere sanitary measure, served as a foundational legal and psychological assault on the spirit, severing a visible connection to ancestral lands and traditions. 

Even in the face of such profound violence, the inherent resilience of textured hair, and the human spirit it adorned, found ways to persist. Despite the deliberate attempts to erase cultural markers, enslaved people often found clandestine ways to tend to their hair, using what meager resources were available. This persistence was not merely about personal grooming; it was a quiet act of defiance, a continuation of selfhood in a system designed to obliterate it. The very act of caring for one’s coils became a private ritual of reclamation, a whisper of heritage against the roar of oppression. 

![This evocative photograph celebrates the elegance and cultural significance of textured hair, styled with silver adornments, drawing attention to the inherent beauty and expressive potential found in Black hair traditions, while subtly narrating ancestral heritage and holistic approaches to hair care through artistic presentation.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-long-textured-hair-and-embellishments-in-black-and-white.jpg)

![The striking black and white portrait emphasizes the elegance of cornrow braids and the power of professional attire, reflecting a fusion of heritage and contemporary poise. The image captures the beauty of textured hair artistry, celebrating ancestral traditions intertwined with modern sophistication and expressive styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-black-woman-featuring-cornrow-braids-and-structured-suit.jpg)

## Ritual

Stepping from the foundational understanding of textured hair, we now consider the profound influence of [historical laws](/area/historical-laws/) on the practical, lived experience of hair styling and presentation, particularly within professional settings. The journey of textured hair through time is a testament to both imposed restrictions and enduring creativity, a narrative of adaptation and assertion. How did ancient practices, once celebrated, become targets of legislation, and how did communities respond, transforming acts of suppression into statements of enduring beauty? This exploration delves into the tangible ways laws reached into the very styling tools and techniques, shaping daily rituals and outward appearances. 

The echoes of control began early, manifesting in sumptuary laws designed to delineate social hierarchies. One powerful historical example is the [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) of 1786 in Spanish colonial Louisiana. These laws mandated that free women of color, known for their elaborate and artistic hairstyles adorned with jewels and ribbons, cover their hair with a tignon, a headscarf or handkerchief. The stated aim was to control women “who had become too light skinned or who dressed too elegantly, or who, in reality, competed too freely with white women for status and thus threatened the social order.” This legal decree directly targeted hair as a symbol of status and beauty, attempting to relegate these women to a lower social standing, visually linking them to enslaved women who often wore head coverings for practical reasons in the fields. 

> Laws designed to suppress hair’s visual power often inadvertently became catalysts for creative cultural expression.
Yet, the response to the Tignon Laws was a remarkable act of cultural resilience. Rather than accepting degradation, these women transformed the tignon into a vibrant symbol of defiance and artistry. They used luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, and intricate tying techniques, often decorating their headwraps with the very jewels and ribbons the law sought to hide.

This reinterpretation of an oppressive mandate into a fashion statement speaks volumes about the indomitable spirit and the deep connection to ancestral aesthetics that could not be legislated away. The headwrap, a common element in many African cultures as a symbol of status, protection, and identity, thus became a powerful tool of aesthetic protest.

The legacy of such laws persisted far beyond the specific statutes. Even after the Tignon Laws were no longer strictly enforced following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the underlying sentiment that textured hair, in its natural state, was somehow unprofessional or less desirable, continued to shape societal perceptions. This bias permeated workplaces and public spaces, creating an unspoken, yet powerful, pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. 

How did societal pressures impact natural styling and definition techniques? 

The informal laws of societal expectation often led to the adoption of hair straightening methods. Post-slavery, as Black individuals sought full participation in society, the idea of “good hair” ❉ meaning hair that mimicked straighter, European textures ❉ became linked to social and economic advancement. This era saw the rise of heat styling tools, such as hot combs, and later, chemical relaxers, which physically altered the hair’s structure to achieve a straightened appearance.

These practices, while offering a pathway to perceived acceptance, often came at the cost of hair health and a disassociation from one’s inherent hair texture. The pressure was immense, with many feeling the need to switch their hairstyle to align with conservative standards to fit in at work.

Wigs and hair extensions, too, carry a complex history within the context of these evolving perceptions. While wigs have ancient roots in various cultures, for [Black women](/area/black-women/) in particular, they offered a means of conforming to prevailing beauty standards without permanent alteration of their natural hair. This provided a degree of flexibility and protection, allowing for adaptation to professional environments while preserving hair underneath. Their historical and cultural uses span both practical needs and aspirational desires shaped by external pressures. 

The complete textured hair toolkit, therefore, became a reflection of this historical interplay. It included traditional tools and techniques, passed down through generations, often centered on gentle detangling, protective styling, and scalp care. Alongside these, however, emerged the tools of assimilation: the hot comb, the pressing iron, and the chemical kit, all designed to achieve a look deemed acceptable by a society that often demonized natural Black hair. 

![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)

![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)

## Relay

As we trace the lineage of textured hair through the annals of legal and societal decree, a deeper question arises: how do these historical laws, seemingly confined to specific eras, continue to ripple through contemporary professional landscapes, shaping perceptions and opportunities for those whose heritage is etched in their strands? The inquiry compels us to consider the intricate dance between legal precedent, cultural bias, and the very biology of hair, understanding how these elements converge to create a persistent narrative around “professionalism.” This segment delves into the complexities, drawing on research and lived experiences to illuminate the enduring impact of these historical strictures. 

The notion of “professionalism” itself, particularly in its aesthetic dimensions, has been historically rooted in Eurocentric ideals. This standard often privileged straight or loosely curled hair, implicitly or explicitly deeming textured hair, in its natural state or protective styles, as less tidy, less polished, or even distracting. This deeply ingrained bias, a direct descendant of historical attempts to control Black appearance, has manifested in workplace grooming policies that, while seemingly neutral, disproportionately affect individuals with textured hair. 

Consider the chilling echo of past legal battles in modern courtrooms. The 1981 case of **Rogers v. American Airlines** serves as a stark illustration. Renee Rogers, a Black flight attendant, challenged her employer’s grooming policy which prohibited her from wearing cornrows.

The court sided with American Airlines, ruling that braids were an “easily changed characteristic” and not an immutable racial characteristic, therefore not protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling established a legal precedent that, for decades, allowed employers to discriminate against [natural hairstyles](/area/natural-hairstyles/) by classifying them as mutable choices rather than inherent expressions of racial identity. The implication was clear: to conform, one must alter their natural hair.

This legal stance, rooted in a narrow interpretation of race, created a significant hurdle for Black individuals in professional settings. The consequence was often a choice between authenticity and economic opportunity. Many Black women reported feeling compelled to straighten their hair to align with conservative standards to fit into the workplace. A 2020 study by Michigan State University and Duke University, titled “The [Natural Hair](/area/natural-hair/) Bias in Job Recruitment,” revealed that Black women with natural hairstyles were less likely to secure interviews than white women or Black women with straightened hair.

The study also found that participants viewed Black hairstyles like afros, twists, or braids as less professional. This empirical data provides a contemporary lens on the enduring legacy of historical biases.

How do modern anti-discrimination efforts confront historical hair biases? 

The recognition of this persistent discrimination led to a contemporary legal counter-movement: the **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This legislation, first introduced in California in 2019, seeks to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, such as locs, braids, twists, and Bantu knots. The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) directly addresses the loophole created by earlier rulings, asserting that discrimination based on these hairstyles is, in essence, race-based discrimination.

As of 2023, numerous states and localities have adopted versions of the CROWN Act, with ongoing efforts for federal protection. This legislative push acknowledges that hair is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is often an intrinsic aspect of racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identity, requiring specific styling for health and maintenance.

The journey from the Tignon Laws to the CROWN Act illustrates a continuous struggle for recognition and autonomy regarding textured hair. While the former sought to suppress and categorize, the latter strives to protect and celebrate. The underlying historical thread connecting these eras is the policing of Black bodies and identities through the lens of hair. 

- **The Tignon Laws** ❉ A sumptuary law in 1786 Louisiana requiring free women of color to cover their hair, aimed at enforcing social hierarchy.

- **Jim Crow Era Norms** ❉ While not always explicit laws regarding hair, societal norms and employment practices during this period heavily favored straightened hair, associating natural textured hair with negative stereotypes.

- **Early Court Rulings** ❉ Cases like **Rogers v. American Airlines** (1981) upheld employers’ rights to ban natural hairstyles, classifying them as mutable characteristics not protected by civil rights legislation.

- **The CROWN Act** ❉ Modern legislation initiated in 2019, explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles associated with race in employment and educational settings.
The societal and economic costs of [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) are significant. Beyond the individual impact of job loss or denied opportunities, there is the financial burden. Black women often spend more on hair care and products, partly due to the need to conform to Eurocentric standards or to maintain styles that protect their hair from the damage caused by such conformity. Forcing individuals to straighten their hair can lead to substantial economic costs, with permanent straightening procedures ranging widely in price. 

> The persistent legacy of historical biases compels individuals with textured hair to navigate a complex terrain between authenticity and professional acceptance.
The discourse around textured hair in [professional settings](/area/professional-settings/) is a complex interplay of biology, history, and cultural meaning. Understanding the specific laws and legal interpretations that have shaped these perceptions allows for a more informed and empathetic approach to building truly inclusive environments. It reveals that the fight for hair freedom is not merely about personal preference; it is a continuation of the enduring quest for racial equity and cultural recognition. 

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

![This image embodies the artistry of hair styling, reflecting a legacy of Black hair traditions and expressive styling. The precise parting and braiding signify a dedication to both personal expression and the ancestral heritage woven into the care of textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/precision-styling-and-braiding-textured-hair-artistry-and-cultural-expression.jpg)

## Reflection

The story of textured hair, as illuminated by the arc of historical laws, is a living testament to the enduring spirit of heritage. From the vibrant crowns of ancient Africa, revered as sacred conduits of identity and lineage, to the deliberate acts of suppression during periods of enslavement and formalized discrimination, and ultimately, to the contemporary movement for legislative protection, the journey of textured hair is a profound meditation on resilience. Each strand, each coil, carries the whispers of ancestors who navigated oppressive systems, transforming badges of intended dishonor into banners of creative resistance.

The legislative landscape, from the Tignon Laws to the CROWN Act, serves as a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained biases can become codified, yet it also showcases the unwavering determination to reclaim and celebrate an intrinsic part of self. This living library of hair traditions, passed through generations, continues to shape identities, voice narratives, and define futures, reminding us that the soul of a strand is indeed boundless.

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-with-braided-hair-accents-and-textured-hair.jpg)

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artistic-black-and-white-leaves-arrangement-represents-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

## References

- Bennett-Alexander, D. D. & Harrison, L. (2016). Employment Law for Business. McGraw-Hill Education.

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

- Gould, V. M. (1996). Chains of Command: Slave Soldiers and Civil War in the Caribbean. University Press of Florida.

- Long, C. (2001). Kinky Hair, Head Wraps, and the Black Woman’s Body. Temple University Press.

- Patton, T. O. (2006). Pushing Boundaries: African American Women in American Society. Peter Lang Publishing.

- Suggs, D. (2021). The Black Hair Handbook: A Complete Guide to Healthy Hair for Black Women. Clarkson Potter.

- Sweet, R. (2004). Colonial Women: Race and Culture in Colonial America. Routledge.

- Walker, A. (1979). In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

- White, S. (2007). Styling Jim Crow: African American Beauty Culture During the Age of Segregation. NYU Press.

- Wilkerson, I. (2010). The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration. Random House.

## Glossary

### [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.

### [Societal Perceptions](https://roothea.co/area/societal-perceptions/)

Meaning ❉ "Societal Perceptions" gently points to the collective lenses through which communities view and understand textured hair, particularly for those of Black and mixed heritage.

### [Professional Authenticity](https://roothea.co/area/professional-authenticity/)

Meaning ❉ Professional Authenticity, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, gently signifies the alignment of one's outward practice with an inward, deep comprehension of Black and mixed hair structures.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

### [Professional Settings](https://roothea.co/area/professional-settings/)

Meaning ❉ Professional Settings, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, refers to the deliberate consideration and adaptation of hair presentation for environments where specific decorum or functional requirements guide appearance.

### [Professional Equity](https://roothea.co/area/professional-equity/)

Meaning ❉ Professional Equity, in the gentle world of textured hair care, signifies the reliable value acquired when one thoughtfully commits to understanding the unique characteristics of Black and mixed-heritage hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Implicit Hair Perceptions are the quiet, unexamined assumptions and deeply held notions individuals carry about textured hair, particularly relevant for those with Black or mixed heritage.

### [Natural Hairstyles](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hairstyles/)

Meaning ❉ Natural Hairstyles, within the context of textured hair understanding, refers to styling practices that honor the inherent curl, coil, or wave patterns of Black and mixed-race hair without chemical alteration or significant heat manipulation.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Historical Shifts Influenced Perceptions of Black Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-shifts-influenced-perceptions-of-black-hair-heritage/)
![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)

### [In What Ways Do Modern Hair Discrimination Laws Echo past Struggles for Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-modern-hair-discrimination-laws-echo-past-struggles-for-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This monochromatic shot evokes a sense of history and tradition, suggesting the jar was used for preparing or storing natural ingredients for ancestral hair care rituals, highlighting the rich heritage and the significance of honoring the past through holistic beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-pottery-jar-high-angle-shot-ancestral-hair-ritual-context.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Sought to Suppress Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-sought-to-suppress-textured-hair-heritage/)
![The braided hairstyle, a celebration of textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-woman-portrait-artistic-braided-hairstyle-textured-hair-expressions.jpg)

### [Professional Hair Ethics](https://roothea.co/term/professional-hair-ethics/)
![The bristle brush symbolizes a commitment to healthy, textured hair ancestral practices embraced modern wellness through specialized tools, aiding gentle detangling and styling. This thoughtful care fosters both physical and cultural pride, reflecting the unique beauty of inherited hair patterns.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dense-bristle-brush-for-textured-hair-care-black-and-white.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did the Tignon Laws Attempt to Suppress Black Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-the-tignon-laws-attempt-to-suppress-black-hair-heritage/)
![This black and white image beautifully captures the essence of natural Afro hair, celebrating its texture and form through carefully crafted braids and a chic, modern aesthetic while reinforcing cultural pride, wellness, and the expressive artistry of Black hairstyles.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-natural-afro-hair.jpg)

### [Professional Hair Standards](https://roothea.co/term/professional-hair-standards/)
![The striking black and white portrait emphasizes the elegance of cornrow braids and the power of professional attire, reflecting a fusion of heritage and contemporary poise. The image captures the beauty of textured hair artistry, celebrating ancestral traditions intertwined with modern sophistication and expressive styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-black-woman-featuring-cornrow-braids-and-structured-suit.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Shaped Textured Hair Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-textured-hair-expression/)
![This striking portrait celebrates natural coiled hair, a statement of Black identity and beauty, with modern styling showcasing how ancestral heritage blends seamlessly with contemporary expression, further enhanced by her subtle smile and sophisticated confidence, amplified in Black and White imagery.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-coiled-hair-adorned-with-hoop-earrings.jpg)

### [What Modern Laws Champion Textured Hair Heritage and Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/what-modern-laws-champion-textured-hair-heritage-and-identity/)
![This captivating portrait celebrates the inherent beauty and artistry of textured hair, emphasizing the power of self-expression through contemporary Black hair traditions. The image highlights ancestral heritage, showcasing the fusion of modern styling with timeless elegance, affirming identity and pride.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-textured-hairstyle.jpg)

### [Did the Tignon Laws Influence Modern Hair Discrimination against Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/did-the-tignon-laws-influence-modern-hair-discrimination-against-textured-hair/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/womans-hands-examining-twisted-strands-black-textured-hair-against-neutral.jpg)

---

## Raw Schema Data

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "Question",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "What Historical Laws Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair in Professional Settings?",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-professional-settings/"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-professional-settings/"
    },
    "headline": "What Historical Laws Shaped Perceptions of Textured Hair in Professional Settings? ❉ Question",
    "description": "Historical laws, like the Tignon Laws and later discriminatory workplace policies, sought to control and devalue textured hair, impacting professional perceptions deeply rooted in Black hair heritage. ❉ Question",
    "url": "https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-professional-settings/",
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Roothea",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/author/roothea/"
    },
    "datePublished": "2025-05-26T22:28:52+08:00",
    "dateModified": "2025-05-26T22:28:52+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Question"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-natural-coiled-hair-and-confident-gaze-black-and-white.jpg",
        "caption": "This evocative portrait captures the essence of natural Black hair traditions through its textured coils, expressive styling, and confident gaze. It honors cultural heritage and celebrates modern beauty with its interplay of shadows, fostering dialogue on textured hair forms and identity."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-professional-settings/",
    "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/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/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/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-hairstyles/",
            "name": "Natural Hairstyles",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hairstyles/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hairstyles, within the context of textured hair understanding, refers to styling practices that honor the inherent curl, coil, or wave patterns of Black and mixed-race hair without chemical alteration or significant heat manipulation."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "name": "Natural Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hair describes hair that maintains its original structural configuration, untouched by chemical processes like relaxers, texturizers, or permanent color that alter its natural coil, curl, or wave definition."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/",
            "name": "Hair Texture",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Texture identifies the inherent physical configuration of individual hair strands, from gentle waves to tightly coiled patterns, a fundamental characteristic for those with Black and mixed heritage hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/professional-settings/",
            "name": "Professional Settings",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/professional-settings/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Professional Settings, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, refers to the deliberate consideration and adaptation of hair presentation for environments where specific decorum or functional requirements guide appearance."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/societal-perceptions/",
            "name": "Societal Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/societal-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Societal Perceptions\" gently points to the collective lenses through which communities view and understand textured hair, particularly for those of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/professional-authenticity/",
            "name": "Professional Authenticity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/professional-authenticity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Professional Authenticity, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, gently signifies the alignment of one's outward practice with an inward, deep comprehension of Black and mixed hair structures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/",
            "name": "Albinism Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/albinism-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Albinism Perceptions refer to the nuanced understanding of hair characteristics stemming from hypopigmentation, particularly within the diverse spectrum of Black and mixed-race hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/professional-equity/",
            "name": "Professional Equity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/professional-equity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Professional Equity, in the gentle world of textured hair care, signifies the reliable value acquired when one thoughtfully commits to understanding the unique characteristics of Black and mixed-heritage hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/implicit-hair-perceptions/",
            "name": "Implicit Hair Perceptions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/implicit-hair-perceptions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Implicit Hair Perceptions are the quiet, unexamined assumptions and deeply held notions individuals carry about textured hair, particularly relevant for those with Black or mixed heritage."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-shaped-perceptions-of-textured-hair-in-professional-settings/
