# What Specific Laws Suppressed Textured Hair Expression Historically? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-15
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The photograph elegantly frames a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-asymmetrical-bob-hairstyle-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![The braided hairstyle, a celebration of textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-woman-portrait-artistic-braided-hairstyle-textured-hair-expressions.jpg)

## Roots

Our hair, coiled and textured, holds ancient stories within each spring and curve. It is a living archive, echoing wisdom passed down through generations, connecting us to ancestral lands and practices. This connection to heritage is not a mere sentiment; it is encoded in the very structure of our strands, in the resilience of communities who carried their culture across oceans and through profound upheaval.

But woven into this radiant history are somber threads: the shadows of laws and decrees that sought to diminish this vibrant expression, to sever the ties between person and past. Understanding these historical dictates means tracing not only legal frameworks but also the deep, pervasive impact on identity, on the very sense of self that blooms from a proud heritage.

![A confident gaze emerges from this monochromatic portrait, where tightly coiled texture and shaved sides meet in artful contrast. The striking hairstyle embodies cultural expression, celebrating identity within diverse communities while inviting reflections on beauty standards](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-undercut-hairstyle-revealing-confident-mixed-race.jpg)

## Ancient Connections to Hair’s Identity

Across pre-colonial Africa, hair was a profound visual language. It communicated social status, age, marital standing, tribal affiliation, spiritual beliefs, and even wealth. Styles, whether intricate braids, twists, or locs, held specific meanings, varied widely among different ethnic groups, and served as powerful identifiers. The Yoruba people of Nigeria, for example, crafted elaborate hairstyles that spoke of community roles, while the Himba people in Namibia adorned their dreadlocked styles with red ochre paste, a symbol of their connection to the earth and their ancestors.

Hair was viewed as a sacred part of the body, a conduit for spiritual energy, linking the individual to ancestors and the divine. The act of hair grooming was often communal, a ritual of connection and storytelling, embodying a collective identity.

> Hair was a visual language in ancient African societies, communicating identity, status, and spiritual connection.

![The portrait evokes a sense of strength, amplified by the contrast and focused expression. This image stands as a testament to beauty standards celebrating textured hair, a visual exploration of ancestral heritage, and an invitation to embrace unique natural formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-contemplative-expression.jpg)

## The Initial Erasure: Transatlantic Brutality

The [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) marked a brutal assault on this heritage. Upon arrival in the New World, enslaved Africans faced a deliberate, violent denial of their humanity. Their heads were often shaved or shorn low, a calculated act intended to strip them of identity, culture, and social standing. This forced removal of hair was not merely a practical measure against lice on crowded ships; it was a psychological weapon, communicating that the individuals, with their rich histories and affiliations, no longer existed in their former selves.

Their cultures were meant to be stripped away, just as their hair had been. Even when hair grew back, the conditions of enslavement made traditional, time-consuming care rituals nearly impossible. Enslaved people were often denied basic tools for hair maintenance, resorting to makeshift combs crafted from whatever materials they could find and using animal fats or rudimentary oils for lubrication.

Despite these oppressive measures, resilience bloomed. Sundays, often the only day of rest, became a time for communal hair care, a tradition that allowed enslaved communities to retain elements of their heritage and express individuality. Braids, particularly cornrows, transformed into tools of resistance and survival. They were used to hide rice seeds, ensuring sustenance and the continuation of ancestral agricultural practices in a new land.

There is even speculation that intricate braided patterns served as maps to freedom, guiding escape routes from plantations. These practices, born of necessity and defiance, underscore how hair became a silent, yet potent, declaration of enduring identity and heritage in the face of profound adversity.

![The nuanced portrait, highlighting sophisticated Afro-textured style, invites contemplation on identity, heritage, and self-expression. The black and white treatment enriches the textures and emphasizes her features, promoting discussion on beauty standards and textured hair appreciation, showcasing natural hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-textured-hair-design.jpg)

![This portrait evokes a sense of timeless beauty, with the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-silver-braids-and-elegant-dress.jpg)

## Ritual

The attempts to control [textured hair expression](/area/textured-hair-expression/) did not cease with the abolition of formal slavery. Instead, these efforts adapted, shifting from overt, legally mandated physical assaults to more subtle yet equally damaging legislative and social pressures. This evolution of suppression deeply impacted the daily rituals of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) and styling, compelling a collective adaptation that sought to balance survival with the persistent desire for cultural affirmation. The historical lens reveals a continuous tension, where the innate beauty of kinky and coiled strands was measured against imposed standards of neatness and professionalism, rooted in Eurocentric ideals. 

![This portrait embodies cultural expression and strength. Styled locs frame the subject’s thoughtful expression, emphasizing her striking facial features and cultural richness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-locs-showcasing-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

## How Did Laws Target Hair Appearance?

Perhaps one of the most direct and infamous legal instruments targeting [Black hair expression](/area/black-hair-expression/) was the **Tignon Law** in 18th-century Louisiana. Enacted in 1786 by then-Spanish Governor Esteban Miro, this decree mandated that free [Black women](/area/black-women/) in New Orleans, known for their elaborate and ornate hairstyles adorned with beads, feathers, and silks, cover their hair with a tignon, a simple knotted headscarf. The underlying motive was clear: to establish visible social markers and reinforce racial hierarchy by diminishing the perceived allure and social status of these women, who, through their striking appearance, were seen to blur the rigid lines of societal division and even attract white suitors. 

This law, ostensibly about modesty, was a direct assault on the cultural and personal expression of free women of color. Yet, in a remarkable act of defiance, many women transformed the tignon itself into a new form of artistry. They used colorful fabrics, creating elaborate, striking headwraps that became symbols of their continued pride and creativity. This act of transforming a tool of oppression into a medium of continued expression demonstrates the enduring human spirit and the deep cultural meaning attached to hair, even when outward forms were constrained. 

Beyond such explicit laws, broader societal expectations, often reinforced by unspoken but powerful codes, pressured Black individuals to conform. The idea of “good hair,” a concept that emerged during and after slavery, linked desirable hair to straighter, more European characteristics. This notion created an economic and social imperative for many, as [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) was often labeled “unprofessional” or “untidy” in workplaces and public spaces.

The market responded with products designed to alter hair texture, primarily chemical relaxers and hot combs, promising acceptance and upward mobility. This pressure led to generations seeking to chemically straighten their hair, a ritual often involving painful processes and potential damage, all to navigate a society that devalued their natural state.

![This portrait evokes Old Hollywood splendor through the lens of contemporary beauty standards. The strategic shaping of her hair emphasizes ancestral heritage and offers a sophisticated take on natural expressive styling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-exquisite-finger-wave-hairstyle.jpg)

## Was Hair Ever a “Criminal” Act?

While not always codified as specific criminal acts, policies and social norms effectively criminalized certain hair expressions. The very perception of Afro-textured hair as “deviant” or “unprofessional” meant that wearing it naturally could lead to real-world consequences, ranging from job loss and rescinded employment offers to expulsion from schools. These practices, while often framed as neutral grooming policies, disproportionately affected Black individuals, perpetuating a systemic bias that privileged Eurocentric appearances. 

Consider the impact on young Black girls and boys in schools. Stories abound of students being suspended, sent home, or even barred from graduation for wearing hairstyles like braids, locs, or Afros. These incidents underscore how hair, an intrinsic part of Black identity and heritage, became a battleground for conformity.

The underlying message was often that one’s [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) was a barrier to success or acceptance, forcing many to alter their appearance to avoid punishment or social exclusion. This societal pressure had psychological costs, as individuals were taught to view their own hair, and by extension, parts of themselves, as problematic.

> Societal and legal pressures, often masked as professional standards, treated natural Black hair as a barrier to acceptance and opportunity.

![This monochromatic portrait exudes timeless elegance, showcasing the beauty of structured hair juxtaposed with soft, coiled patterns. Her poised expression and the satin shirt](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-elegant-woman-with-coiled-hairstyle-and-satin-shirt.jpg)

![This elegant study in monochrome celebrates the inherent beauty of textured hair in full afro form, framed by a minimal aesthetic and conveying the power of cultural identity. Radiant complexion enhances heritage, highlighting beauty standards, and affirming self-expression in the wearer](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-profile-of-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-textured-hair-elegance.jpg)

## Relay

The legacy of legal and societal suppression against textured hair extends far beyond historical documents. It ripples through generations, influencing perceptions, choices, and even health practices within Black and mixed-race communities today. The story of [textured hair heritage](/area/textured-hair-heritage/) is a complex interplay of elemental biology, ancestral practices, and the enduring human spirit of [self-expression](/area/self-expression/) against systemic pressures. This deeper exploration calls us to examine not just the laws themselves, but the socio-legal constructs that perpetuated harm and the unwavering resistance that countered them. 

![Bathed in radiant sunlight, these Black and Brown women engage in the practice of styling their diverse textured hair patterns, highlighting ancestral heritage, affirming beauty standards, and demonstrating holistic haircare routines that honor coils, waves, springs, and undulations in a shared setting, reflecting community and self-love.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-brown-women-in-sunlight-styling-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

## How Does Hair Biology Connect to Discrimination History?

The very biology of textured hair, with its unique curl patterns and structural properties, became a target for discrimination. Scientific racism, particularly during colonial and post-slavery eras, fabricated data to position African hair as “woolly” or “peppercorn,” descriptors that mirrored animal fur and sought to dehumanize. This pseudo-scientific narrative served to justify the oppression of Black people. The distinction between hair types was weaponized, creating hierarchies where “good hair” was equated with straighter, more manageable textures, leading to the devaluation of natural coils and kinks. 

This historical imposition of [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) created tangible consequences. For instance, the systematic promotion of chemical relaxers and pressing combs, which began gaining widespread popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, promised a means of conformity. While these products offered a path to societal acceptance, they also introduced health risks, including chemical burns, scalp irritation, and hair loss, a physical cost borne by individuals seeking to navigate a discriminatory landscape. The long-term effects of these practices on scalp health and hair integrity continue to be subjects of contemporary wellness discourse, underscoring the enduring biological impact of historically enforced beauty norms. 

![The delicate placement of a patterned headwrap upon the girl, shows intergenerational care, and respect for Black hair traditions and beauty standards. This visual conveys ancestral strength, and the beauty of cultural heritage, and the importance of shared wellness practices passed down through generations, defining identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-receiving-traditional-headwrap-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## What Modern Laws Confront Hair Discrimination?

In recent decades, a powerful movement has gained momentum, seeking to legally protect textured hair expression. The **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) stands as a landmark legislative effort. Initiated in 2019 by California State Senator Holly Mitchell, it prohibits discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective hairstyles, including Afros, braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots, in workplaces and K-12 public and charter schools. 

This Act directly addresses the loophole in earlier civil rights legislation, which, while protecting against race-based discrimination, often failed to include phenotypical markers like hair texture. As of 2024, the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) has been enacted in 24 states across the United States, signaling a growing recognition of [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) as a form of racial injustice. 

A powerful instance illuminating the contemporary relevance of such laws can be found in the case of **Chasity Jones**. In 2013, Ms. Jones, a Black woman, had a job offer rescinded by Catastrophe Management Solutions after she refused to cut her locs. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit on her behalf, arguing that the company’s grooming policy, though seemingly neutral, effectively manifested a preference for hairstyles that suited white hair textures, thereby prohibiting many natural and protective Black hairstyles.

While the initial Eleventh Circuit panel ruling in 2016 did not find a violation of Title VII, stating that dreadlocks were not an immutable racial characteristic, this case brought critical attention to the ongoing struggle. It highlighted the need for explicit legislation like the CROWN Act to ensure comprehensive protection against discrimination based on textured hair.

> The CROWN Act stands as a legislative response to historical hair discrimination, recognizing textured hair as a protected racial characteristic.
The persistence of hair discrimination into the 21st century demonstrates the deep-seated nature of these biases. Studies continue to reveal the pressure Black women face; for example, one study found that **at least one in five Black women reported feeling social pressure to straighten their hair for work**, a rate significantly higher than for white women. This statistic underscores the enduring impact of historical norms and the vital need for legal protections to dismantle these discriminatory barriers. 

![This monochrome portrait highlights the beauty of textured hair, its helical formation rendered in striking detail. The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-textured-afro-hairstyle-and-shawl.jpg)

## Connecting Hair Tradition and Modern Understanding

The pursuit of understanding textured hair, from its elemental biology to its care practices, finds resonance in ancestral wisdom. Modern hair science, while advancing understanding of the keratin structure and curl patterns, also validates the efficacy of traditional ingredients and methods. For example, the use of natural oils such as **shea butter** and **coconut oil**, long mainstays in African hair care, are now scientifically recognized for their moisturizing and protective properties. 

Ancestral practices often integrated hair care with overall wellness, viewing the hair as connected to the spirit and mind. This holistic perspective, where hair rituals were acts of self-care and community bonding, offers valuable insights for contemporary regimens. The deliberate, mindful approach to hair care, seen in ancient Chadian traditions using Chebe powder or the Himba people’s ochre paste, speaks to a deep respect for the physical self and its spiritual connections. The knowledge passed down through generations provides a powerful counter-narrative to the history of suppression, affirming the inherent beauty and resilience of textured hair. 

![The monochromatic portrait captures the artistry of hair sculpting, celebrating the beauty of texture and symmetrical lines in a contemporary twist. The woman’s poised expression and luminous complexion draw the viewer in, symbolizing confidence and the enduring beauty of self-expression through artful coiffure](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-sculpted-bob-hairstyle.jpg)

![This artful study in monochrome captures the essence of modern Black elegance, showcasing the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-african-american-woman-with-natural-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey of textured hair through history is a testament to an enduring spirit, a vibrant heritage that refused to be silenced by decree or disparagement. From the deliberate acts of shaving and forced concealment during enslavement to the insidious policies of “professionalism” in later eras, laws sought to control what could not be contained: the expressive power of our hair. Yet, each attempt at suppression met with a resurgence, an adaptation, or an outright rebellion. Headwraps transformed into statements of artistry, communal Sunday rituals kept [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) alive, and the very act of wearing one’s natural coils became a declaration of identity and a political act. 

The echoes of these historical struggles resonate today, reminding us of the profound link between hair and the soul of a people. Our strands carry the wisdom of those who came before, the ingenuity of those who braided maps to freedom, and the fierce pride of those who wore their heritage as a crown despite attempts to dim its luster. As new legal frameworks like the CROWN Act emerge to guard against ongoing discrimination, we stand on the shoulders of this vast heritage. This continuing motion, from the source of our ancestral biology to the unbound helix of our future expression, invites a profound appreciation for textured hair not merely as a biological attribute, but as a living, breathing archive of resilience, creativity, and persistent beauty. 

![This evocative portrait features a woman whose braided hair, adorned with ribbons, and traditional embroidered dress speaks to a deep ancestral heritage. The image is an exploration of textured hair traditions and cultural expression reflecting identity and empowering beauty standards for Black women](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-hairstyle-and-embroidered-dress.jpg)

![The monochrome portrait captures the beauty and radiance of a confident woman with a short, coiled Afro, her textured hair a statement of natural beauty and heritage. Her joyous expression, coupled with the cut-out top and tasteful jewelry, celebrates self-expression through personal style, rooted in cultural heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-woman-laughing-against-solid-backdrop-with-coiled-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

## References

- Barreau, Annaëlle. “Afro-Hair and the Law: The State of American and Canadian Law on Race-Based Hair Discrimination.” McGill Journal of Law and Health, September 8, 2022.

- Byrd, Ayana D. and Lori L. Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Press, 2001.

- Dore, Jennifer. “How Natural Black Hair at Work Became a Civil Rights Issue.” JSTOR Daily, July 3, 2019.

- Greene, D. Wendy. “Splitting Hairs: The Eleventh Circuit’s Take on Workplace Bans Against Black Women’s Natural Hair in EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions.” Miami Law Review, 2017.

- Johnson, Theresa M. and Lisa C. Bankhead. Hair Matters: The Social and Cultural Significance of Hair. Praeger, 2014.

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

- Patterson, Tiffany Ruby, and Robin D. G. Kelley. Revolutions in World History. Oxford University Press, 2007.

- Patton, Tracey Owens. “Hey Girl, Am I More Than My Hair?: African American Women and Their Hair.” Women and Language, 2006.

- Sherrow, Victoria. Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History. Greenwood Press, 2006.

- Washington, Mary Helen. The Work of Self-Representation: Progress and Change in African American Literature. University of North Carolina Press, 2004.

## Glossary

### [Ancestral Practices](https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/)

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.

### [Hair Follicle Gene Expression](https://roothea.co/area/hair-follicle-gene-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Follicle Gene Expression refers to the precise biological directives within each hair follicle, influencing the inherent characteristics of textured strands.

### [Political Expression](https://roothea.co/area/political-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Political Expression, within the quiet wisdom of textured hair understanding, refers to the conscious selection and presentation of one's hair as a statement of identity, heritage, or personal conviction.

### [Sartorial Expression](https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Sartorial Expression, concerning textured hair, refers to the intentional selection and arrangement of styling choices and care practices that communicate personal identity and heritage.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Expression delineates the deepening personal comprehension of one's unique curl or coil patterns, porosity, and strand density, moving past general classifications to genuinely perceive the individual physiological qualities of Black and mixed hair.

### [Grief Expression](https://roothea.co/area/grief-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Grief Expression, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, refers to the subtle shifts in hair health and an individual's interaction with their strands during periods of emotional release or processing.

### [Black Self-Expression](https://roothea.co/area/black-self-expression/)

Meaning ❉ Black Self-Expression, within the sphere of textured hair, denotes the deliberate articulation of individual identity through hair choices.

### [Self-Expression Artistry](https://roothea.co/area/self-expression-artistry/)

Meaning ❉ Self-Expression Artistry, within the world of textured hair, signals a deliberate approach to personal declaration through one's crown.

### [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.

### [Cultural Resistance](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-resistance/)

Meaning ❉ Cultural Resistance within the sphere of textured hair signifies a gentle yet resolute affirmation of heritage and identity, moving thoughtfully beyond historically imposed beauty ideals.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [What Historical Laws Affected the Styling of Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-affected-the-styling-of-textured-hair/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-maasai-woman-with-textured-hair-adornment.jpg)

### [What Modern Laws Protect Textured Hair Heritage against Discrimination?](https://roothea.co/question/what-modern-laws-protect-textured-hair-heritage-against-discrimination/)
![The photograph elegantly frames a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-asymmetrical-bob-hairstyle-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

### [What Historical Impact Did Tignon Laws Have on Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-impact-did-tignon-laws-have-on-textured-hair/)
![The portrait evokes a profound sense of cultural identity. The Maasai woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/maasai-woman-adorned-in-traditional-beaded-jewelry-and-textured-hair-detail.jpg)

### [What Specific Plant Oils Historically Benefited Textured Hair Health?](https://roothea.co/question/what-specific-plant-oils-historically-benefited-textured-hair-health/)
![The monochromatic composition accentuates the rich texture and sculptural quality of her hair, an expressive statement of heritage and refined beauty. Light dances across the contours of her sculpted finger waves, symbolizing an individual](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-woman-featuring-elegant-finger-waves-and-sculpted.jpg)

### [What Enduring Impact Do Historical Hair Discrimination Laws Have on Black Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/what-enduring-impact-do-historical-hair-discrimination-laws-have-on-black-identity/)
![This evocative monochrome study honors ancestral braiding artistry, showcasing a woman adorned with a braided crown that beautifully celebrates her afro textured hair and cultural heritage, while demonstrating masterful hair manipulation techniques that have been passed down through generations, for expressive styling.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-crown-hairstyle-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Regulated Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-regulated-textured-hair-practices/)
![This black and white portrait embodies ancestral heritage with its intricate braided updo, a timeless styling of textured hair which speaks volumes of cultural identity and the enduring artistry within Black hair traditions each braid reflecting meticulous detail in the pursuit of beauty and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-braided-hairstyle-updo-regal-profile-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Regulated Black Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-regulated-black-hair-heritage/)
![The black and white portrait evokes timeless elegance as the model](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-young-woman-with-natural-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Digital Hair Expression](https://roothea.co/term/digital-hair-expression/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-indigenous-woman-adorned-with-cultural-face-painting.jpg)

### [How Do Hair Laws Protect Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-hair-laws-protect-identity/)
![The portrait celebrates the inherent beauty of natural Afro textured hair, reflecting ancestral heritage and the power of expressive styling. Light and shadow play across the subject’s face, inviting viewers to appreciate the unique identity and heritage captured, showcasing an authentic hair tradition.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-natural-afro-hair-texture-direct-gaze-style.jpg)

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            "name": "What Modern Laws Confront Hair Discrimination?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nIn recent decades, a powerful movement has gained momentum, seeking to legally protect textured hair expression. The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) stands as a landmark legislative effort. Initiated in 2019 by California State Senator Holly Mitchell, it prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles, including Afros, braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots, in workplaces and K-12 public and charter schools.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
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    "mentions": [
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "name": "Transatlantic Slave Trade",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "description": "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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-expression/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Expression delineates the deepening personal comprehension of one's unique curl or coil patterns, porosity, and strand density, moving past general classifications to genuinely perceive the individual physiological qualities of Black and mixed hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/",
            "name": "Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/",
            "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-hair-expression/",
            "name": "Black Hair Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Expression defines the intentional styling and presentation of textured hair, serving as a distinct articulation of individual identity, cultural heritage, and personal aesthetic within Black and mixed-race communities."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Heritage\" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/self-expression/",
            "name": "Self-Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/self-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Self-Expression, within the realm of textured hair, signifies the tender revelation of one's distinct identity through thoughtful hair practices."
        },
        {
            "@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/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/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/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/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/hair-follicle-gene-expression/",
            "name": "Hair Follicle Gene Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-follicle-gene-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Follicle Gene Expression refers to the precise biological directives within each hair follicle, influencing the inherent characteristics of textured strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/political-expression/",
            "name": "Political Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/political-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Political Expression, within the quiet wisdom of textured hair understanding, refers to the conscious selection and presentation of one's hair as a statement of identity, heritage, or personal conviction."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-expression/",
            "name": "Sartorial Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/sartorial-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Sartorial Expression, concerning textured hair, refers to the intentional selection and arrangement of styling choices and care practices that communicate personal identity and heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/grief-expression/",
            "name": "Grief Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/grief-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Grief Expression, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, refers to the subtle shifts in hair health and an individual's interaction with their strands during periods of emotional release or processing."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-self-expression/",
            "name": "Black Self-Expression",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-self-expression/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Self-Expression, within the sphere of textured hair, denotes the deliberate articulation of individual identity through hair choices."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/self-expression-artistry/",
            "name": "Self-Expression Artistry",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/self-expression-artistry/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Self-Expression Artistry, within the world of textured hair, signals a deliberate approach to personal declaration through one's crown."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-resistance/",
            "name": "Cultural Resistance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-resistance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Resistance within the sphere of textured hair signifies a gentle yet resolute affirmation of heritage and identity, moving thoughtfully beyond historically imposed beauty ideals."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-specific-laws-suppressed-textured-hair-expression-historically/
