# What Is the Historical Connection between Black Hair and Resistance? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-03
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

_
![The striking interplay of light and shadow across layered leaves mirrors the varied tones and rich textures within black hair. This composition invites reflection on ancestral knowledge and the potent botanical ingredients traditionally cherished for nourishing and supporting healthy coil definition and resilience](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-leaves-reveal-textural-depths-black-hair-ingredient-inspiration.jpg)

## Roots

Feel the subtle hum, a reverberation reaching across centuries, resonating in the very coils that crown our heads. It is a whisper from ancient lands, a story etched not in stone, but in the intricate helix of each strand of textured hair. This heritage, so often reduced to mere aesthetic, holds within its spiraling depths a profound account of defiance, of steadfastness, of the enduring spirit of a people. To truly comprehend the connection between [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) and resistance, one must first listen to the echoes from the source, understanding the elemental biology of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) as it intertwines with ancestral practices. 

The anatomy of textured hair, with its unique elliptical follicle shape and varied curl patterns, is not merely a biological fact. It is a testament to adaptive brilliance, a natural shield against the sun’s fervent gaze in ancestral African climates. Scientists propose that the tightly coiled structure of Afro-textured hair evolved to protect early human ancestors from intense ultraviolet radiation, potentially even serving as the first hair type among modern humans, allowing for crucial brain expansion. This inherent design speaks to an ancient wisdom encoded within our very being, a natural resilience that mirrors the spirit of those who wore it. 

Within West African societies, long before the transatlantic voyage, hair served as a sophisticated visual language, a vibrant lexicon of identity. A person’s hairstyle could convey their tribe, marital status, age, wealth, and social standing. Elaborate styles, sometimes taking days to complete, were social rituals, moments of community bonding, and a way to communicate with the divine, as hair was seen as the body’s most elevated part, connecting individuals to spiritual realms.

This intricate system of communication was stripped away, a deliberate act of dehumanization during the [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) when enslavers forcibly shaved the heads of captured Africans. This violent erasure of a fundamental aspect of identity marks the genesis of hair as an undeniable symbol of resistance, an attempt to reclaim what was lost.

![This image celebrates the legacy of textured hair through intergenerational African diaspora women, highlighting the enduring connection between cultural identity and ancestral hair styling with intricate braids and a headwrap, illuminating a profound narrative of heritage, beauty, and shared experience.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intergenerational-portraiture-of-african-descent-women-displaying-textured-hair.jpg)

## What Ancestral Practices Inform Our Understanding of Hair’s Heritage?

Ancestral [hair care](/area/hair-care/) practices were deeply rooted in communal well-being and practical necessity, interwoven with the spiritual and social fabric of daily life. These rituals were not solely about appearance; they maintained the health of textured hair, which, given its unique structure, requires specific care. The use of natural oils, plant-based remedies, and careful manipulation were passed down through generations. 

- **Oiling** ❉ Traditional African communities used various natural oils from shea, palm, or other local botanicals to nourish the scalp and hair, guarding against dryness and breakage, reflecting an understanding of hair’s moisture needs long before modern science.

- **Braiding** ❉ Beyond their symbolic communication, braids served a practical purpose, protecting hair from environmental elements and reducing tangling, preserving length and health in agrarian societies.

- **Communal Grooming** ❉ Hair care was a shared activity, a time for storytelling, teaching, and strengthening familial and community ties, deepening the social significance of hair beyond individual adornment.
Even the nomenclature used to describe textured hair today, while sometimes marred by derogatory terms born of oppressive histories, draws its origins from the precise observations of natural forms. Terms like ‘kinky,’ though historically weaponized, originally described the tight, spiral-shaped curls characteristic of Afro-textured hair. This understanding of hair from its biological roots and ancient cultural contexts provides the essential groundwork for recognizing its unwavering role in resistance throughout history. 

![This black and white portrait captures the serene dignity of a Bolivian woman, showcasing her traditional dress and expertly braided textured hair, a potent symbol of cultural identity and ancestral heritage. The aguayo shawl and bowler hat frame her expressive features, conveying depth and inner strength](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bolivian-woman-wearing-traditional-aguayo-shawl-and-hat-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![The moment captures a delicate exchange, as traditional cornrow braiding continues. It underscores the deep connection between generations and the artistry involved in Black haircare rituals, promoting cultural pride, heritage continuity, and the celebration of coiled hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-childs-hair-braiding-textured-hair-black-and-white.jpg)

## Ritual

The journey from communal ritual to defiant act marks a profound shift in the story of Black hair. During the barbarity of the transatlantic slave trade, when the enslaved were shorn of their cultural markers, hair became a hidden canvas, a whispered language of survival. Deprived of traditional tools and time, individuals used what little they had, adapting techniques, their hair becoming a quiet, yet potent, repository of ancestral memory and strategic planning. 

> Hair transformed from a symbol of identity in Africa to a clandestine tool for resistance during enslavement.
One of the most powerful historical examples of this transformation is the use of **cornrows** as maps. Enslaved Africans, particularly women, intricately braided patterns into their hair that were said to trace escape routes from plantations. Within these patterns, they might also conceal rice grains and seeds, brought from their homelands, ensuring a means of sustenance once they reached freedom, a literal sowing of ancestral continuity into the very fibers of their being. This act of concealment within plain sight, using the natural texture of their hair to hold secrets of liberation, demonstrates an extraordinary ingenuity born of desperate circumstances. 

![Intricate beadwork, signifying cultural identity and heritage, encircles the woman, her direct gaze resonating with strength and ancestral pride. This evocative portrait highlights the deep connection between adornment and identity with focus on sebaceous balance and meticulous artistry showcased through beaded ancestral heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maasai-woman-adorned-in-beaded-headdress-and-necklace-high-definition-black-and.jpg)

## How Did Enforced Uniformity Become a Catalyst for Creative Expression?

Even in the face of restrictive laws, the spirit of resistance manifested through ingenious adaptation. The Tignon Laws, enacted in 1786 in Louisiana, compelled free [Black women](/area/black-women/) to cover their hair with a headscarf, a tignon, ostensibly to signify their status and deter them from attracting white men. This attempt to diminish their perceived social standing instead spurred a magnificent artistic counter-movement.

Black women responded by crafting vibrant, elaborate headwraps, adorned with rich fabrics and intricate folds, turning a symbol of oppression into a statement of unparalleled beauty, cultural pride, and defiance. They reclaimed the mandated covering as an accessory, transforming a tool of subjugation into an expression of enduring identity.

The journey through emancipation did not erase the pressure to conform. For generations after slavery, many Black people straightened their hair using harsh chemicals or hot combs, a means to assimilate into [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) often tied to economic survival and social acceptance. Ruth, an interviewee in a University of Michigan study, articulated this stark reality: “It was the difference between whether you ate or you didn’t”. The very act of altering one’s hair became a complex ritual, a negotiation between heritage and the harsh realities of a discriminatory society. 

Yet, within this very struggle, the seeds of a new wave of resistance were sown. The mid-20th century, a time of profound societal upheaval, witnessed a reawakening of ancestral pride that irrevocably altered the landscape of Black hair. 

![Embracing the ancestral heritage of holistic hair care, clear water enriches fenugreek seeds, releasing their potent benefits. This ancient ingredient nourishes Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives, promoting expressive styling and resilient formations for generations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fenugreek-seeds-being-dosed-with-water-drops-close-up-black-and-white.jpg)

![This potent, dark powder embodies ancestral wisdom, offering a gateway to the restoration and strengthening of textured hair, evoking images of time-honored Black hair traditions focused on deep cleansing, natural vitality, and rooted identity.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fine-textured-powder-ashy-pigment-close-up-for-black-hair-mask.jpg)

## Relay

The latter half of the 20th century became a powerful relay of resistance, with Black hair transforming into an unmistakable emblem of social and political awakening. The “Black is Beautiful” movement, arising during the [Civil Rights](/area/civil-rights/) era of the 1960s, called for a radical acceptance of Black physicality, rejecting long-standing Eurocentric ideals of beauty. The Afro, in particular, became a prominent symbol of this defiance, a voluminous crown that declared self-love and racial solidarity. 

> The Afro, a powerful symbol of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, represented a profound reclaiming of self and collective identity.
Figures like Angela Davis, with her iconic Afro, exemplified this shift, embodying a direct challenge to the societal norms that had for so long denigrated natural Black hair. Wearing an [Afro](/area/afro/) during this period was not merely a style choice; it was a public declaration of racial pride and a weapon in the pursuit of racial equality. A 1972 study of Black teenagers in St. Louis showed that 90% of young men and 40% of young women wore their natural kinks, reflecting a broader national embrace of natural 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)

## How Does Contemporary Legislation Mirror Historical Struggles?

Despite the progress of the Civil Rights movement, [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) persisted, revealing the deep-seated nature of systemic racism. Legal battles around [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) in professional and educational settings continued well into the 21st century. The argument often centered on whether natural hair, like locs, was a “mutable characteristic” and therefore not protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) argued that race also encompasses “cultural characteristics related to race or ethnicity,” including grooming practices, a position that federal courts have sometimes contested. 

A compelling case study highlighting this ongoing struggle involved Chasity Jones, a Black woman in Alabama whose job offer was rescinded when she refused to cut her locs. The Eleventh Circuit Court ruled that the employer did not discriminate based on race because locs were a “mutable” characteristic. This ruling, though deeply concerning, galvanized renewed advocacy. 

The legislative response to this enduring discrimination has been the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This legislation, first introduced in 2019, aims to prohibit race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools. As of 2023, twenty-three states had passed the CROWN Act, signaling a growing recognition of Black hairstyles’ equal value in American society. This legislative progress, though incomplete, stands as a testament to the persistent advocacy rooted in the legacy of natural hair as a symbol of resistance. 

Data underscores the continued relevance of this fight: 

- **Workplace Impact** ❉ Black women with coily or textured hair are twice as likely to experience microaggressions in the workplace compared to Black women with straighter hair.

- **Employment Barriers** ❉ A 2020 study from Michigan State University and Duke University found that Black women with natural hairstyles are less likely to receive job interviews than white women or Black women with straightened hair.

- **Educational Harm** ❉ 66% of Black girls in majority-white schools report experiencing hair discrimination, leading to missed instructional time when removed from classrooms due to their hair.
The modern natural hair movement, spurred by social media and films like Regina Kimbell’s <em>My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage</em>, represents a powerful second wave of embracing textured hair. This contemporary resurgence carries the spirit of its predecessors, asserting the freedom to wear one’s hair as it naturally grows, unburdened by external judgments. It is a continuous assertion of self-acceptance and a direct challenge to deeply ingrained cultural conventions and aesthetic standards. The texture of Black hair, once a tool of oppression, has been reclaimed and transformed into a powerful emblem of identity, survival, and ongoing resistance. 

![Hands intertwined, an elder passes ancestral skills weaving intricate patterns, textured with the rich history of indigenous knowledge. A potent image reflecting dedication to cultural continuity, holistic care, and the preservation of ancestral practices including natural hair maintenance techniques](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-weaving-an-elders-hands-instructing-younger-hands-on-indigenous.jpg)

![This portrait preserves a moment of heritage, the traditional headdress speaking to cultural identity and a lineage of artistry. The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/moroccan-woman-adorned-in-traditional-headdress-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## Reflection

As we consider the long, winding path connecting Black hair to resistance, a profound realization settles upon us: each coil, each twist, each loc carries the indelible mark of centuries ❉ a living archive of struggle and triumph. This heritage is not static, a relic of the past, but a dynamic, breathing entity, perpetually shaping and being shaped by the experiences of Black and mixed-race communities. The ‘Soul of a Strand’ whispers that our hair is more than keratin and pigment; it is a repository of ancestral wisdom, a canvas for self-expression, and a testament to an unbreakable spirit. 

From the coded cornrows of enslaved ancestors to the defiant Afros of the Civil Rights era, and now, to the ongoing legislative battles for hair freedom, the narrative of textured hair is one of unwavering resilience. It reminds us that control over one’s own body, particularly hair, is a fundamental aspect of self-determination, a boundary often challenged, yet consistently reclaimed. Understanding this deep history allows us to approach hair care not as a chore, but as a continuation of sacred practices, a nurturing of the physical manifestation of our lineage. It is a moment to connect with the brilliance of those who came before us, honoring their ingenuity and unwavering spirit. 

The journey ahead invites a deeper appreciation for the biological wonder of textured hair, recognizing its unique properties and addressing its specific needs with respect and informed care. It calls for an open dialogue that bridges scientific understanding with the profound cultural and historical meanings embedded in every strand. Through this lens, we uphold the legacy, celebrate the diversity, and continue the enduring act of self-acceptance that textured hair has always represented. Our hair, indeed, remains a crown, a constant, beautiful declaration of who we are, where we come from, and the unbound future we continue to shape. 

![The portrait encapsulates the dance between light and shadow, celebrating the unique texture of braided hair. It evokes a sense of ancestral connection, holistic hair care rituals passed down through generations, and the powerful expression of cultural identity inherent in traditional Black hair styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-silhouette-against-sunlight-showcasing-braided-textured-hair-in.jpg)

![Hands delicately combine ancestral botanicals, highlighting a deep connection between hair and heritage. The monochromatic tones capture the essence of tradition and holistic wellness, reflecting the artistry and nuanced textures of a historical ritual linked to Black and Brown communities](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-preparing-herbal-remedy-with-textured-hair-focus-black-and-brown-heritage.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, Ayana, and Lori L. Tharps. <i>Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Publishing, 2001.

- Patton, Tracey Owens. “Hey Girl, Am I More Than My Hair?”: African American Women and Their Struggle with Eurocentric Beauty Standards in the Workplace.” _Women and Language_, vol. 30, no. 1, 2007.

- Rooks, Noliwe M. _Hair Raising: Beauty, Culture, and African American Women_. Rutgers University Press, 1996.

- Sherrow, Victoria. _Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History_. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006.

- Robbins, Clarence R. _Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair_. 5th ed. Springer, 2012.

- Dove and LinkedIn. _2023 CROWN Research Study: The Impact of Hair Discrimination on Black Women in the Workplace_. 2023.

- Dove. _The CROWN Act: Hair Discrimination is Racial Discrimination_. 2019.

- Economic Policy Institute. _The CROWN Act: A Jewel for Combating Racial Discrimination in the Workplace and Classroom_. 2023.

- Kimbell, Regina. _My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage_. Independent film, 2007.

- Amplify Africa. _Tignon Law: Policing Black Women’s Hair in the 18th Century_. 2021.

## Glossary

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ The Transatlantic Slave Trade represents a deeply impactful historical period, where the forced displacement of African peoples significantly altered the lineage of textured hair understanding.

### [Black Women](https://roothea.co/area/black-women/)

Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands.

### [Civil Rights](https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/)

Meaning ❉ Civil Rights, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, points to the fundamental freedom and equal access allowing individuals with Black and mixed-race hair to define, care for, and present their unique hair identity without prejudice.

### [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.

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

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

### [Afro](https://roothea.co/area/afro/)

Meaning ❉ The Afro represents a natural, unmanipulated expansion of tightly coiled or curly hair, forming a distinct spherical or rounded shape.

### [Black Seminole Resistance](https://roothea.co/area/black-seminole-resistance/)

Meaning ❉ The term 'Black Seminole Resistance' carries a significant historical weight, signifying self-determination and the steadfast preservation of identity against formidable opposition.

### [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.

### [Tignon Laws](https://roothea.co/area/tignon-laws/)

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.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Is the Historical Connection between Castor Oil and Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-connection-between-castor-oil-and-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This image celebrates the legacy of textured hair through intergenerational African diaspora women, highlighting the enduring connection between cultural identity and ancestral hair styling with intricate braids and a headwrap, illuminating a profound narrative of heritage, beauty, and shared experience.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intergenerational-portraiture-of-african-descent-women-displaying-textured-hair.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does Textured Hair Represent Cultural Identity and Resistance?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-textured-hair-represent-cultural-identity-and-resistance/)
![The monochrome portrait captures the essence of individuality, showcasing a modern high-top fade with etched geometric lines in short coils. The image evokes strength, style, and the deliberate expression of self through distinct coily hair fashion, inviting contemplation on identity and heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-textured-hair-and-geometric-lines.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does Hair Care Symbolize Cultural Identity and Resistance within Black Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-hair-care-symbolize-cultural-identity-and-resistance-within-black-heritage/)
![This striking black and white image showcases coiled textured hair juxtaposed with an edgy, geometric shaved design, creating a bold statement of self-expression and heritage. The contrasting textures and shapes emphasize the beauty and versatility of natural Black hair within a contemporary artistic context.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-textured-hair-geometric-shaved-design.jpg)

### [How Did Bonnets Become a Symbol of Black Resistance and Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-bonnets-become-a-symbol-of-black-resistance-and-heritage/)
![This evocative black and white image captures the essence of natural hair expression, celebrates the cultural significance of Afro hair, and provides a glimpse into the journey of self-discovery, while showcasing the artful shaping of resilient strands into a statement of heritage and beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-natural-afro-hair-style.jpg)

### [How Did Hair Practices in Slavery Express Resistance and Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-hair-practices-in-slavery-express-resistance-and-heritage/)
![This arresting black and white image captures the essence of minimalist natural hair styling, celebrating textured hair within a context of profound heritage and self-assured presentation. The carefully chosen haircut amplifies the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-natural-textured-haircut-design.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Braiding Communicate Heritage and Resistance during Slavery?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-braiding-communicate-heritage-and-resistance-during-slavery/)
![Celebrating ancestral heritage this portrait captures a touching intergenerational connection. Mother and daughter embrace showcasing the fusion of traditional headwrap art and protective styling with coily hair expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-wisdom-mother-and-daughter-embrace-ancestral-braiding-coily.jpg)

### [What Role Did Hair Play in Resistance Movements for Black Communities?](https://roothea.co/question/what-role-did-hair-play-in-resistance-movements-for-black-communities/)
![This evocative portrait captures the essence of natural beauty, highlighting the resilience and strength embodied in the woman’s short, coiled afro. The play of light and shadow accentuates the intricacies of her hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-natural-hair.jpg)

### [What Is the Scientific Connection between Oils and Textured Hair Strength?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-scientific-connection-between-oils-and-textured-hair-strength/)
![The image presents an abstract visual metaphor for textured hair patterns and origins, reflecting cultural significance, ancestral roots, and the intricate network forming the foundation of textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-radial-pattern-of-powder-resembling-textured-hair-root-formation.jpg)

### [What Cultural Connections Exist between Traditional Hair Care and Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-cultural-connections-exist-between-traditional-hair-care-and-heritage/)
![This expressive monochrome portrait captures the inherent beauty and volume of spiraling textured hair, highlighting cultural connections to textured hair traditions the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-long-spiraling-textured-hair-style.jpg)

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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."
        },
        {
            "@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/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric beauty standards denote a historical leaning towards hair characteristics commonly found within European lineages, such as straightness, fineness, or gentle waves, alongside particular color and density ideals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "name": "Civil Rights",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Civil Rights, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, points to the fundamental freedom and equal access allowing individuals with Black and mixed-race hair to define, care for, and present their unique hair identity without prejudice."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/afro/",
            "name": "Afro",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/afro/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Afro represents a natural, unmanipulated expansion of tightly coiled or curly hair, forming a distinct spherical or rounded shape."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/black-seminole-resistance/",
            "name": "Black Seminole Resistance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-seminole-resistance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The term 'Black Seminole Resistance' carries a significant historical weight, signifying self-determination and the steadfast preservation of identity against formidable opposition."
        },
        {
            "@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."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-connection-between-black-hair-and-resistance/
