# What Is the Historical Significance of Textured Hair in Discrimination? ❉ Question

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

---

![This powerful monochromatic portrait captures the profound cultural heritage of an Indigenous woman, her face paint symbolizing identity and belonging, while the carefully arranged feather adornments accentuate the natural beauty of her textured hair, echoing ancestral connections and resilience in the face of adversity.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-indigenous-woman-face-paint-feathers-cultural-heritage.jpg)

![The black and white tonality enhances the subjects](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-and-daughter-holding-plant-stems-sunlight-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## Roots

The story of textured hair, particularly for those of Black and mixed-race ancestry, is a profound chronicle etched into the very fiber of collective memory. It is a story not just of biology, but of vibrant cultural expression, ancestral wisdom, and enduring resilience. For generations, before the shadows of oppression lengthened across continents, hair served as a living archive, a visible testament to identity, community, and standing within African societies.

Each curl, coil, and braid spoke a language, revealing intricate details of a person’s lineage, marital state, tribal belonging, and even their spiritual leanings. To understand the [historical significance](/area/historical-significance/) of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) in discrimination, one must first walk through these ancient groves of meaning.

In pre-colonial African societies, hair was an object of reverence, woven into the deepest traditions of daily life. The care given to hair was a communal act, often a sacred ritual passed down through hands that carried the wisdom of ages. Consider the elaborate styles that marked the passage from childhood to adulthood, or the specific arrangements that announced a person’s readiness for marriage. These were not mere adornments; they were profound statements of belonging and self-worth, understood and celebrated within their communities.

Lori Tharps, a professor of journalism, speaks of how hairstyles in ancient African communities conveyed a person’s tribal identification, marital status, age, religion, wealth, and rank. Indeed, a person’s hairstyle could tell much about who they were and where they came from.

![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)

## How Did Pre-Colonial Hair Practices Affirm Heritage?

The reverence for hair in ancestral African cultures speaks to a holistic understanding of self, where external appearance was deeply interconnected with internal spirit and communal bonds. Far from being a superficial concern, hair was a canvas for creativity and a carrier of cultural information. The diverse styles across the continent were as varied as the peoples themselves, each reflecting unique traditions and worldviews. 

- **Braids** ❉ With origins tracing back 5000 years, braids, particularly cornrows, were more than stylistic choices; they served as a form of communication among various African societies. In the early 1500s, this artistry became a medium of coded messages.

- **Adornments** ❉ Hair was frequently adorned with beads, cowrie shells, feathers, and other decorative elements, each potentially conveying specific meanings or status. These embellishments were not simply decorative; they often held symbolic weight, reflecting a family’s prosperity or a person’s achievements.

- **Styling Rituals** ❉ The intricate nature of many traditional styles meant that hair care was often a social activity, fostering community and intergenerational bonding. These sessions were opportunities for shared stories, wisdom transmission, and the strengthening of communal ties.
This vibrant legacy faced a catastrophic rupture with the advent of the transatlantic slave trade. The forced removal of millions from their homelands brought with it an intentional campaign to strip enslaved Africans of their identities. One of the very first acts of dehumanization perpetrated by slave traders involved shaving the heads of newly captured individuals.

This brutal act was designed to sever their ties to cultural memory, to eradicate the visual markers of their heritage, and to break their spirit. It was an attempt to erase the living archives inscribed in their hair.

> The systematic defilement of textured hair during enslavement represented a calculated assault on identity, transforming a symbol of heritage into a tool of subjugation.
The imposition of [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) during and after slavery further compounded this historical trauma. Textured hair, once celebrated, became pathologized, labeled as “unprofessional,” “unattractive,” or “unclean”. This contrasting of “good hair” (straight, European-like) with “bad hair” (tightly coiled, Afro-textured) was a mechanism of control, designed to instill inferiority and to force conformity to the dominant societal norms.

This forced adaptation often led to the use of harsh, damaging straightening methods, involving lye or heated implements, a testament to the extreme pressure to assimilate. The historical significance of textured hair in discrimination, at its foundational layer, is rooted in this deliberate devaluing of Black and mixed-race identity.

Despite these calculated assaults, the spirit of textured hair endured. Even under the harshest conditions of enslavement, individuals found ways to maintain their connection to their heritage through hair. Some braided rice seeds into their hair before forced migration, a desperate act of survival that also carried the legacy of their homeland.

Others used intricate cornrow patterns to create maps, guiding escape routes and communicating covertly. This ingenuity reveals that even when the direct expression of heritage was forbidden, the resilience of textured hair became a quiet, powerful form of resistance.

![This arresting image portrays a woman with distinct style, combining the cultural richness of textured locs with an avant-garde shaved design, representing her unique self-expression and heritage. It serves as a powerful statement within holistic hair culture, celebrating Black identity and innovative textured hair aesthetics](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-locs-and-precision-shaved-hair-design.jpg)

![This evocative monochrome portrait captures the essence of afro coiled beauty, reflecting a legacy of ancestral heritage. The rich textures and the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-natural-afro-coils-in-dramatic-monochrome-portrait.jpg)

## Ritual

The historical journey of textured hair through the crucible of discrimination has reshaped its rituals, transforming acts of care and styling into statements of profound personal and collective meaning. From the subtle acts of resistance to the overt celebrations of identity, the traditions surrounding textured hair have always been deeply intertwined with the experiences of Black and mixed-race communities. What began as [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) grounded in communal affirmation adapted, survived, and evolved under the weight of discriminatory pressures, forging a powerful legacy of self-determination. 

Consider the infamous **Tignon Laws** of 18th-century Louisiana. Enacted in 1786 by Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró, these sumptuary laws mandated that free [Black women](/area/black-women/) cover their hair with a tignon, a simple head scarf. The stated purpose was to distinguish free women of color from white women, who were perceived to be threatened by the elaborate and regal hairstyles of Black women that often attracted white men. The intent was clear: to visibly mark these women as closer to enslaved individuals and to diminish their social standing.

Yet, in a powerful act of defiance, these women transformed the symbol of oppression into a statement of artistry and wealth. They began using vibrant, costly fabrics, adorning their tignons with jewels and intricate knots. This transformation, from a badge of dishonor to a mark of beauty, creativity, and subtle rebellion, profoundly showcases how heritage informs acts of resistance.

> For centuries, the forced erasure of textured hair’s cultural significance fueled an enduring spirit of innovation and defiance, transforming traditional care into acts of silent, powerful protest.

![This compelling portrait showcases bold artistry, embracing the beauty of textured hair. The juxtaposition of coiled hair and the undercut, along with the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-defined-coiled-hair.jpg)

## How Did Historical Laws Suppress Textured Hair Expression?

The [Tignon Laws](/area/tignon-laws/) were not an isolated incident; they represented a wider pattern of control over Black bodies and identities. These laws aimed to dismantle the visual markers of African heritage and replace them with symbols of subjugation. The societal pressure to conform to [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards continued well beyond the era of explicit laws. 

In the 19th and 20th centuries, as African Americans sought social and economic advancement, the perceived necessity of straight hair became pervasive. Advertisements and societal norms encouraged Black women to alter their hair texture, promoting products like chemical relaxers and hot combs. This era saw the rise of entrepreneurs like **Madam C.J. Walker**, who, while creating an empire by catering to Black women’s hair needs, also popularized tools like the hot comb that facilitated hair straightening.

The pressure for “good hair” became a deeply internalized standard, often causing psychological distress and self-doubt within the community. The choice of hair styling was not merely a personal preference; it was a fraught decision weighed against opportunities for employment, education, and social acceptance.

![This monochrome portrait immortalizes a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-afro-hair-undercut-eye-makeup.jpg)

## What Does the Natural Hair Movement Symbolize?

The mid-20th century witnessed a powerful reclamation of textured hair, particularly with the emergence of the **Black Power Movement** in the 1960s and 1970s. The Afro became a defiant symbol of Black pride, self-acceptance, and a direct challenge to Eurocentric beauty standards. Activists like Angela Davis sported the Afro as a visible statement of rebellion. This period encouraged embracing natural kinks and coils, seeing them as inherently beautiful and connected to ancestral roots. 

The journey of styling textured hair, then, is a complex narrative of adaptation, ingenuity, and profound cultural memory. From the secret braiding of rice seeds by enslaved women to the bold statement of the Afro, each practice, tool, and transformation holds layers of historical significance. It speaks to a deep [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) that understood hair not merely as a physical attribute, but as a dynamic expression of self that could withstand, and even transcend, the persistent forces of discrimination. The resilience embedded in these rituals, often performed in private spaces or transformed into public acts of protest, showcases the enduring spirit of textured hair heritage. 

![This evocative image presents the artistry of Maasai beauty rituals, spotlighting beaded hair adornments on close-cropped textured hair as a powerful expression of cultural heritage, identity, and wellness. The monochromatic tones enhance the stark elegance of the portrait, creating a narrative of ancestral strength](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-maasai-woman-with-textured-hair-adornment.jpg)

![The Dogon man’s intense gaze and carefully braided hair, combined with the traditional mask, create a powerful visual narrative on heritage and identity. Textured hair patterns add visual depth and resonate with holistic hair care principles and styling practices in diverse mixed-race contexts](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dogon-mans-striking-portrait-with-traditional-mask-and-braided-hair.jpg)

## Relay

The echoes of [historical discrimination](/area/historical-discrimination/) against textured hair resound in contemporary society, shaping experiences from school hallways to corporate boardrooms. The relay of this legacy extends beyond historical anecdotes, permeating present-day realities through insidious biases that continue to disadvantage individuals with hair naturally structured with coils and curls. Understanding this ongoing dynamic requires a keen eye on the interplay between cultural understanding, the persistent influence of Eurocentric beauty ideals, and the evolving legal landscape. 

Despite significant strides in civil rights, discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) remains pervasive. It is a subtle, yet deeply impactful, form of racial discrimination. Research consistently demonstrates that Black women, in particular, face heightened scrutiny and negative perceptions regarding their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) in professional and academic settings. A compelling 2020 study by Duke University and Michigan State University, titled “The [Natural Hair Bias](/area/natural-hair-bias/) in Job Recruitment,” provides empirical evidence of this bias.

It found that Black women with natural hairstyles, such as curly Afros, braids, or twists, were often perceived as less professional and less competent than Black women with straightened hair, and were less likely to be recommended for job interviews. This research underscores how ingrained societal biases against natural Black hairstyles infiltrate the workplace, perpetuating racial discrimination.

> Contemporary discrimination against textured hair, though often subtle, continues to perpetuate historical biases, limiting opportunities and affecting self-perception within affected communities.

![Through expressive braiding and adornments, the portrait captures the essence of cultural identity and beauty standards. The monochromatic palette accentuates the intricate details of the braids, symbolic of resilience and the enduring legacy of Black hair traditions and holistic hair care practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-braided-hair-and-feathers.jpg)

## How Does Societal Bias Manifest against Textured Hair?

The concept of “good hair” versus “bad hair,” rooted in the era of slavery, continues to fuel these biases. Textured hair is still, in some circles, associated with being low-status, uneducated, or unprofessional. This perception forces many to adapt their natural appearance to conform to dominant standards.

A 2019 study by Dove revealed that 80% of Black women felt the need to change their natural hair to align with more conservative workplace norms, with 37% experiencing work-based discrimination because of their hair, and 25% even being sent home from work. This pressure to assimilate, often through thermal or [chemical straightening](/area/chemical-straightening/) processes, carries not only psychological burdens but also potential health risks from prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.

- **School Regulations** ❉ Students, some as young as four, have been disciplined, suspended, or excluded from class due to their natural hairstyles. These policies often claim to promote “neatness” or “professionalism” but disproportionately impact Black children.

- **Workplace Policies** ❉ Dress codes and grooming policies, seemingly neutral, can be used to penalize natural hair, leading to denied job opportunities, reprimands, or even termination.

- **Media Representation** ❉ The lack of positive and diverse imagery of natural textured hair in mainstream media contributes to internalized racial oppression, where individuals may view their own hair negatively due to societal messaging.

![Granular clay, captured in stark monochrome, speaks to earth](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artisanal-clay-mask-close-up-for-holistic-textured-hair-care-routine.jpg)

## What Are the Legal Avenues for Protecting Textured Hair Heritage?

In response to this persistent discrimination, legislative efforts have emerged to provide explicit protections for textured hair. The most prominent example is the **CROWN Act**, an acronym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”. Introduced in 2019, this legislation aims to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, including braids, locs, twists, and knots, in workplaces and public schools.

California was the first state to pass the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) in 2019. As of June 2023, 23 states had adopted similar legislation, with ongoing efforts to pass a federal CROWN Act.

The CROWN Act stands as a significant milestone, recognizing that [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) is not merely about appearance; it is a direct form of [racial discrimination](/area/racial-discrimination/) tied to ancestry and cultural identity. Legal scholars and advocates argue that natural hair, and the styles associated with it, are inextricably linked to race and therefore fall under the protections of [civil rights](/area/civil-rights/) legislation, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. While courts have historically had varied interpretations, the CROWN Act seeks to clarify and solidify these protections, ensuring that individuals are not forced to choose between their authentic selves and economic advancement. 

The relay of textured hair heritage, therefore, is a continuous unfolding. It is a story of enduring prejudice, certainly, but also of powerful activism, legislative progress, and a growing collective consciousness that affirms the intrinsic beauty and cultural significance of textured hair. The movement towards greater acceptance is a direct lineage from ancestral practices, carrying forward the wisdom of resilience and self-worth across generations. 

![This portrait presents a powerful expression of identity through hairstyling. With precision lines and expertly textured hair, it represents not just an aesthetic choice but celebrates cultural heritage and artistic individuality within textured hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-short-textured-hair-and-clean-lines.jpg)

![Bathed in golden light, her cascade of type 3C coiled hair suggests liberation and movement, a powerful representation of self-expression. This image celebrates natural Black hair heritage, demonstrating its resilience and inherent beauty as an integral part of the person](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-woman-with-flowing-coiled-hair-smiling-in-natural-sunlight.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the historical significance of textured hair in discrimination unveils a narrative far richer and more profound than a simple chronicle of prejudice. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of ancestral wisdom, a living, breathing archive of Black and mixed-race heritage that defies erasure. Each strand, each curl, each coil carries the memory of resilience, the echoes of resistance, and the vibrant pulse of identity that has, against all odds, persisted through centuries of systematic oppression. This exploration has reaffirmed that textured hair is never merely a physical attribute; it is a sacred part of self, deeply connected to communal spirit and the very soul of a strand. 

From the ancient [African societies](/area/african-societies/) where hair signified status, spirituality, and belonging, to the brutal dehumanization of the transatlantic slave trade, and through the calculated societal pressures of assimilation, textured hair has been a battleground. Yet, on this very ground, ingenuity blossomed. The Tignon Laws, intended to diminish, instead became a canvas for sartorial protest.

The widespread adoption of chemical straightening, while a tool of conformity, also bore witness to an unbreakable drive for survival and acceptance in a hostile world. And then, the powerful reclamation movements, from the bold declaration of the Afro to the contemporary push for legislation like the CROWN Act, have consistently reaffirmed that textured hair is a symbol of self-love, strength, and an unbreakable connection to lineage.

Our understanding of hair, illuminated by both historical accounts and modern scientific insight, allows for a deeper appreciation of this legacy. It shows how the innate biological characteristics of textured hair were weaponized for discrimination, yet simultaneously became a source of unparalleled creativity in care and styling. The wisdom embedded in ancestral rituals for hair health, passed down through generations, finds new validation in contemporary science, closing the circle between ancient knowledge and modern understanding. This continuous thread of heritage reminds us that the past is not a static relic, but a living force that informs our present and guides our future.

It inspires us to honor the journeys of those who came before, to celebrate the diversity of our strands today, and to ensure that the beauty of textured hair is unconditionally respected and revered for generations to come. The enduring spirit of textured hair whispers tales of enduring beauty and persistent strength, a legacy that continues to unfold with every curl, coil, and twist.

![This powerful image immortalizes a Maasai man, whose direct stare and meticulously crafted dreadlocks, secured with traditional string, embodies strength, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Maasai culture, highlighting the beautiful textures and inherent pride within Black hair traditions.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/stoic-maasai-man-portrait-with-dreadlocks-and-traditional-adornment-black-white.jpg)

![The stoic expression captures the weight of ancestral heritage, amplified by the traditional face paint patterns adorning her skin, creating a powerful visual narrative of cultural identity and resilience, with the feathers in her textured hair symbolizing connection to nature and spiritual realms.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-indigenous-woman-adorned-with-cultural-face-painting.jpg)

## References

- Mbilishaka, Afiya M. “Don’t Get It Twisted: Untangling the Psychology of Hair Discrimination Within Black Communities.” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2024.

- Byrd, Ayana D. and Lori L. Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Publishing, 2021.

- Dabiri, Emma. Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. Harper Perennial, 2019.

- Smedley, Audrey, and Brian D. Smedley. “Race as Biology Is Fiction, Racism as a Social Problem Is Real.” American Psychologist, vol. 60, no. 1, 2005, pp. 16-26.

- Rosette, Ashleigh Shelby, and Brittany K. Dumas. “The Natural Hair Bias in Job Recruitment.” Social Psychological and Personality Science, vol. 11, no. 7, 2020, pp. 1018-1025.

- Jackson, Courtney M. and Melody J. Smith. “The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being.” Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, vol. 34, no. 3, 2023, pp. 883-890.

- Legal Defense Fund. “Hair Discrimination FAQ.” NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 2023.

- Grant, J. “The Black Woman’s Forgotten Fight against the Laws that Banned her Hair.” Messy Nessy Chic, 21 July 2020.

- Creative Support. “The History of Black Hair.” Creative Support, 15 Sept. 2022.

- Salford Students’ Union. “The Remarkable History Behind Black Hairstyles.” Salford Students’ Union, 29 Oct. 2024.

## Glossary

### [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.

### [Racial Discrimination](https://roothea.co/area/racial-discrimination/)

Meaning ❉ Racial discrimination, when considered through the lens of textured hair, describes the unfair treatment or prejudicial disadvantage experienced by individuals due to their hair's natural form, particularly those with coils, kinks, or waves.

### [Historical Significance](https://roothea.co/area/historical-significance/)

Meaning ❉ Historical Significance, in the realm of textured hair, describes the enduring influence of past events, cultural practices, and evolving knowledge that significantly shapes our present understanding and care routines.

### [Historical Discrimination](https://roothea.co/area/historical-discrimination/)

Meaning ❉ Historical Discrimination, when considering textured hair, describes the enduring, systemic patterns of disadvantage and unequal treatment directed towards individuals, particularly those with Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Hair and Identity](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Identity signifies the tender link between one's hair and their very sense of self, particularly for individuals with Black or mixed-race textured hair.

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

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

### [Workplace Hair Bias](https://roothea.co/area/workplace-hair-bias/)

Meaning ❉ Workplace Hair Bias refers to the subtle or overt differential treatment experienced by individuals, particularly those with Black or mixed-race textured hair, within professional settings due to their hair's natural appearance or styling choices.

### [Black Power Movement](https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/)

Meaning ❉ The Black Power Movement represents a transformative period, gently guiding Black and mixed-race individuals toward a thorough re-evaluation of their hair heritage.

### [Madam C.J. Walker](https://roothea.co/area/madam-c-j-walker/)

Meaning ❉ Madam C.J.

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

Meaning ❉ A distinct expression of natural coil and curl, the Afro hairstyle represents a significant volume of hair shaped away from the scalp, often in a softly rounded form.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Rastafari Hair Discrimination](https://roothea.co/term/rastafari-hair-discrimination/)
![This portrait captures the essence of coiled hair as an integral expression of identity and heritage, showcasing the power and beauty inherent in its natural spirals. The stark contrast underscores the resilience and depth found within ancestral traditions and the embrace of authentic self-expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-voluminous-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Hair Discrimination Awareness](https://roothea.co/term/hair-discrimination-awareness/)
![This monochrome portrait encapsulates a mindful moment as the woman applies her holistic treatment, promoting the health and definition of her coils. The photograph celebrates her connection to ancestral self-care practices, highlighting the beauty and strength found in textured hair and its unique spiral patterns.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-applies-holistic-hair-mask-for-natural-coil-definition-black-and.jpg)

### [What Is the Historical Significance of Protective Styles in Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-significance-of-protective-styles-in-textured-hair/)
![The monochrome palette accentuates the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-natural-hair-in-headwrap.jpg)

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

### [What Historical Significance Did Hair Oils Hold for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-significance-did-hair-oils-hold-for-textured-hair/)
![This striking monochrome portrait emphasizes the beauty and unique formations of afro hair, presenting a modern celebration of heritage and personal style. The image’s composition and lighting contribute to a sense of timeless elegance, highlighting the natural allure and cultural significance of textured hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-a-beautiful-woman-with-afro-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Historical Discrimination](https://roothea.co/term/historical-discrimination/)
![This dramatic portrait celebrates Black hair traditions through its majestic braided crown, a testament to ancestral heritage and expressive styling. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the texture and artistry of the braids, honoring the woman’s strength and the enduring legacy of Black beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-braided-hairstyle.jpg)

### [Discrimination Biomarkers](https://roothea.co/term/discrimination-biomarkers/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/precision-styling-and-braiding-textured-hair-artistry-and-cultural-expression.jpg)

### [How Has Hair Discrimination Shaped Textured Hair Beauty Standards?](https://roothea.co/question/how-has-hair-discrimination-shaped-textured-hair-beauty-standards/)
![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)

### [What Historical Significance Do Specific Hair Oils Hold for Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-significance-do-specific-hair-oils-hold-for-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This portrait reflects beauty within 4c high-density coily hair textures, adorned in a skillfully executed braided updo, representing ancestral strength and cultural pride. The style highlights micro braiding artistry and the embracing of natural sebaceous balance, while celebrating African heritage within expressive styling and holistic hair care traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-braided-updo-reflecting-ancestral-heritage-and-coily-hair.jpg)

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            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Did Historical Laws Suppress Textured Hair Expression?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe Tignon Laws were not an isolated incident; they represented a wider pattern of control over Black bodies and identities. These laws aimed to dismantle the visual markers of African heritage and replace them with symbols of subjugation. The societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards continued well beyond the era of explicit laws.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Does the Natural Hair Movement Symbolize?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe mid-20th century witnessed a powerful reclamation of textured hair, particularly with the emergence of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. The Afro became a defiant symbol of Black pride, self-acceptance, and a direct challenge to Eurocentric beauty standards. Activists like Angela Davis sported the Afro as a visible statement of rebellion. This period encouraged embracing natural kinks and coils, seeing them as inherently beautiful and connected to ancestral roots.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Does Societal Bias Manifest Against Textured Hair?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nThe concept of \"good hair\" versus \"bad hair,\" rooted in the era of slavery, continues to fuel these biases. Textured hair is still, in some circles, associated with being low-status, uneducated, or unprofessional. This perception forces many to adapt their natural appearance to conform to dominant standards. A 2019 study by Dove revealed that 80% of Black women felt the need to change their natural hair to align with more conservative workplace norms, with 37% experiencing work-based discrimination because of their hair, and 25% even being sent home from work. This pressure to assimilate, often through thermal or chemical straightening processes, carries not only psychological burdens but also potential health risks from prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Are the Legal Avenues for Protecting Textured Hair Heritage?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nIn response to this persistent discrimination, legislative efforts have emerged to provide explicit protections for textured hair. The most prominent example is the CROWN Act, an acronym for \"Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair\". Introduced in 2019, this legislation aims to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, including braids, locs, twists, and knots, in workplaces and public schools. California was the first state to pass the CROWN Act in 2019. As of June 2023, 23 states had adopted similar legislation, with ongoing efforts to pass a federal CROWN Act.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-significance-of-textured-hair-in-discrimination/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-significance/",
            "name": "Historical Significance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-significance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Historical Significance, in the realm of textured hair, describes the enduring influence of past events, cultural practices, and evolving knowledge that significantly shapes our present understanding and care routines."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/ancestral-practices/",
            "name": "Ancestral Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Practices, within the context of textured hair understanding, describe the enduring wisdom and gentle techniques passed down through generations, forming a foundational knowledge for nurturing Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric Beauty describes an aesthetic framework that historically positions features and hair textures common in European populations as the prevailing ideal."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/historical-discrimination/",
            "name": "Historical Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/historical-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Historical Discrimination, when considering textured hair, describes the enduring, systemic patterns of disadvantage and unequal treatment directed towards individuals, particularly those with Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-bias/",
            "name": "Natural Hair Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hair Bias gently points to an often unacknowledged inclination towards hair textures that fall straight or exhibit looser curl patterns, subtly positioning Black and mixed-race natural hair at a perceived disadvantage within broader societal contexts."
        },
        {
            "@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/chemical-straightening/",
            "name": "Chemical Straightening",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/chemical-straightening/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Chemical straightening gently refers to the deliberate transformation of natural curl patterns, a practice often observed within the rich heritage of Black and mixed-race hair communities, through the application of specific chemical compounds."
        },
        {
            "@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/racial-discrimination/",
            "name": "Racial Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/racial-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Racial discrimination, when considered through the lens of textured hair, describes the unfair treatment or prejudicial disadvantage experienced by individuals due to their hair's natural form, particularly those with coils, kinks, or waves."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/african-societies/",
            "name": "African Societies",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/african-societies/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"African Societies,\" within the scope of understanding textured hair, systematizing its care, and applying knowledge, points to the gentle wisdom and communal practices that have long supported hair well-being across varied African cultures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/",
            "name": "Hair and Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Identity signifies the tender link between one's hair and their very sense of self, particularly for individuals with Black or mixed-race textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/workplace-hair-bias/",
            "name": "Workplace Hair Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/workplace-hair-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Workplace Hair Bias refers to the subtle or overt differential treatment experienced by individuals, particularly those with Black or mixed-race textured hair, within professional settings due to their hair's natural appearance or styling choices."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/",
            "name": "Black Power Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Black Power Movement represents a transformative period, gently guiding Black and mixed-race individuals toward a thorough re-evaluation of their hair heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/madam-c-j-walker/",
            "name": "Madam C.J. Walker",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/madam-c-j-walker/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Madam C.J."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/afro-hairstyle/",
            "name": "Afro Hairstyle",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/afro-hairstyle/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ A distinct expression of natural coil and curl, the Afro hairstyle represents a significant volume of hair shaped away from the scalp, often in a softly rounded form."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-historical-significance-of-textured-hair-in-discrimination/
