What is the CROWN Act’s historical connection to Black hair heritage?

Roots

The strands upon our heads, for many, are simply fibers, growing and receding with the seasons of life. Yet, for those whose lineage traces through the sun-drenched plains of Africa and the tumultuous currents of the diaspora, hair is far more. It is a living archive, a whisper of ancestors, a vibrant declaration of being. Our textured hair, with its coils, curls, and kinks, holds stories etched in its very helix, tales of ancient kingdoms, of resilience against oppression, and of a persistent, luminous beauty.

When we consider the CROWN Act, a contemporary legislative endeavor, we are not merely examining a piece of law; we are looking upon a legislative echo, a response to centuries of lived experience where the freedom to wear one’s hair as it naturally emerges from the scalp became a battleground for dignity. This act, at its heart, is a reaffirmation of the sacred bond between Black identity and hair heritage, seeking to safeguard what was historically deemed “unprofessional” or “unruly” but was, in truth, an expression of profound cultural connection.

Ancestral Forms and Biological Truths

The biological architecture of textured hair, often described as having an elliptical or flat cross-section, contributes to its unique coiling pattern, distinguishing it from hair types with more circular shafts. This inherent structure, while scientifically understood today, was observed and honored in ancestral African societies not as a deficiency, but as a marker of identity and communal belonging. Before the transatlantic slave trade, hair was a sophisticated language.

A person’s hairstyle could convey their age, marital status, tribal affiliation, social standing, and even religious beliefs (Byrd & Tharps, 2001; Oforiwa, 2023). Archaeological findings from ancient Kush and Kemet, now Sudan and Egypt, reveal combs of wood, bone, and ivory buried with their owners, testament to the sacred nature of hair and the tools for its care (CURLYTREATS Festival, 2025).

The very act of shaving hair during the transatlantic slave trade served as a brutal, deliberate act of cultural erasure, stripping enslaved Africans of their visual connection to their origins and communal markers (Library of Congress, 2021). This forced uniformity aimed to sever the spiritual and cultural ties held within each strand, imposing a new, dehumanizing reality. The CROWN Act directly counters this historical violence by affirming the right to wear natural and protective styles, thereby protecting the very biological and cultural markers that were once targets of systematic subjugation.

Hair’s Early Cultural Classifications

Across various African communities, specific hair formations held distinct cultural weight. The intricate cornrows of the Fulani people, for instance, or the elaborate thread-wrapping styles like “Irun Kiko” of the Yoruba, were not simply aesthetic choices. They were living texts, communicating social standing, marital readiness, or a transition to adulthood (Afriklens, 2024). This pre-colonial understanding of hair as a profound communication system stands in stark contrast to the Eurocentric beauty standards imposed during and after slavery, which pathologized tightly coiled hair as “bad” or “unprofessional” (IDRA, 2024).

The historical context of hair classification systems reveals a deliberate effort to diminish Black hair. The concept of “good hair” versus “bad hair” emerged from a colonial mindset, equating proximity to European hair textures with desirability and social acceptance (Library of Congress, 2021). This imposed hierarchy contributed to psychological distress and economic barriers for Black individuals seeking to navigate a world that devalued their natural appearance. The CROWN Act works to dismantle these vestiges of discriminatory classification, asserting that no hair texture, no matter its coil or curl, should be a barrier to opportunity.

Cycles of Growth and Ancestral Influences

Hair growth cycles, while universal in their biological mechanism, were historically influenced by environmental and nutritional factors unique to different African regions. Traditional diets, rich in local produce and specific proteins, supported hair health, a wisdom passed down through generations. The understanding of hair as a living entity, needing nourishment from within and without, was integral to ancestral care practices.

Consider the Basara Arab women of Chad, renowned for their exceptionally long, thick hair, often extending past their waist. Their secret, passed down through generations, involves the use of Chebe Powder, a traditional remedy made from local herbs, seeds, and plants (Sellox Blog, 2025). This powder does not necessarily promote new growth from the scalp, but rather aids in length retention by preventing breakage and locking in moisture, a particular benefit for tightly coiled hair which tends to be drier and more prone to breakage (Sellox Blog, 2025). This practice exemplifies an ancestral wisdom that understood the specific needs of textured hair long before modern scientific validation.

The CROWN Act stands as a contemporary legal bulwark, protecting the ancestral connection between Black identity and the inherent beauty of textured hair.

The legacy of this historical context is palpable. Even in the 21st century, studies show that 66 percent of Black girls in majority-white schools report experiencing hair discrimination (Legal Defense Fund, 2023). This statistic starkly illustrates the enduring impact of discriminatory beauty standards, highlighting why legislative action like the CROWN Act remains vital to affirm the heritage of Black hair and dismantle the lingering effects of historical bias.

Ritual

Stepping into the realm of textured hair ritual is akin to entering a sacred space, a sanctuary where generations of wisdom converge in the gentle cadence of care. It is here, in the deliberate movements of hands tending to coils and strands, that the spirit of ancestral practices truly breathes. The CROWN Act, in its legislative reach, touches this very space, recognizing that the freedom to style one’s hair is not merely a superficial choice, but a deeply ingrained cultural expression, a ritual of identity that has been shaped by both ancient tradition and a history of resistance. Our exploration now moves from the foundational understanding of hair to the living, evolving practices that have sustained and celebrated textured hair heritage through the ages.

Protective Styling Encyclopedia

The array of protective styles seen today—braids, twists, locs, Bantu knots—are not modern inventions. They are echoes of ancient African ingenuity, techniques developed over millennia to safeguard hair from environmental elements, promote length retention, and signify social identity (Oforiwa, 2023). For example, the intricate cornrows, found in rock paintings dating back to 3500 BCE in the Sahara Desert, were not just decorative; they served as visual languages, indicating tribal affiliation, marital status, or social rank (Odele Beauty, 2024).

During the transatlantic slave trade, these styles took on an additional, poignant significance. Enslaved people utilized cornrows to conceal seeds for planting in new lands or even to create secret maps for escape routes, weaving their hope for freedom directly into their hair (Odele Beauty, 2024).

The CROWN Act directly supports the continuance of these styles, recognizing them as intrinsic to Black heritage. Policies that prohibit these protective styles in schools and workplaces perpetuate a historical pattern of denying Black individuals the right to cultural expression and self-preservation. By affirming the legality of styles like Locs, Braids, and Twists, the CROWN Act protects a vital part of this living, evolving heritage.

Traditional Methods of Natural Definition

Beyond protective styles, the natural hair movement has seen a resurgence of techniques that enhance the inherent beauty of coils and curls. These methods, often relying on water, natural oils, and the hands of the individual, mirror the historical practices that prioritized working with the hair’s natural texture rather than altering it. In pre-colonial Africa, hair care was a communal activity, a time for bonding and passing down oral histories alongside styling techniques (Odele Beauty, 2021). The emphasis was on maintaining hair health and celebrating its unique characteristics.

Consider the ancient African practice of African Threading, a heat-free method of stretching and protecting hair that uses thread to wrap sections of hair, resulting in elongated curls or waves (Sellox Blog, 2021). This technique, while less common in mainstream contemporary styling guides, is a testament to the ancestral knowledge of working with textured hair to achieve desired outcomes without chemical or excessive heat manipulation. The CROWN Act’s reach extends to ensuring that individuals who choose to wear their hair in its natural, defined state, or styled with these traditional methods, are protected from discrimination.

Wigs and Extensions Through History

The use of wigs and hair extensions also possesses a rich historical and cultural lineage within Black communities, often misunderstood in broader society. In ancient Egypt, elaborate wigs made from human hair, wool, and plant fibers were worn by both men and women of the elite, signifying wealth, status, and religious devotion (Afriklens, 2024). This practice continued across various African cultures, where artificial hair and real hair alternatives were used for ceremonial purposes, as markers of status, or simply for aesthetic variation (Library of Congress, 2021).

During and after slavery, wigs and extensions also served as a means of survival and adaptation. In a society that deemed natural Black hair unprofessional or undesirable, altering one’s appearance to conform to Eurocentric standards could mean access to employment or safer passage in public spaces (Legal Defense Fund, 2022). The CROWN Act, while primarily addressing discrimination against natural and protective styles, implicitly acknowledges this historical context. It seeks to reduce the pressure on individuals to rely on wigs or extensions solely for conformity, instead allowing them the freedom to choose these options as a matter of personal style and heritage, rather than a forced adaptation.

Styling textured hair, from ancient braiding to modern twists, represents a living continuum of cultural expression, often serving as both a shield and a statement.

Tools of the Ancestors and Today

The tools used in textured hair care are as much a part of its heritage as the styles themselves. From the earliest bone and wooden combs discovered in ancient African sites (CURLYTREATS Festival, 2025) to the hot combs that became prevalent in the early 20th century (Library of Congress, 2021), each implement carries a story. The Afro Pick, for instance, rose to prominence during the Black Power movement of the 1960s and 70s, becoming a potent symbol of Black pride and resistance against oppressive beauty standards (CURLYTREATS Festival, 2025). Its design, often incorporating a clenched fist, directly communicated a message of self-acceptance and defiance.

The CROWN Act, by safeguarding the right to wear natural hairstyles, inherently protects the tools and techniques that facilitate their care and styling. It recognizes that denying a person the right to wear an afro or locs is also, in a sense, denying the cultural significance of the comb that shapes it or the hands that tend to it. The act is a legislative acknowledgement that these tools and practices are not mere accessories, but integral components of a heritage that demands respect and protection.

Relay

How does the enduring spirit of textured hair heritage continue to shape our collective future, particularly in the face of contemporary challenges like hair discrimination? This inquiry beckons us to delve into the intricate interplay where the wisdom of ancestors meets the complexities of modern existence, where scientific understanding converges with deep cultural meaning. The CROWN Act, a beacon in this ongoing journey, is not merely a legal instrument; it is a profound declaration, a legislative echo affirming that the ancestral practices and intrinsic qualities of Black hair are not simply matters of personal choice, but a protected inheritance, demanding reverence and equity in every facet of society. We now explore the deeper currents of care, community, and cultural reclamation that the CROWN Act seeks to fortify.

Personalized Regimens and Ancestral Wisdom

The development of personalized hair regimens for textured hair draws deeply from ancestral wisdom, often validated by contemporary scientific understanding. For generations, Black communities relied on natural emollients and botanicals, recognizing their unique properties for moisture retention and hair strength. Shea butter, for instance, has been used for centuries across Africa to nourish and protect hair, rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids that create a protective barrier against dryness and breakage (Katherine Haircare, 2025).

Similarly, Marula Oil, known as “The Tree of Life” oil, offers antioxidants and fatty acids to guard against dryness while softening strands (Katherine Haircare, 2025). These traditional ingredients represent a profound understanding of hair’s needs, long before chemical compositions were analyzed in laboratories.

The CROWN Act supports this heritage of self-care and customized regimens by removing the societal pressure to alter hair for conformity. When individuals are free from the threat of discrimination, they are more inclined to embrace and maintain their natural textures, seeking out practices and ingredients that genuinely benefit their hair, often drawing from this rich ancestral wellspring. This liberation allows for a return to or continuation of hair care as a ritual of self-love and cultural connection, rather than a compliance exercise.

The Nighttime Sanctuary ❉ Bonnet Wisdom

The simple act of covering hair at night with a bonnet or head wrap holds a historical and practical significance often overlooked by those outside the textured hair community. This practice, a form of nighttime sanctuary, protects delicate strands from friction and moisture absorption by cotton pillowcases, which can lead to dryness and breakage (Afrocenchix, 2021). Its roots trace back to practices of hair preservation and modesty in various African cultures, evolving into a common ritual for Black women in the diaspora.

The CROWN Act, by affirming the legitimacy of culturally significant hairstyles, implicitly validates the entire ecosystem of care that supports them, including practices like bonnet use. It helps to normalize and protect these rituals from being perceived as unprofessional or unusual, reinforcing the idea that such care is a part of a valid and valued hair heritage.

Ingredient Deep Dives and Traditional Needs

A deeper look into traditional ingredients reveals a sophisticated understanding of textured hair’s needs. Beyond shea and marula, African communities utilized a range of natural elements:

• African Black Soap ❉ A traditional West African soap made from plant ash and oils, used for gentle cleansing of hair and scalp (Sellox Blog, 2021).
• Rhassoul Clay ❉ From Morocco, this clay cleanses hair and scalp without stripping natural oils, providing strength and moisture (Sellox Blog, 2021).
• Chebe Powder ❉ A blend of herbs and seeds from Chad, primarily used for length retention by sealing in moisture and strengthening the hair shaft (Sellox Blog, 2025).
• Rooibos Tea ❉ From South Africa, this tea possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that contribute to scalp health and hair growth (Sellox Blog, 2021).

These ingredients speak to a heritage of resourcefulness and deep knowledge of local flora. The CROWN Act, by addressing discrimination, allows for a greater acceptance of natural hair, which in turn promotes the use of these traditional ingredients, moving away from chemical straighteners that historically damaged hair and scalp (IDRA, 2024).

The CROWN Act serves as a modern affirmation of ancient hair care philosophies, securing the right to maintain and present textured hair in ways that honor its unique needs and cultural legacy.

Hair Problem Solving and Ancestral Wisdom

Historically, problems like dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation were addressed through a combination of traditional remedies and protective styling. The systematic shaving of hair during slavery and the subsequent pressure to chemically straighten hair (Library of Congress, 2021) introduced new forms of damage and problems that ancestral practices were not designed to address. The rise of hot combs in the early 1900s and chemical relaxers created a dichotomy, forcing Black individuals to choose between conforming to white beauty standards and maintaining hair health (BLAM UK CIC, 2022).

The CROWN Act directly confronts this historical burden. By prohibiting discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, it alleviates the immense pressure to chemically alter hair for professional or academic acceptance. This legislative shift allows individuals to prioritize hair health and embrace practices that are genuinely beneficial for their unique texture, drawing from both ancestral knowledge and modern scientific understanding.

For example, a 2015 study by Duke University found that Black women who wore natural hairstyles were viewed as “less professional” and were less likely to secure job interviews compared to Black women who straightened their hair and white women (HR Morning, 2024). This statistical reality underscores the economic and social penalties historically associated with natural Black hair, penalties the CROWN Act directly aims to dismantle.

Holistic Influences on Hair Health

Ancestral wellness philosophies viewed hair health as inseparable from overall well-being. This holistic approach recognized the connection between diet, spiritual practices, community, and the vitality of one’s hair. Hair was not merely an aesthetic feature; it was a conduit to the divine, a source of personal and spiritual power (Odele Beauty, 2021). The communal act of hair styling, often taking hours, served as a time for bonding, storytelling, and the transmission of cultural knowledge (Odele Beauty, 2021).

The CROWN Act, by granting legal protection to textured hair, helps to restore this holistic connection. It affirms that the freedom to wear one’s hair naturally is a component of mental and emotional well-being, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with potential discrimination. This legislative step is a recognition that hair is deeply tied to identity, self-worth, and the continuation of a vibrant cultural heritage. The act helps to cultivate an environment where the sacredness of Black hair, once undermined by oppressive systems, can again be openly honored and celebrated.

Reflection

The journey through the intricate world of textured hair heritage, anchored by the significance of the CROWN Act, reveals a story far deeper than mere aesthetics or legal statutes. It is a profound meditation on identity, resilience, and the enduring power of ancestral wisdom. Each coil, each strand, carries within it the echoes of ancient African civilizations, the painful memory of forced assimilation, and the vibrant spirit of reclamation. The CROWN Act stands not as an endpoint, but as a vital milestone in this ongoing narrative, a legislative affirmation that the innate beauty and cultural weight of Black and mixed-race hair must be protected, respected, and celebrated.

Our hair is a living, breathing archive, a testament to the ingenuity of those who came before us, who understood its biology and crafted rituals of care that sustained it through centuries of challenge. It is a call to recognize that the freedom to wear one’s hair as it naturally grows is fundamental to dignity and belonging. As we move forward, the spirit of Roothea’s ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos reminds us that this heritage is a dynamic, evolving legacy, one that continues to shape our understanding of beauty, wellness, and selfhood. May the path ahead be one where every textured crown is worn with unwavering pride, free from judgment, fully embraced in its authentic, ancestral glory.

References

• Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. I. (2001). Hair Story ❉ Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press.
• Dabiri, E. (2020). Twisted ❉ The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Harper Perennial.
• Hill, D. (2024). Rhetoric of Natural Hair ❉ Cultural Contradictions. Advances in Applied Sociology, 14, 504-516.
• Jacobs-Huey, L. (2006). The New Black Hair ❉ A History of Hair Care and Culture in the United States. Rutgers University Press.
• Mercer, K. (1994). Welcome to the Jungle ❉ New Positions in Cultural Studies. Routledge.
• Patton, M. F. (2006). African-American Hair as a Symbol of Self-Identity and Social Control. University of California, Berkeley.
• Rooks, N. M. (1996). Hair Raising ❉ Beauty, Culture, and African American Women. Rutgers University Press.