# What Is the Historical Link between Head Wraps and Black Hair Heritage? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-04
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![This artistic monochrome portrait showcases a woman adorned in a Madrasi head tie, echoing ancestral beauty and holistic hair traditions, spotlighting 4a high-density coils texture. The image celebrates sebaceous balance care, low porosity practices within ancestral hairstyles and modern aesthetics affirming expressive styling through heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-african-woman-adorned-in-ancestral-madrasi-head-tie.jpg)

![The portrait captures the solemn presence of a man, his braided hair a testament to black hair traditions, cradling an ancestral mask. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the textures, highlighting cultural resilience and the enduring link to heritage, inviting reflection on identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-a-man-with-braided-hair-and-ancestral-mask-black-and-white.jpg)

## Roots

The story of textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries, is a saga of resilience, wisdom, and profound connection to the earth and spirit. It is a narrative held within each helix, a biological archive of journeys across continents and generations. Here, the very fibers of our being speak of a heritage that intertwines with daily practices, communal expressions, and the quiet dignity of adornment.

Amongst these traditions, the headwrap stands as a sentinel, its folds holding whispers of ancient suns, forced migrations, and triumphant self-realization. Its story is inseparable from the coils and crowns it has protected, celebrated, and often, silently elevated.

![Captured in monochrome, the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-naturally-coiled-hair-in-sunlight.jpg)

## Ancestral Beginnings of Head Coverings

Before the transatlantic currents reshaped our collective existence, [head coverings](/area/head-coverings/) in various forms graced the heads of people across numerous African societies. These were not mere accessories; they served as communicative canvases, revealing age, marital standing, spiritual allegiance, and even the prosperity of the wearer. In West Africa, for instance, women wore elaborate headwraps, known as **gele** in Nigeria or **duku** in Ghana, not only for ceremonial occasions but as a part of daily existence, their patterns and tying styles conveying nuanced social information.

These early coverings also held practical significance, shielding hair and scalp from the intense sun and elements, preserving [hair health](/area/hair-health/) long before modern scientific understanding articulated the benefits of protective measures. The historical record suggests these practices date back to at least the early 1700s in Sub-Saharan Africa, with some historical accounts tracing their presence to ancient Egypt among nobility and queens.

> The headwrap, a silent narrator of heritage, has long adorned African heads, conveying social standing, spiritual devotion, and deep community ties through its very form.

![The basket weaver](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elderly-woman-weaving-basket-with-coiled-hair-crowned-by-wrapped-headcloth.jpg)

## Hair Anatomy and Its Ancestral Understanding

Understanding [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) demands a look at its elemental design. Black and mixed-race hair, with its characteristic coils and bends, is a marvel of natural architecture. Each strand emerges from the scalp with a unique elliptical cross-section, leading to its distinctive curl pattern. This inherent structure, while lending itself to incredible volume and diverse styling, also presents specific needs concerning moisture retention and susceptibility to breakage.

Ancestral wisdom, passed down through generations, often predated formal scientific inquiry yet intuited these needs with remarkable precision. Traditional care practices, often involving [natural oils](/area/natural-oils/) and butters, aimed at nourishing and guarding the hair, reflecting an intuitive understanding of its inherent properties. The act of wrapping hair, therefore, provided a layer of physical protection, an ancient form of care that harmonized with the biological realities of textured strands.

- **Gele** ❉ A prominent Yoruba headwrap from Nigeria, often elaborate and worn for celebrations, symbolizing status and occasion.

- **Duku** ❉ A common term for headwraps in Ghana and Malawi, serving both daily utility and cultural expression.

- **Doek** ❉ Used in South Africa and Namibia, it conveys cultural pride and womanhood, with specific colors and patterns indicating tribal or family lineage.
The headwrap’s relationship to the hair it covers speaks volumes about an enduring legacy of care. From protecting fragile strands from environmental rigors to serving as a foundation for intricate traditional styles, the headwrap has always been more than fabric. It stood as a symbol of reverence for the hair itself, recognizing its vitality and its role in a person’s identity within their community. The choice of materials, often locally woven textiles or imported fabrics like silk for the elite, further underscored this connection, blending practicality with expressions of beauty and wealth. 

![The portrait of this Black woman radiates cultural pride, her textured hair styled in a braided crown beneath a striking headwrap, symbolizes her rich heritage. Her expression is one of quiet strength, reflective of holistic beauty, wellness, and the enduring legacy expressed through her hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-braided-crown-wearing-headwrap-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

![Captured in stark black and white, the boy](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-boy-with-half-shaved-spiraled-patterned-hair-black-and-white.jpg)

## Ritual

The passage of Black people from ancestral lands to new, often hostile, territories indelibly altered the meaning of the headwrap. What was once a symbol of autonomy and [communal identity](/area/communal-identity/) in Africa became, under the duress of enslavement, a mark of subjugation. Yet, the spirit of those forced across oceans was unyielding.

The headwrap, against all odds, transformed into an instrument of quiet defiance and cultural continuity, a testament to an unbreakable heritage. This phase of its history speaks to the ingenuity of a people who, even stripped of their freedom, found ways to reclaim selfhood.

![This evocative portrait celebrates the beauty and complexity of natural Afro-textured hair, emphasizing coiled structures while highlighting the intrinsic link between hair and heritage. The nuanced monochromatic tones amplify the child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-young-person-with-afro-textured-curly-coiled-hair.jpg)

## A Forced Covering, a Hidden Strength

During the era of chattel slavery in the Americas, slave owners frequently compelled [Black women](/area/black-women/) to cover their hair. This was often justified with practical reasons, such as protecting hair from the grime of plantation work, preventing lice, or shielding from sun exposure. Yet, a darker purpose lay beneath these superficial justifications: head coverings aimed to visually diminish Black women, stripping them of their individuality and beauty, marking them as laborers of lesser social value. This forced aesthetic became associated with the stereotype of the “mammy,” perpetuating images of subservience and domestic labor. 

![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)

## The Louisiana Tignon Laws

A particularly stark example of this oppressive imposition manifested in the **Tignon Laws** of 18th-century Louisiana. In 1786, the Spanish colonial governor, Esteban Rodriguez Miró, enacted a decree, often known as the “Edict of Good Government,” which mandated that free women of color cover their hair with a kerchief or a “tignon.” This law was not primarily about hygiene or modesty; its true aim was to curb the social and economic advancement of free Black women, particularly Afro-Creole women whose elaborate hairstyles and elegant dress were seen as challenging the existing racial hierarchy and competing with white women for status. (Gould, 1997, p. 19) The intent was to visually signify their presumed lower social standing, binding them to the enslaved class. 

> The Tignon Laws, intended to suppress Black women’s visible autonomy, instead ignited a potent expression of creative defiance through elevated headwrap styles.

![The image captures the deliberate act of adjusting a silk turban, reflecting protective styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-adjusting-silk-turban-protective-style-for-natural-hair-care.jpg)

## Stylistic Resistance and Coded Expressions

The spirit of resistance, however, runs deep in the lineage of [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) heritage. Rather than submitting to the laws’ intent, these women defiantly transformed the tignon into a powerful statement of self-worth and beauty. They chose luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, and developed intricate, sculptural tying techniques, adorning their wraps with ribbons, jewels, and feathers. This transformation was a profound act of cultural preservation and protest, turning a symbol of oppression into an emblem of pride and individuality. 

Beyond overt defiance, headwraps often served as a subtle means of communication among enslaved people. The specific ways a headwrap was folded, tied, or styled could convey coded messages, allowing communities to communicate beyond the understanding of their enslavers. This practice speaks to a deep, inherent creativity and a profound understanding of sartorial semiotics, transforming a simple piece of fabric into a tool for survival and solidarity. The headwrap, in this context, was not simply a covering; it was a living text, speaking of shared experiences, hopes, and enduring identity. 

![This portrait resonates with self-assured elegance. A symbol of resilience, protective styling in the form of braided hair and head wraps, speaks to ancestral heritage and holistic hair care while honoring cultural identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-crown-and-head-wrap-style.jpg)

![This dramatic portrait celebrates the elegance and resilience embodied by the afro, highlighting its geometric form. The stark contrast between light and shadow accentuates the beauty of her natural hair, serving as a statement of cultural pride and a powerful expression of ancestral heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-natural-afro-textured-hair-form.jpg)

## Relay

The legacy of the headwrap, rooted in defiance and cultural strength, continues to echo through contemporary expressions of Black hair heritage. The journey of these vibrant textiles from ancestral reverence to forced subjugation, and then to powerful reclamation, offers a profound understanding of self-hood and community. This continuous thread of heritage speaks to the living nature of tradition, constantly reinterpreted and reaffirmed by new generations. 

![The striking monochrome portrait emphasizes the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-striking-african-man-adorned-with-ceremonial-hair-art.jpg)

## Post-Emancipation Shift and Assimilation Pressures

With the abolition of slavery in 1865, a new chapter unfolded for Black women and their hair. Some abandoned headwraps, eager to distance themselves from the visual markers of servitude and to assimilate into broader society. The prevailing Eurocentric beauty standards, which favored straight hair, exerted considerable pressure.

Chemical relaxers, introduced in the early 20th century, presented a new pathway for Black women to alter their hair’s natural texture, seeking social acceptance in a society that often discriminated against natural, coiled hair. This period saw a decline in public headwrap wearing, though many women continued to use them for practical purposes at home, particularly for preserving straightened styles during sleep.

![The portrait encapsulates a moment of cultural pride, expressed through traditional attire and facial markings. Her gaze meets the viewer](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-adorned-in-traditional-headdress.jpg)

## Reclaiming the Crown in Modern Times

The mid-20th century, particularly the Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the 1960s and 1970s, brought a powerful resurgence of natural hair appreciation and cultural pride. The Afro, with its bold, spherical declaration of natural texture, became a potent symbol of rebellion and self-acceptance. Concurrently, the headwrap experienced a renaissance, transformed into a central accessory of this counter-cultural movement.

Artists such as Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu, gracing stages and screens with their artfully styled headwraps, further popularized this visual tribute to ancestral strength and beauty. The headwrap became a visible connection to African roots, a declaration of Black beauty, and a tangible manifestation of identity.

> From political statements to fashion declarations, headwraps have been continuously reinterpreted, solidifying their role as a living cultural artifact.

![In a moment of uninhibited joy, the woman’s hairstyle becomes a vibrant extension of her spirit, the braided texture capturing a blend of heritage and self-expression, resonating with ancestral strength and contemporary beauty standards as a protective style that echoes holistic hair care and cultural pride.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ebony-womans-radiant-joy-head-toss-showcasing-braided-protective-hairstyle.jpg)

## Headwraps and Textured Hair Wellness

Beyond their symbolic power, headwraps offer tangible benefits for the care of textured hair, a connection deeply rooted in [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) and increasingly affirmed by modern hair science. The coiling nature of Black and mixed-race hair means that natural oils produced by the scalp can struggle to travel down the hair shaft, leaving ends prone to dryness. External friction, from rough pillowcases to environmental elements, can cause breakage. Headwraps, particularly those made from smooth fabrics like silk or satin, mitigate these challenges. 

They provide: 

- **Protection from friction** ❉ Smooth fabrics drastically reduce the rubbing that can lead to frizz, tangles, and breakage, particularly during sleep.

- **Moisture retention** ❉ Headwraps help to seal in moisture, keeping the hair hydrated and less prone to dryness, a long-standing challenge for many with textured hair.

- **Environmental shielding** ❉ They offer a physical barrier against sun, wind, dust, and pollution, elements that can strip hair of its natural oils and weaken its structure.
The deliberate choice of materials and the very act of wrapping align ancient protective practices with contemporary understanding of hair health. This blending of traditional knowledge with modern science highlights a continuous, evolving heritage of care for textured hair. 

![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.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-natural-afro-hair.jpg)

## A Continued Evolution of Form and Function

Today, the headwrap stands as a versatile accessory, celebrated globally for its ability to blend tradition with contemporary style. It is worn for a myriad of reasons: as a protective style to maintain hair health, for religious or spiritual observance, as a bold fashion statement, or simply to express a connection to one’s heritage. The art of head wrapping, passed down through generations, continues to teach younger individuals about their roots, creating a sense of pride and continuity in a changing world.

This ongoing practice honors ancestors while simultaneously celebrating cultural identity in a visible, deeply meaningful way. The headwrap’s journey from functional covering to symbolic resistance, and ultimately to a celebrated expression of self, is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Black hair heritage.

![The serene gaze of this young person, combined with intricate coil work and culturally significant hair ornaments, powerfully communicates resilience and pride. This artistic representation celebrates textured hair forms, a legacy preserved through braiding practices, while embracing holistic beauty and a commitment to ancestral heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-displaying-braided-hairstyle-with-embellishments-cultural-pride-and.jpg)

![Embracing ancestral wisdom, the hands prepare a rice water rinse, a treasured holistic practice for enhancing textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-washing-rice-for-textured-hair-rinse-holistic-ancestral-practice.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey of the headwrap, from ancient African reverence to the complexities of diaspora, ultimately speaks to the soul of a strand ❉ the very essence of textured hair heritage. It is a story not of static objects, but of dynamic expression, adapting and transforming through the ages. The headwrap is a living testament to human ingenuity, cultural perseverance, and the inherent power of self-definition in the face of adversity.

Its continuing presence across Black and mixed-race communities globally underscores a heritage that is vibrant, ever-present, and continuously evolving. It is a crown that has been, and continues to be, worn with dignity and power, a tangible link to a profound and unbreakable lineage.

![This evocative portrait explores ancestral pride through protective styling, where the geometric framing underscores the intentional artistry embedded in braided expressions. It is a powerful visual meditation on the interwoven narratives of identity, cultural heritage, and the enduring beauty of textured hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-asian-woman-with-protective-braids-and-geometric-framing.jpg)

![This evocative portrait captures the essence of sophistication and cultural pride, where Black textured hair traditions meet modern professional expression. The braided ponytail, coupled with poised elegance, signifies a powerful statement of identity and heritage this image celebrates the enduring beauty and strength inherent in self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-ponytail.jpg)

## References

- Griebel, Helen Bradley. (1992). The African American Woman’s Headwrap: Unwinding the Symbols. (as referenced in,)

- Gould, Virginia M. (1997). “The Free Women of Color of New Orleans: Race, Status, and Power”. In Creoles of Color of the Gulf South, edited by James G. Hollandsworth. University Press of Mississippi. (as referenced in,)

- Wares, Lynette. (1981). African American Dress in the Eighteenth Century. Howard University Press. (as referenced in)

- Genovese, Eugene D. (1974). Roll, Jordan, Roll: The World the Slaves Made. Pantheon Books. (as referenced in)

- Crete, Charles. (1981). The African American in Louisiana. Louisiana State University Press. (as referenced in)

- Angelou, Maya. (2008). Letter to My Daughter. Random House. (as referenced in)

- Kynard, Carmen. (2013). Wrapping Our Heads: Archiving Black Women’s Style Politics. Education, Liberation & Black Radical Traditions for the 21st Century. (as referenced in)

## Glossary

### [African Hair Wraps](https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-wraps/)

Meaning ❉ African Hair Wraps represent a time-honored practice, a gentle shield for textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race hair types.

### [Silk Hair Wraps](https://roothea.co/area/silk-hair-wraps/)

Meaning ❉ Silk hair wraps, a gentle touch for textured strands, serve as a foundational element in nocturnal hair preservation for Black and mixed-race 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.

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

Meaning ❉ Communal Identity, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, denotes the shared wellspring of insights and established practices that quietly shape an individual's approach to their coils and kinks.

### [Protective Hair Wraps](https://roothea.co/area/protective-hair-wraps/)

Meaning ❉ Protective hair wraps, often crafted from smooth silk or satin, serve as a gentle, non-abrasive barrier for textured hair, specifically designed to mitigate moisture loss and minimize friction.

### [African Head Wraps](https://roothea.co/area/african-head-wraps/)

Meaning ❉ African Head Wraps are adaptable textile coverings for the head, primarily serving individuals with textured hair as a foundational element in both hair preservation and personal declaration.

### [Cultural Significance](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-significance/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Significance, in the realm of textured hair, denotes the deeply held importance and distinct identity associated with Black and mixed hair types.

### [Identity through Wraps](https://roothea.co/area/identity-through-wraps/)

Meaning ❉ Identity Through Wraps points to the practice of covering textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race hair, as a deliberate statement of care and cultural connection.

### [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.

### [Head Wraps History](https://roothea.co/area/head-wraps-history/)

Meaning ❉ Head Wraps History, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, details the long-standing practice of adorning and protecting the hair with fabric, a tradition intrinsically linked to the heritage of Black and mixed-race communities.

## Explore Your Heritage

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![The portrait embodies a contemporary aesthetic, highlighting the beauty and versatility of textured hair within an elegant framework. The contrast of light and shadow creates an evocative image, celebrating both minimalist design and the rich heritage expressed through coil formations in Black hair traditions, reflecting an interplay between modern styling and ancestral roots.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-woman-textured-hair-high-bun-minimalist-composition-black-white.jpg)

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### [Historical Hair Wraps](https://roothea.co/term/historical-hair-wraps/)
![Under dappled sunlight, the stylist](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-receiving-protective-hairstyle-braids-underneath-sunlight-detailed-black.jpg)

### [How Does Traditional Oil Application Link to Hair Health and Community?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-traditional-oil-application-link-to-hair-health-and-community/)
![The application of an avocado mask embodies a holistic approach to textured hair health, celebrating ancestral practices and emphasizing the importance of moisture retention and scalp health for optimal coil definition and resilience, reflecting a commitment to natural wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-applies-natural-avocado-hair-mask-for-textured-hair-wellness.jpg)

### [How Do Head Coverings Aid Textured Hair Health and Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-head-coverings-aid-textured-hair-health-and-heritage/)
![This powerful monochrome captures the profound ancestral heritage embodied in a Maasai woman, her head adornment enhancing the natural beauty of low porosity high-density coils, showcasing cultural artistry in protective styling helix definition and celebrating sebaceous balance care traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maasai-womans-coiled-hair-adornment-expression-of-heritage-and-identity.jpg)

### [What Is the Biological Reason for Textured Hair’s Dryness and Its Heritage Link?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-biological-reason-for-textured-hairs-dryness-and-its-heritage-link/)
![Monochrome enhances the beauty and definition of the woman’s coiled Afro texture, emphasizing the inherent elegance in natural Black hair traditions. This portrait underscores a commitment to self-love, ancestral pride, and the celebration of unique textured hair forms in a harmonious and elegant composition.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-short-natural-coiled-hair-in-monochrome.jpg)

### [What Cultural Connections Exist between Traditional Diets and Hair Health in African Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-cultural-connections-exist-between-traditional-diets-and-hair-health-in-african-heritage/)
![The monochrome palette accentuates the nuanced tonal gradations in the type 4A formation, heightening the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-with-curly-afro-mohawk-hairstyle-and-safety-pin.jpg)

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            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair describes the spectrum of hair textures primarily found within communities of African heritage, recognized by its distinct curl patterns ❉ from expansive waves to tightly coiled formations ❉ and an often elliptical follicle shape, which fundamentally shapes its unique growth trajectory."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "name": "Ancestral Wisdom",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-wraps/",
            "name": "African Hair Wraps",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-wraps/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Hair Wraps represent a time-honored practice, a gentle shield for textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race hair types."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/silk-hair-wraps/",
            "name": "Silk Hair Wraps",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/silk-hair-wraps/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Silk hair wraps, a gentle touch for textured strands, serve as a foundational element in nocturnal hair preservation for Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-hair-wraps/",
            "name": "Protective Hair Wraps",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-hair-wraps/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Protective hair wraps, often crafted from smooth silk or satin, serve as a gentle, non-abrasive barrier for textured hair, specifically designed to mitigate moisture loss and minimize friction."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/african-head-wraps/",
            "name": "African Head Wraps",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-head-wraps/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ African Head Wraps are adaptable textile coverings for the head, primarily serving individuals with textured hair as a foundational element in both hair preservation and personal declaration."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-significance/",
            "name": "Cultural Significance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-significance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Significance, in the realm of textured hair, denotes the deeply held importance and distinct identity associated with Black and mixed hair types."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/identity-through-wraps/",
            "name": "Identity Through Wraps",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/identity-through-wraps/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Identity Through Wraps points to the practice of covering textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race hair, as a deliberate statement of care and cultural connection."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/head-wraps-history/",
            "name": "Head Wraps History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/head-wraps-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Head Wraps History, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, details the long-standing practice of adorning and protecting the hair with fabric, a tradition intrinsically linked to the heritage of Black and mixed-race communities."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-link-between-head-wraps-and-black-hair-heritage/
