# What Styles Does the CROWN Act Protect? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-14
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![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)

![The textured hair styles and the cooperative act of grinding grain symbolizes community wellness. This scene emphasizes the interwoven nature of ancestral heritage, cultural identity, and holistic hair care practices, reflecting the traditional roots and beauty rituals deeply embedded within Black communities](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-depicting-grinding-grain-with-traditional-hair-wraps.jpg)

## Roots

To truly grasp the significance of the CROWN Act, one must first listen to the whispers of the past, to the earth-bound stories held within each coil, each strand, each loc. Our hair, for generations spanning continents and centuries, has served as a living archive, a scroll of lineage, a declaration of who we are, where we come from, and the journeys our ancestors traversed. It is more than mere adornment; it is a profound connection to the source, a physical manifestation of heritage that has weathered epochs of joy, resistance, and the relentless quest for belonging. The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) steps onto a stage set by centuries of cultural expression and, regrettably, suppression.

The very structure of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) itself, an elemental marvel of biology, carries echoes of ancient practices and scientific marvels that have long guided its care. From the tight, spiraling helix of a coil to the gentle undulation of a wave, each pattern possesses a distinct architecture that dictates its behavior, its needs, and its immense versatility. Understanding these foundational aspects helps us appreciate how the CROWN Act, legislation designed to protect against race-based hair discrimination, reaches into the deepest fibers of our being, defending an inherited characteristic that has too often been deemed “unprofessional” or “unsuitable.”

![Sunlight catches the halo of textured hair as a mother gently tends to her mixed-race child’s hair this nurturing act honors ancestral heritage and a commitment to the specialized care routines vital for strong, healthy, type 3C/4A curl formation, reflecting deep cultural and familial connection.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-natural-textured-hair-of-mixed-race-child-outdoors-sunlight.jpg)

## How Does Textured Hair Biology Reflect Ancestral Wisdom?

The biological make-up of textured hair is a testament to its resilience and adaptive strength. Its elliptical follicle shape, the uneven distribution of keratin, and its unique growth pattern all contribute to its characteristic curl, coily, or wavy formations. These characteristics mean that natural oils produced by the scalp, which provide vital moisture, travel down the hair shaft with greater difficulty. This inherent dryness is not a flaw; it is simply a reality that led ancestral communities to develop ingenious, deeply effective rituals for hydration and protection.

Consider the historical emphasis on oiling, buttering, and specialized braiding techniques found across West African cultures, practices born from an intimate understanding of the hair’s fundamental biological needs, long before microscopes revealed cellular structures. These practices, though ancient, align remarkably with modern trichological principles aimed at minimizing breakage and retaining moisture.

The CROWN Act acknowledges that the physical characteristics of textured hair are often tied to race, and any policies that penalize these characteristics, or the styles stemming from them, are a form of racial bias. It is a legal recognition that what grows from our heads, in its purest, most natural form, carries cultural weight and should not be subject to scrutiny or penalty in educational or professional settings. This legal shield stands against a historical tide that sought to erase or diminish the visible signs of Black and mixed-race identity.

![Botanical textures evoke the organic foundations of holistic hair care, mirroring Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives. This leaf arrangement, reminiscent of ancestral heritage, connects natural ingredients with expressive styling for texture, promoting wellness and celebrating the artistry of textured hair formations](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artistic-black-and-white-leaves-arrangement-represents-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

## Traditional Nomenclature and Its Living Relevance

The lexicon surrounding textured hair has evolved, shifting from terms often imbued with derogatory undertones to those that celebrate its variety. Historically, classifications might have been simpler, rooted in visual observation and community understanding. Today, while systems like those categorizing hair into types (1a to 4c) offer a scientific framework, the more resonant language for many finds its source in the lived experience and communal identity.

Terms such as “coils,” “kinks,” “waves,” and “locs” are not merely descriptive; they carry cultural narratives, linking individuals to a collective heritage of hair artistry and identity. The CROWN Act explicitly seeks to protect styles like **braids**, **locs**, **twists**, and **Afros**, acknowledging them as cultural expressions rather than mere fashion choices.

The journey from the soil of ancestral lands, where hair was an outward sign of tribal belonging, social status, or marital state, to the modern fight for acceptance in classrooms and boardrooms, is long. Ancient Egyptians sculpted intricate braids, signifying royalty and divinity. West African communities used specific patterns in cornrows to denote age, marital status, or even a pathway through a region.

These styles were never simply about appearance; they were about identity, communication, and spiritual connection. The very essence of these traditions informs the spirit of the CROWN Act, which strives to guard this living legacy against the corrosive effects of prejudice.

> The CROWN Act safeguards the inherited forms of textured hair and the ancestral styles that have long defined Black and mixed-race identities.

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

![The child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-african-child-adorned-with-intricate-coiled-hair-style-and-beadwork.jpg)

## Ritual

The ritual of styling textured hair is a profound act, a conversation between hands and coils, a deliberate shaping that carries both individual expression and collective memory. For communities of color, especially those of African descent, these rituals are not mere aesthetics; they are continuity, a vibrant dialogue with ancestral ways. The tools we choose, the techniques we employ, and the transformations we achieve are deeply connected to a heritage of resilience and creativity. The CROWN Act, in its legislative reach, acknowledges that these styling rituals are often interwoven with racial identity, making any form of discrimination against them a harmful act against one’s very being.

![This black and white portrait illustrates the ancestral practice of textured hair care, a mother nurturing her child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-childs-textured-hair-at-window-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## What Historical Styling Heritage Does the CROWN Act Uphold?

The styles protected by the CROWN Act are rooted in centuries of African and diasporic practices, each a story in itself. From the meticulously crafted **cornrows** that once mapped escape routes during enslavement (White & White, 1995) to the gravity-defying grace of the **Afro** that symbolized Black power and self-acceptance in the 20th century, these are styles steeped in significance. The Act safeguards the right to wear one’s hair in styles like **braids**, **locs**, **twists**, **Bantu knots**, and other culturally resonant protective styles. This legal recognition understands that forcing individuals to alter their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) texture or cultural styles to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards is a discriminatory burden, a denial of heritage.

Consider the historical example of the **Tignon Laws** of 1786 in Louisiana, which mandated that free women of color cover their hair with a tignon (headscarf). This legislation, implemented by Governor Esteban Miro, aimed to suppress the social and economic influence of these women whose elaborate hairstyles often rivaled those of white women, serving as a powerful visual signifier of their status and identity. This historical act of mandated concealment stands in stark opposition to the spirit of the CROWN Act, which champions visibility and expression. The Act seeks to undo the legacy of such laws, ensuring that the vibrancy of Black hair, and the styles it takes, is celebrated rather than hidden.

The persistence of such biases into contemporary times is evident. A 2023 study by Dove and LinkedIn revealed that Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional, and approximately two-thirds (66%) of [Black women](/area/black-women/) feel compelled to change their hair for job interviews, with 41% of those opting to straighten their hair. This enduring pressure to conform, echoing the historical suppression, underscores the pressing need for the protections the CROWN Act offers.

![This dramatic portrait honors ancestral heritage through avant-garde Fulani braiding artistry, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow on intricate textured hair forms, the design celebrates Black expressive styling while promoting holistic hair care, reflecting cultural pride in low porosity high-density coils and traditional hair practices.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/avant-garde-braided-crown-a-celebration-of-black-textured-hair-artistry.jpg)

## Tools and Techniques: A Heritage of Ingenuity

The tools used in textured hair styling often reflect a history of ingenuity, adapting available resources to meet specific needs. Before the advent of modern combs and brushes, fingers were the primary tools, shaping and segmenting. Later, natural materials such as bone, wood, or thorns were used to create rudimentary picks and combs, designed to navigate the unique density and curl patterns of Afro-textured hair. These tools were not just functional; they were often handcrafted, sometimes bearing symbolic carvings, serving as extensions of an artistry passed through generations.

Modern tools, while technologically advanced, carry the spirit of these ancestral innovations. Wide-tooth combs, specialized detangling brushes, and various sectioning clips are all designed to respect the integrity of textured hair, minimizing breakage. The CROWN Act, by protecting the styles themselves, implicitly supports the use of the appropriate tools and techniques required to maintain these styles, thereby affirming the cultural expertise involved in their care.

- **Braiding** ❉ A foundational technique across African cultures, creating intricate patterns for protection, identity, and artistic expression.

- **Twisting** ❉ A versatile method for defining natural curl patterns, often used in two-strand or three-strand variations.

- **Locs Cultivation** ❉ A spiritual and cultural practice with ancient roots, signifying wisdom, endurance, and deep connection to self.

> Styling textured hair is a vibrant ritual, a living art that both honors ancestors and expresses individual identity, now protected by law.
Beyond specific styles, the Act embraces the general category of “natural hair texture”. This implies that whether one chooses to wear an **Afro**, a Wash & Go, or simply unmanipulated curls, coils, or waves, these natural states of being are equally shielded from discrimination. This expanded definition of protection recognizes that the very default state of [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) has historically been scrutinized and judged. The legislative action aims to dismantle the long-held societal biases that label natural hair as inherently messy or unprofessional, biases that have, for too long, dictated appearance norms in schools and workplaces.

![Soft light reveals the beauty of coiled braids in this monochrome portrait. This is a visual narrative exploring nuanced aesthetics, braided coil formations, and the rich tapestry of mixed-race heritage, inviting reflection on ancestral connections and the personalized expression of identity through natural hair textures](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-mixed-race-woman-with-braided-coiled-hairstyle.jpg)

![Evoking ancestral hair traditions, this intimate scene captures one woman gently brushing another’s textured formations amidst lush greenery, symbolizing a tender exchange of wellness, heritage, and mutual care. This intimate exchange embodies holistic hair rituals deeply tied to Black and mixed ancestry hair experiences](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-two-women-textured-hair-care-black-and-mixed-heritage.jpg)

## Relay

The journey of textured hair is one of constant relay ❉ a passing of knowledge from elder to youth, a [scientific understanding](/area/scientific-understanding/) built upon ancient observation, and a legal struggle that carries the weight of history into the present day. The CROWN Act represents a critical relay point, ensuring that the holistic care and [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) surrounding textured hair are no longer marginalized but recognized as integral to identity and well-being. This legislation addresses problem-solving not just at the level of individual hair challenges but at the systemic societal level, seeking to resolve generations of imposed disadvantage.

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-braided-hairstyle.jpg)

## How Does Holistic Hair Care Connect to Ancestral Well-Being?

For centuries, the care of textured hair has been intertwined with broader wellness philosophies within Black and mixed-race communities. It was often a communal activity, a time for storytelling, bonding, and the transmission of traditional remedies. Ingredients sourced from nature ❉ **shea butter**, **baobab oil**, **henna** ❉ were prized not only for their tangible benefits to hair but also for their symbolic connection to the earth and ancestral lands.

These holistic practices viewed hair as an extension of the self, deserving of gentle attention and respect. The regimen was about more than just superficial appearance; it was about internal balance, communal ties, and spiritual grounding.

The CROWN Act reinforces this holistic perspective by removing external pressures to alter one’s hair. When individuals are free from the burden of conforming to arbitrary standards, they can prioritize the health and integrity of their hair, choosing styles and care routines that best serve their unique texture and cultural practices. This freedom allows for a deeper connection to ancestral wisdom, where [hair care](/area/hair-care/) is a ritual of self-preservation and celebration rather than a capitulation to external dictates.

![Captured in monochrome, the child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-a-child-with-beaded-braids-black-and-white-beauty.jpg)

## Nighttime Sanctuary and the Wisdom of Protection

Nighttime rituals hold a special place in the regimen of textured hair. The simple act of protecting hair during sleep, often with silk or satin scarves and bonnets, is a practice born from practical necessity and refined into a comforting tradition. This protective measure prevents friction, preserves moisture, and maintains style integrity, contributing significantly to overall [hair health](/area/hair-health/) and growth.

The use of bonnets, for instance, transcends mere practicality; it carries a quiet dignity, a domestic act of self-care passed down through generations. These items, once perhaps seen as merely utilitarian, have gained recognition as symbols of [cultural practice](/area/cultural-practice/) and self-preservation, now implicitly supported by legislation that protects the hair they shelter.

The CROWN Act’s protections against discrimination for [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) inherently extend to the life cycle of these styles, which includes their necessary maintenance and protection. Forcing individuals to remove protective styles, or punishing them for wearing them, directly undermines practices crucial for healthy textured hair. This legal framework thus plays a role in safeguarding the very methods that allow Black hair to thrive, honoring traditions that have long understood the delicate balance between exposure and protection.

- **Moisture Application** ❉ Consistent application of water, leave-in conditioners, and oils to prevent dryness and brittleness.

- **Sectioning Hair** ❉ Dividing hair into manageable sections for easier detangling and even product distribution, a technique with historical roots in detailed styling.

- **Gentle Detangling** ❉ Using fingers or wide-tooth combs to carefully remove knots, reducing breakage and preserving length.

- **Scalp Care** ❉ Massaging the scalp with oils to stimulate blood flow and maintain a healthy environment for hair growth.

> The CROWN Act stands as a testament to the enduring power of textured hair, recognizing its cultural roots and safeguarding its rightful place in all aspects of public life.

![A striking black and white composition celebrates heritage, showcasing elongated spiral pattern achieved via threading, a testament to ancestral hair traditions, emphasizing holistic hair care, self-expression, and intricate styling within narratives of Black hair traditions and mixed-race hair narratives.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-woman-with-low-porosity-spirals-in-madras-head-wrap.jpg)

## Problem Solving: Beyond Surface-Level Concerns

Addressing common textured hair concerns ❉ from chronic dryness to breakage ❉ often involves a blend of scientific understanding and inherited solutions. Modern trichology provides insights into the molecular structure of hair, offering new products and approaches. Yet, these often echo or validate ancestral methods.

For example, the scientific emphasis on humectants and emollients for [moisture retention](/area/moisture-retention/) aligns seamlessly with traditional practices of sealing hair with natural butters and oils. The real problem, however, historically has extended beyond the hair itself to societal biases.

The CROWN Act works to solve the systemic problem of discrimination, a problem that has forced individuals to choose between their identity and their opportunities. By protecting natural hair and protective styles, the Act alleviates the immense psychological burden and [economic disadvantage](/area/economic-disadvantage/) faced by those who have been forced to chemically straighten their hair or wear wigs to conform to discriminatory standards. This protective legislation allows individuals to make choices about their hair based on health and personal preference, rather than fear of reprisal. It affirms that the deep connection to one’s hair is not a barrier to success but a source of strength and authenticity.

![Camellia seed oil, a legacy for textured hair wellness, embodies ancestral care and moisture. Its monochrome elegance connects historical beauty rituals to today](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/camellia-seed-oil-black-and-white-still-life-textured-hair.jpg)

![The dramatic interplay of light and shadow in this monochrome portrait enhances the structural beauty of the braided crown hairstyle, paying homage to the timeless artistry within Black hair traditions and the enduring expression of identity and holistic hair care.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-black-woman-with-braided-crown-hairstyle-elegance.jpg)

## Relay

The journey of textured hair is one of constant relay ❉ a passing of knowledge from elder to youth, a scientific understanding built upon ancient observation, and a legal struggle that carries the weight of history into the present day. The CROWN Act represents a critical relay point, ensuring that the holistic care and ancestral wisdom surrounding textured hair are no longer marginalized but recognized as integral to identity and well-being. This legislation addresses problem-solving not just at the level of individual hair challenges but at the systemic societal level, seeking to resolve generations of imposed disadvantage.

![Black obsidian](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/porous-black-obsidian-stone-texture-for-afro-hair-product-inspiration.jpg)

## How Does Holistic Hair Care Connect to Ancestral Well-Being?

For centuries, the care of textured hair has been intertwined with broader wellness philosophies within Black and mixed-race communities. It was often a communal activity, a time for storytelling, bonding, and the transmission of traditional remedies. Ingredients sourced from nature ❉ **shea butter**, **baobab oil**, **henna** ❉ were prized not only for their tangible benefits to hair but also for their symbolic connection to the earth and ancestral lands.

These holistic practices viewed hair as an extension of the self, deserving of gentle attention and respect. The regimen was about more than just superficial appearance; it was about internal balance, communal ties, and spiritual grounding.

The CROWN Act reinforces this holistic perspective by removing external pressures to alter one’s hair. When individuals are free from the burden of conforming to arbitrary standards, they can prioritize the health and integrity of their hair, choosing styles and care routines that best serve their unique texture and cultural practices. This freedom allows for a deeper connection to ancestral wisdom, where hair care is a ritual of self-preservation and celebration rather than a capitulation to external dictates.

![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)

## Nighttime Sanctuary and the Wisdom of Protection

Nighttime rituals hold a special place in the regimen of textured hair. The simple act of protecting hair during sleep, often with silk or satin scarves and bonnets, is a practice born from practical necessity and refined into a comforting tradition. This protective measure prevents friction, preserves moisture, and maintains style integrity, contributing significantly to overall hair health and growth.

The use of bonnets, for instance, transcends mere practicality; it carries a quiet dignity, a domestic act of self-care passed down through generations. These items, once perhaps seen as merely utilitarian, have gained recognition as symbols of cultural practice and self-preservation, now implicitly supported by legislation that protects the hair they shelter.

The CROWN Act’s protections against discrimination for protective styles inherently extend to the life cycle of these styles, which includes their necessary maintenance and protection. Forcing individuals to remove protective styles, or punishing them for wearing them, directly undermines practices crucial for healthy textured hair. This legal framework thus plays a role in safeguarding the very methods that allow Black hair to thrive, honoring traditions that have long understood the delicate balance between exposure and protection.

- **Moisture Application** ❉ Consistent application of water, leave-in conditioners, and oils to prevent dryness and brittleness.

- **Sectioning Hair** ❉ Dividing hair into manageable sections for easier detangling and even product distribution, a technique with historical roots in detailed styling.

- **Gentle Detangling** ❉ Using fingers or wide-tooth combs to carefully remove knots, reducing breakage and preserving length.

- **Scalp Care** ❉ Massaging the scalp with oils to stimulate blood flow and maintain a healthy environment for hair growth.

> The CROWN Act stands as a testament to the enduring power of textured hair, recognizing its cultural roots and safeguarding its rightful place in all aspects of public life.

![This evocative portrait celebrates textured hair through a complex crown braid. It symbolizes cultural artistry, embracing heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-crown-braid-hairstyle-textured-hair-cultural-heritage.jpg)

## Problem Solving: Beyond Surface-Level Concerns

Addressing common textured hair concerns ❉ from chronic dryness to breakage ❉ often involves a blend of scientific understanding and inherited solutions. Modern trichology provides insights into the molecular structure of hair, offering new products and approaches. Yet, these often echo or validate ancestral methods.

For example, the scientific emphasis on humectants and emollients for moisture retention aligns seamlessly with traditional practices of sealing hair with natural butters and oils. The real problem, however, historically has extended beyond the hair itself to societal biases.

The CROWN Act works to solve the systemic problem of discrimination, a problem that has forced individuals to choose between their identity and their opportunities. By protecting natural hair and protective styles, the Act alleviates the immense psychological burden and economic disadvantage faced by those who have been forced to chemically straighten their hair or wear wigs to conform to discriminatory standards. This protective legislation allows individuals to make choices about their hair based on health and personal preference, rather than fear of reprisal. It affirms that the deep connection to one’s hair is not a barrier to success but a source of strength and authenticity.

![This portrait celebrates the beauty of tightly coiled Afro texture, emphasizing ancestral heritage and self expression. The juxtaposition of shaved sides with the rounded crown highlights the dynamic possibilities within black hair traditions, embracing individuality through styling and haircare practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-textured-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

![The monochrome palette accentuates the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-natural-hair-in-headwrap.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the intricate world of textured hair, guided by the CROWN Act, brings us to a moment of quiet reflection on its enduring significance. Our strands are not isolated fibers; they are living testaments to an unbroken lineage, holding within their very form the stories of survival, artistry, and cultural pride. The CROWN Act, born from persistent advocacy and a deep understanding of historical injustice, stands as a modern bulwark against the forces that sought to erase visible heritage. It is a powerful affirmation that the authentic expression of self, particularly through hair, is a fundamental right, not a privilege to be earned or negotiated.

This legislation reaches far beyond legal mandates; it cultivates an environment where the ‘Soul of a Strand’ can truly breathe, unbound by imposed standards of conformity. It allows individuals to wear their hair as it naturally grows or in the protective styles cherished across generations, without fear of losing educational opportunities or employment. The Act thus contributes to a world where ancestral wisdom in hair care is respected, where the sheer biological marvel of textured hair is celebrated, and where the narrative of identity can be written freely, without the shadow of prejudice. Our hair remains a vibrant, ever-evolving chronicle, its heritage a wellspring of strength for all who claim it.

![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.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-braided-crown-hairstyle-afro-textured-hair-heritage.jpg)

![Bathed in sunlight, these Black and mixed-race women actively engage in hair care, highlighting the beauty and diversity inherent in textured hair formations. Their engagement is an act of self-love rooted in ancestral heritage, echoing a commitment to holistic hair wellness and empowered self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-mixed-race-women-combing-out-natural-hair-freshly-washed.jpg)

## References

- Dove CROWN Research Study. (2019). The 2019 Dove CROWN Research Study for Women.

- Dove and LinkedIn. (2023). The 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study.

- MOST Policy Initiative. (2022). Racial Discrimination Based on Hair Texture/Style.

- The Legal Defense Fund. (n.d.). Hair Discrimination FAQ.

- The Official CROWN Act. (n.d.). Research Studies.

- White, S. & White, G. (1995). Slave Hair and African American Culture in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries. Journal of Southern History, 61, 45-51.

- Economic Policy Institute. (2023). The CROWN Act: A jewel for combating racial discrimination in the workplace and classroom.

- Don’t Touch My Hair!: A Guide to Investigating Race-Based Hair Discrimination. (2022). Ontario Human Rights Commission.

## Glossary

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

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

### [CROWN Act Significance](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-significance/)

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Significance marks a pivotal legislative affirmation, gently affirming the right to wear natural hair textures and protective styles without discrimination.

### [Hair Texture](https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture/)

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.

### [CROWN Act Impacts](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-impacts/)

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Impacts denote the tangible shifts arising from legislative protections for natural hair textures within professional and academic spheres.

### [CROWN Act Definition](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-definition/)

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Definition signifies a gentle, yet powerful, legal affirmation against discrimination rooted in hair texture and protective styles, particularly for individuals with Black and mixed-heritage hair.

### [Erembe Crown](https://roothea.co/area/erembe-crown/)

Meaning ❉ The Erembe Crown describes the naturally elevated, healthy apex of textured hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race hair, symbolizing the intrinsic strength and distinguished bearing of well-tended coils and curls.

### [C.R.O.W.N. Act](https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/)

Meaning ❉ The C.R.O.W.N.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage.

### [CROWN Act Military](https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/)

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Military addresses hair discrimination within the United States armed forces, ensuring service members can wear their natural hair textures and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, without facing adverse consequences.

### [Crown Chakra](https://roothea.co/area/crown-chakra/)

Meaning ❉ The Crown Chakra, within the Roothea framework for textured hair, represents the highest point of perceptive clarity concerning one's unique hair identity and its care.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [In What Ways Does Satin’s Surface Protect Textured Hair from Ancestral Damage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-satins-surface-protect-textured-hair-from-ancestral-damage/)
![Camellia seed oil, a legacy for textured hair wellness, embodies ancestral care and moisture. Its monochrome elegance connects historical beauty rituals to today](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/camellia-seed-oil-black-and-white-still-life-textured-hair.jpg)

### [In What Ways Does the CROWN Act Support Ancestral Hair Care Practices and Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-does-the-crown-act-support-ancestral-hair-care-practices-and-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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-crown-and-head-wrap-style.jpg)

### [C.R.O.W.N. Act](https://roothea.co/term/c-r-o-w-n-act/)
![This evocative portrait captures a moment of introspective beauty, showcasing natural afro texture as a symbol of ancestral pride and personal expression the interplay of light and shadow accentuates the inherent grace of self acceptance, promoting holistic hair care values.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-highlighting-natural-hair-texture-and-grace.jpg)

### [What Influence Do Ancient Egyptian Styles Hold on Textured Hair Heritage Today?](https://roothea.co/question/what-influence-do-ancient-egyptian-styles-hold-on-textured-hair-heritage-today/)
![Illuminated by soft light, the intergenerational braiding session unfolds a celebration of Black hair traditions. This intimate act strengthens familial bonds, promotes wellness, and celebrates cultural identity through expert practices passed down offering ancestral pride in the formation of textured hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-hair-care-rituals-braiding-traditions-and-familial-bonds.jpg)

### [How Did Textured Hair Care Become an Act of Resistance during Slavery?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-textured-hair-care-become-an-act-of-resistance-during-slavery/)
![Sunlight catches the halo of textured hair as a mother gently tends to her mixed-race child’s hair this nurturing act honors ancestral heritage and a commitment to the specialized care routines vital for strong, healthy, type 3C/4A curl formation, reflecting deep cultural and familial connection.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-natural-textured-hair-of-mixed-race-child-outdoors-sunlight.jpg)

### [Does Ancestral Clay Care Protect Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/does-ancestral-clay-care-protect-textured-hair/)
![This textured clay mask application, bathed in monochrome light, symbolizes a deeper connection to ancestral hair care practices, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness, heritage, and expressive styling within mixed-race hair narratives and the beauty of natural formation.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-clay-mask-swirl-highlighting-natural-hair-care-rituals-in-monochrome.jpg)

### [Does Traditional Oiling Protect Textured Hair from Sun?](https://roothea.co/question/does-traditional-oiling-protect-textured-hair-from-sun/)
![This evocative image celebrates the magnificence of afro textured hair, spotlighting its rich coily pattern and the confident presence of its wearer, encapsulating both ancestral heritage and modern hair aesthetic with elegance that resonates with holistic expressions of beauty.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/portrait-of-elegant-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-against-neutral-backdrop.jpg)

### [How Do Traditional Oils Maintain Hair's Heritage-Rich Styles?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-traditional-oils-maintain-hairs-heritage-rich-styles/)
![Submerged in tranquil waters, a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/serene-woman-embraces-reflections-in-still-water-textured-hair-journey.jpg)

### [What Is the Ancestral Meaning behind Protective Textured Hair Styles?](https://roothea.co/question/what-is-the-ancestral-meaning-behind-protective-textured-hair-styles/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-profile-of-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-textured-hair-elegance.jpg)

---

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                "text": "The biological make-up of textured hair is a testament to its resilience and adaptive strength. Its elliptical follicle shape, the uneven distribution of keratin, and its unique growth pattern all contribute to its characteristic curl, coily, or wavy formations. These characteristics mean that natural oils produced by the scalp, which provide vital moisture, travel down the hair shaft with greater difficulty. This inherent dryness is not a flaw; it is simply a reality that led ancestral communities to develop ingenious, deeply effective rituals for hydration and protection. Consider the historical emphasis on oiling, buttering, and specialized braiding techniques found across West African cultures, practices born from an intimate understanding of the hair’s fundamental biological needs, long before microscopes revealed cellular structures. These practices, though ancient, align remarkably with modern trichological principles aimed at minimizing breakage and retaining moisture."
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                "text": "The styles protected by the CROWN Act are rooted in centuries of African and diasporic practices, each a story in itself. From the meticulously crafted cornrows that once mapped escape routes during enslavement (White & White, 1995) to the gravity-defying grace of the Afro that symbolized Black power and self-acceptance in the 20th century, these are styles steeped in significance. The Act safeguards the right to wear one's hair in styles like braids, locs, twists, Bantu knots, and other culturally resonant protective styles. This legal recognition understands that forcing individuals to alter their natural hair texture or cultural styles to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards is a discriminatory burden, a denial of heritage."
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                "text": "For centuries, the care of textured hair has been intertwined with broader wellness philosophies within Black and mixed-race communities. It was often a communal activity, a time for storytelling, bonding, and the transmission of traditional remedies. Ingredients sourced from nature—shea butter, baobab oil, henna—were prized not only for their tangible benefits to hair but also for their symbolic connection to the earth and ancestral lands. These holistic practices viewed hair as an extension of the self, deserving of gentle attention and respect. The regimen was about more than just superficial appearance; it was about internal balance, communal ties, and spiritual grounding."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act/",
            "name": "CROWN Act",
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            "name": "Textured Hair",
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            "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."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "name": "Black Women",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-hair/",
            "name": "Black Hair",
            "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."
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            "name": "Scientific Understanding",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/scientific-understanding/",
            "description": "Meaning❉ Scientific Understanding, within the context of textured hair, represents the quiet discernment of your unique strands' inherent properties."
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            "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."
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            "@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."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-health/",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Health, for textured strands, denotes a state of optimal scalp vitality and fiber integrity, where each coil and kink displays balanced hydration and intrinsic resilience."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-practice/",
            "name": "Cultural Practice",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-practice/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Practice, within the realm of textured hair, refers to the established ways of attending to, styling, and understanding coils, kinks, and waves, often passed through generations."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
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            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Protective Styles denote a thoughtful strategy in textured hair care, meticulously crafted to shield the hair's more vulnerable lengths from routine manipulation and environmental exposure."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/moisture-retention/",
            "name": "Moisture Retention",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Moisture Retention defines the hair's delicate ability to hold onto water molecules within its structure, a paramount aspect for the inherent health and vitality of textured strands."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/economic-disadvantage/",
            "name": "Economic Disadvantage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/economic-disadvantage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Economic Disadvantage, when considering the delicate care of textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals, points to a constrained access to vital elements that support hair wellness and growth."
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        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-significance/",
            "name": "CROWN Act Significance",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-significance/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Significance marks a pivotal legislative affirmation, gently affirming the right to wear natural hair textures and protective styles without discrimination."
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            "@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."
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Impacts denote the tangible shifts arising from legislative protections for natural hair textures within professional and academic spheres."
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Definition signifies a gentle, yet powerful, legal affirmation against discrimination rooted in hair texture and protective styles, particularly for individuals with Black and mixed-heritage hair."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/erembe-crown/",
            "name": "Erembe Crown",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/erembe-crown/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Erembe Crown describes the naturally elevated, healthy apex of textured hair, particularly for those with Black and mixed-race hair, symbolizing the intrinsic strength and distinguished bearing of well-tended coils and curls."
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            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/",
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            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/c-r-o-w-n-act/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The C.R.O.W.N."
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            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/crown-act-military/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act Military addresses hair discrimination within the United States armed forces, ensuring service members can wear their natural hair textures and protective styles, such as locs, braids, and twists, without facing adverse consequences."
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```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/what-styles-does-the-crown-act-protect/
