# When Did Negative Attitudes toward Textured Hair Begin? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-02
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![The artful chiaroscuro accentuates the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sophisticated-black-woman-short-natural-hair-portrait-studio-black-and-white.jpg)

![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)

## Roots

To consider when negative attitudes toward [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) first took hold, one must reach back beyond recorded history, beyond the colonial ships, beyond even the earliest whispers of societal hierarchy. The story begins, not with disdain, but with reverence. In ancestral African societies, hair was a vibrant lexicon, a living chronicle spun from the very essence of existence.

It was a crown, undeniably, but a crown whose strands spoke volumes about a person’s life, their lineage, and their place within the collective. This intricate language, expressed through braids, twists, and coils, bore witness to deep cultural bonds and spiritual connections.

Across diverse African communities, hair served as a profound marker of identity, a visual testament to one’s story. Hairstyles could convey marital status, age, community role, spiritual beliefs, and even wealth. For instance, the Yoruba people, holding the head as the most sacred part of the body ❉ a direct link to the divine ❉ used elaborate braided styles to communicate messages to their gods. These were not mere aesthetic choices; they represented significant social, spiritual, and communal functions, woven into the very fabric of daily life and ceremonial rite. 

The innate structure of textured hair, with its unique helical patterns and varying degrees of curl, was intrinsically linked to its versatility. Its capacity to hold elaborate styles made it an ideal medium for complex artistic and communicative expressions. The artistry involved in crafting these styles required skill and patience, often becoming a communal activity that reinforced social ties.

Grandmothers, mothers, and daughters would gather, their fingers moving with practiced grace, sharing stories and wisdom as the hours passed, each braid a continuation of a shared legacy. This period understood hair not as something to be subdued, but as a dynamic canvas for belonging.

> In pre-colonial Africa, textured hair served as a living language, expressing identity, status, and spiritual connection within communities.
When did this inherent respect begin to fracture? The earliest documented instances of a systematic devaluation of African textured hair coincided directly with the [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) and the brutal machinery of colonialism. As millions were forcibly transported from their homelands, one of the first acts of dehumanization was often the shaving of heads. This act severed a profound connection to identity and heritage, stripping individuals of a visual link to their ancestral communities and spiritual strength.

It represented a calculated attempt to erase an entire civilization’s deeply held understanding of self. The cultural significance of hair, so valued in Africa, was strategically targeted as a means of control and subjugation.

![Radiant smiles reflect connection as textured hair is meticulously braided affirming cultural heritage, community and the art of expressive styling. This moment underscores the deep rooted tradition of Black hair care as self care, celebrating identity and skilled artistry in textured hair formation for wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-braiding-textured-hair-black-hair-traditions-expressive-styling-portrait.jpg)

## Cultural Significance of Hair in Ancient Africa

Before the shadows of distant ships lengthened across the shores of Africa, hair was an honored aspect of being. It was a tangible extension of the self, deeply integrated into communal life and spiritual belief systems. The shaping of hair was often a sacred practice, reflective of life’s passages and an individual’s place in the cosmic order. 

- **Social Position** ❉ Specific styles designated a person’s standing, indicating whether they were a warrior, a leader, or an elder.

- **Familial Ties** ❉ Hair patterns could signal tribal or ethnic affiliation, a visual bond to one’s kin.

- **Life Passages** ❉ Certain arrangements marked significant moments, such as entry into adulthood, marriage, or periods of mourning.

- **Spiritual Channel** ❉ The crown of the head was considered a conduit for spiritual energy, and elaborate styles were sometimes believed to offer protection or connect wearers to deities.
These practices speak to a time when textured hair was viewed through a lens of admiration, its coils and curves embodying beauty and cultural wealth. It was not a feature to be straightened or concealed; it was a birthright to be celebrated. 

![The monochrome portrait highlights the person](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-monochrome-portrait-of-individual-with-sculpted-textured-afro-hair.jpg)

## From Reverence to Revilement the Genesis

The shift in perception of textured hair from revered symbol to object of disdain did not originate from a discovery of some inherent flaw in the hair itself. Rather, it emerged from a deliberate imposition of alien aesthetic standards and a calculated campaign of dehumanization, inextricably tied to the transatlantic slave trade and subsequent colonial enterprises. European observers, encountering the diverse hair textures of African peoples, frequently applied their own Eurocentric lens, associating these differences with negative qualities.

Textured hair became labeled as “woolly” and “unattractive,” standing in stark opposition to the perceived elegance of straight, smooth hair. This new hierarchy, which valued proximity to whiteness, began to dictate what was considered beautiful and acceptable.

![The photograph explores the intersection of identity and heritage as seen through the texture of Black hair, the portrait inspires contemplation on ancestral connections and the rich legacy of hair care traditions while illuminating the individual](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-black-man-with-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

![The portrait captures the strength and grace of a Black woman, her distinct hair crafted into a culturally rich style of braided locs, enhanced by a simple hairpin her textured hair serves as a connection to identity, heritage, and expressive styling.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-locs-and-hairpin.jpg)

## Ritual

The threads of negative perception, once introduced, began to weave themselves into the very fabric of daily life, influencing rituals of self-presentation and communal interaction. This era saw the systematic dismantling of indigenous hair practices, replacing them with a pervasive message of inferiority. The coerced adoption of Eurocentric standards extended beyond mere aesthetics; it represented a profound psychological and cultural rupture, demanding an internalization of alien beauty ideals. This pressure to conform shaped grooming practices, forcing a retreat from ancestral methods towards those designed to alter, rather than honor, natural texture. 

One stark example of this societal imposition arrived with the **Tignon Laws** in Louisiana during the late 18th century. In 1786, under Spanish Governor Esteban Miró, these laws mandated that free women of color conceal their elaborate hairstyles with a headscarf, a “tignon”. The intent was clear: to visibly distinguish these women from white women, reduce their perceived attractiveness, and symbolically relegate them to a status closer to enslaved individuals. These women, who had often cultivated intricate styles adorned with jewels and feathers, were seen as a threat to the established social order due to their elegance and economic independence. 

Yet, in an astounding act of cultural resilience, the women of New Orleans transformed this tool of oppression into a statement of defiance. They adopted the tignon, certainly, but they did so with luxurious fabrics, vibrant colors, and imaginative wrapping techniques, incorporating their ancestral aesthetics into this imposed garment. This ingenious reinterpretation ensured that their spirit of self-expression remained visible, even when their hair was not.

The tignon became a symbol, not of subservience, but of their unwavering identity and creativity. This act of reappropriation, a subtle rebellion against a governing authority, stands as a testament to the enduring power of heritage even in the face of concerted efforts to suppress it.

> The Tignon Laws, intended to diminish, inadvertently became a canvas for Black women’s creative resistance and cultural pride.

![The black and white treatment amplifies the subject’s strong features and distinctive coiled textured hair, celebrating Black hair traditions and modern self-expression through styling. Light and shadow define her gaze, inviting a connection and deeper contemplation on beauty and identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

## How Did Colonial Influence Shape Hair Care?

The arrival of European colonizers brought with it a different set of norms and expectations regarding personal appearance. This new framework often deemed African hair as inherently “unruly” or “unclean” when compared to the straight textures of European hair. This perception was deeply intertwined with the dehumanization of enslaved peoples.

For those enslaved, especially those working in fields, hair was often shaved or covered with head-rags as a matter of practicality and as a method of cultural erasure. House servants sometimes adopted hairstyles that mimicked their enslavers, wearing wigs or attempting to shape their hair to emulate European styles.

Post-slavery, the pressure to conform continued, driven by the desire for social and economic acceptance within a society that still upheld [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards. This era witnessed the popularization of tools and chemical processes designed to alter hair texture. The hot comb, a French invention from 1872, and chemical relaxers became widely used to achieve a straightened look.

This ongoing desire to straighten hair was a direct consequence of the prevailing belief that closer proximity to whiteness, including hair texture, granted greater social standing and opportunities. The concept of “good hair” emerged during this time, intrinsically linked to looser curls or straight hair, contrasting sharply with “bad hair” that retained its natural kinky texture.

![The woman embodies refined sophistication in her black dress and silver jewelry, with her artfully styled locs radiating both heritage and modern elegance. Her confident look and the timeless black and white aesthetic connect to themes of identity, beauty, and the enduring power of self-expression](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-locs-and-silver-accessories-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## Ancestral Wisdom in a Changing World

Even amidst oppressive conditions, echoes of ancestral practices persisted. While many traditions were forcibly suppressed, the knowledge of natural ingredients and their benefits for hair health continued to be passed down. Before modern commercial products, people globally relied on nature’s bounty for hair care. 

- **Castor Oil** ❉ Ancient Egyptians utilized this thick oil for conditioning and strengthening hair, often blending it with honey and herbs.

- **Olive Oil** ❉ Greeks and Romans used olive oil, infused with herbs like rosemary or lavender, to nourish and add shine.

- **Amla** ❉ In India, this gooseberry was central to Ayurvedic hair care, known for strengthening follicles and promoting growth.

- **Shea Butter** ❉ West African communities historically relied on shea butter for its moisturizing and protective properties against harsh climates.
These methods, rooted in deep understanding of local flora, represent a continuum of care that predates and stands apart from the externally imposed beauty norms. They serve as a powerful reminder that holistic hair health has always been an inherent part of human heritage, predating the superficial judgments of texture. 

![This striking black and white image showcases coiled textured hair juxtaposed with an edgy, geometric shaved design, creating a bold statement of self-expression and heritage. The contrasting textures and shapes emphasize the beauty and versatility of natural Black hair within a contemporary artistic context](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-textured-hair-geometric-shaved-design.jpg)

![A black and white image resonates deeply through showcasing the passing down of cultural knowledge via hands intertwining kinky hair. This familial moment celebrates heritage, highlights the intricate artistry of black hairstyling traditions, and emphasizes commitment to natural hair care within an intergenerational black family dynamic, enhancing porosity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-hands-braiding-black-textured-hair-ancestral-tradition-and.jpg)

## Relay

The journey of textured hair, from its ancient reverence to its colonial devaluation, continues into the contemporary landscape, where legacies of the past meet a powerful resurgence of self-definition. The narrative of negative attitudes did not simply halt with the abolition of slavery or the repeal of laws; it transmuted, adapting to new societal structures, maintaining a subtle yet pervasive influence. The systemic nature of this bias, rooted in centuries-old Eurocentric beauty standards, means that textured hair continues to face scrutiny in professional and academic settings, often under the guise of “professionalism.” This continued imposition of external aesthetics carries a significant psychological cost, impacting self-perception and overall well-being. 

The mid-20th century, particularly the 1960s, bore witness to a significant cultural shift with the rise of the “Black Is Beautiful” movement. This era saw a powerful reclamation of Afrocentric aesthetics, with the Afro hairstyle becoming a potent symbol of racial pride and resistance against white beauty norms. Activists like Angela Davis sported the Afro as an emblem of black power, encouraging the embrace of natural kinks and coils.

This movement was a direct challenge to the notion that black hair required alteration to be acceptable or attractive. It represented a collective assertion of identity, rejecting imposed standards for an authentic expression of self.

Despite these strides, societal pressures persisted. The late 1970s and 1980s saw a slowing of the [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) movement, as social pressures for assimilation reasserted themselves, leading to a renewed popularity of chemical straighteners and Jheri curls. Administrations sometimes deemed natural hair “unprofessional” or even associated it with “gang affiliation” in schools. This highlights a persistent pattern: even when overt discriminatory laws disappear, the underlying prejudices continue to manifest in subtle ways, dictating what is considered “appropriate” or “acceptable” in public spaces. 

![Classic beauty radiates from this afro-adorned Black woman in a stark black and white studio setting, honoring heritage. Her composed demeanor and the spotlight on her natural hair texture capture strength, celebrating Black hair traditions and identity through expressive hairstyling](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-in-studio-portrait-black-and-white.jpg)

## How Do Current Regulations Address Hair Bias?

In recent years, the struggle for acceptance of natural hair has gained significant legislative traction, culminating in efforts like the CROWN Act. This acronym, standing for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” represents a legislative framework designed to prohibit discrimination based on [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) and protective styles associated with racial identity. California was the first state to pass the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) in 2019, followed by numerous other states. 

The CROWN Act acknowledges that hairstyles like Afros, braids, twists, and locs are inextricably tied to racial identity and heritage, thereby requiring legal protection against discrimination. These laws are a direct response to continued incidents of [hair discrimination](/area/hair-discrimination/) in schools and workplaces, where Black individuals are still criticized, suspended, or even fired for their hair. Such legal protections aim to dismantle the remnants of [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) that continue to label natural hair as “unprofessional” or “unruly.” 

> Modern legal efforts like the CROWN Act aim to dismantle centuries-old hair discrimination, protecting natural styles as expressions of racial identity.

![This intimate black and white composition highlights the cultural significance of hair care for Black women, as the woman holds a handcrafted wooden comb, visually linking the tangible object to broader narratives of identity, heritage, self-esteem, and embracing unique hair textures and patterns as a celebration of ancestral strength.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-holds-ornate-wooden-comb-textured-hair-care-heritage-portrait-black-and.jpg)

## The Weight of Appearance: Psychological Impacts

The persistent negative attitudes toward textured hair carry a profound psychological burden. For individuals, particularly Black and mixed-race women, growing up in environments where their natural hair is deemed “messy,” “unprofessional,” or “dirty” can lead to internalized racism and negative self-perception. This constant reinforcement of external judgments creates a state of chronic stress, especially in academic or professional spaces where conformity to Eurocentric standards is often implicitly, or even explicitly, expected. 

A study conducted by Dove in the UK found that half of Black and mixed-race women with Afro-textured hair have faced discrimination because of their hair. This statistic underscores the pervasive nature of the issue and its emotional toll. The experiences range from unwanted touching of hair without permission, to being told one looks “better” with straight hair, to facing explicit disciplinary action at school or work. Such experiences can lead to feelings of being “othered,” anxiety, and even a cultural disconnection from one’s heritage.

The psychological impact of hair-based stigma extends to changes in self-esteem and self-identity, contributing to mental health challenges. The Association of Black Psychologists has termed hair discrimination an “esthetic trauma,” highlighting its significant mental health effects.

The movement towards embracing natural hair today is not only an aesthetic choice; it represents a powerful act of self-acceptance and a rejection of deeply ingrained biases. It is an affirmation of ancestral lineage and a visible commitment to a heritage that has long been undervalued by dominant societal norms. 

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

![This image beautifully blends contemporary edgy styles with culturally rich braids. The cornrow braid and precise undercut are framed by skillful black and white contrast, that draws the viewer into the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bold-beauty-woman-with-cornrow-braid-hairstyle-undercut-precision-in-black-and.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey through the heritage of textured hair, from its place of honor in ancient lands to its modern-day reclamation, reveals a profound truth. The genesis of negative attitudes was not an organic cultural evolution; it was a deliberate imposition, a tool wielded to dismantle identity and enforce dominance. Yet, through centuries of challenge, the spirit of textured hair has persisted.

It has shapeshifted, yes, under duress, but always with a tenacious link to its roots. The coil, the kink, the braid ❉ these are not merely anatomical wonders; they are living archives, each strand carrying the stories of resilience, ingenuity, and profound beauty.

The enduring significance of textured hair lies in its ability to resist erasure. From the subtle defiance of the tignon to the bold declarations of the natural hair movements, every choice to wear textured hair authentically is a whisper, or sometimes a shout, across generations. It is an affirmation of a heritage that refused to be silenced, a continuum of identity that finds its expression in the vibrant, complex biology of the hair itself. This understanding invites us to view each strand not just as a part of a personal aesthetic, but as a living legacy, a testament to ancestral wisdom and an unbound promise for the future. 

![This evocative black and white composition explores the depth of African diasporic hair artistry, presenting a contemporary hairstyle reflecting ancestral heritage, expressed in elaborately designed coiled braids, celebrating identity through self-expression, while demonstrating expert skill in holistic textured hair styling and its cultural narrative.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-with-intricate-braided-coiled-hair-design.jpg)

![The photograph captures the essence of confidence in Black beauty, featuring a woman with intricately braided hair. Her expressive eyes convey resilience, mirroring the rich cultural legacy woven into her protective hairstyle, honoring ancestral techniques and celebrating the artistic expression found in Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/bold-black-woman-with-braided-protective-style-asserting-natural-beauty.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, Ayana, and Lori L. Tharps. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2002.

- Gould, Virginia M. In Search of the New Orleans Creole: Identity, Community, and Culture in the Nineteenth Century. Louisiana State University Press, 2018.

- Griffin, Rachel J. “Hair and Identity: The Psychology of Black Women’s Hair.” In The Psychology of Black Women: Examining the Complexities of Intersectionality, edited by Michele L. Norris, 2019.

- Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. Nation Books, 2016.

- Long, Carolyn. “A Free Woman of Color in New Orleans: The Tignon Laws and the Creation of a Distinctive Afro-Creole Identity.” Journal of Southern History, 2004.

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

- Patton, Tracey Owens. “Beauty and the Beast: The Politics of Hair and the Problematics of African American Women’s Identity.” Women’s Studies Quarterly, 2006.

- Parris, LaRose T. Being Apart: Theoretical and Existential Resistance in Africana Literature. University of Georgia Press, 2015.

- Robinson, Janell. “The Social Construction of Hair and Hair Care: A Case Study of Black American Women.” Journal of Black Studies, 2011.

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

## Glossary

### [Castor Oil Benefits](https://roothea.co/area/castor-oil-benefits/)

Meaning ❉ Castor oil, derived from the venerable Ricinus communis plant, has long held a gentle yet significant presence in the hair care practices for Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Hair and Self-Esteem](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-self-esteem/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Self-Esteem, within the context of textured hair, refers to the intrinsic link between an individual's perception of their coils, kinks, and waves, and their overall sense of personal value.

### [Shea Butter Properties](https://roothea.co/area/shea-butter-properties/)

Meaning ❉ Shea Butter Properties refer to the distinctive characteristics of the nourishing fat derived from the African shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, particularly its significant utility for textured hair.

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

Meaning ❉ The Tignon Laws, enacted in late 18th-century colonial Louisiana, were decrees requiring free and enslaved Black women to cover their hair with a tignon or headscarf when in public spaces.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair History tenderly traces the evolution of insights and care practices concerning coils, curls, and waves, with a specific focus on Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Hair and Social Status](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Social Status addresses the historical and current relationship between hair presentation ❉ particularly for textured hair ❉ and societal assessments of standing or acceptance.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair and Resilience points to the inherent fortitude within the distinct coil and curl formations characteristic of Black and mixed-race hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair and Spirituality denotes the tender bond between an individual's inner landscape and the physical presence of their hair, especially for those with textured hair.

### [Black Is Beautiful Movement](https://roothea.co/area/black-is-beautiful-movement/)

Meaning ❉ The Black Is Beautiful Movement, a gentle re-acquaintance with inherent grace, softly affirmed the distinct loveliness of Black identity, notably celebrating natural hair forms.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Rituals Shape Textured Hair Health?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-rituals-shape-textured-hair-health/)
![In black and white, hands grind ingredients, embodying ancestral heritage focused on preparing natural hair treatments. The scene reflects dedication to holistic wellness and the timeless process of crafting care solutions, showcasing a commitment to textured hair health through time-honored traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-traditional-black-hair-remedies-with-natural-ingredients.jpg)

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Care Traditions Address Moisture for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-care-traditions-address-moisture-for-textured-hair/)
![The craftsman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elderly-woman-crafting-adornments-revealing-heritage-and-textured-hair-tradition.jpg)

### [Did Historical Hair Care Practices Influence Current Textured Hair Routines?](https://roothea.co/question/did-historical-hair-care-practices-influence-current-textured-hair-routines/)
![The monochrome gradient and ash-like texture symbolize resilience, echoing the strength of tightly coiled hair and diverse textured hair narratives. Each grain mirrors individual ancestral strands woven into a rich tapestry, a testament to the timeless heritage of natural texture and formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-volcanic-ash-sedimentation-representing-dense-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Practices Promote Textured Hair Growth and Health?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-practices-promote-textured-hair-growth-and-health/)
![The image captures the deliberate act of adjusting a silk turban, reflecting protective styling](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-adjusting-silk-turban-protective-style-for-natural-hair-care.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient Egyptian Societal Views on Hair Inform Ancestral Practices for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-egyptian-societal-views-on-hair-inform-ancestral-practices-for-textured-hair/)
![The image elegantly portrays the natural formation of textured hair enhanced by water droplets, emphasizing the unique helix patterns reflecting themes of identity and ancestral connection. This evokes considerations of wellness and traditions through the celebration of natural textures and coiled forms.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-person-with-coiled-hair-adorned-with-water.jpg)

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Care Traditions Influence Textured Hair Hydration?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-care-traditions-influence-textured-hair-hydration/)
![The detailed honeycomb structure, symbolic of intricate formulations, highlights nature](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-honeycomb-structure-reflecting-textured-hair-care-ingredient.jpg)

### [When Did Hair Oiling Traditions Begin for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/when-did-hair-oiling-traditions-begin-for-textured-hair/)
![Elegant in monochrome, the portrait celebrates the beauty and strength embodied within afro textured hair, a coil crown, and classic style. The image is an ode to heritage, resilience, and the power of self-expression through textured hair forms, deeply rooted in Black hair traditions and ancestral pride.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-classic-dress.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Ancestral Hair Care Traditions Inform Sun Defense for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-ancestral-hair-care-traditions-inform-sun-defense-for-textured-hair/)
![In a moment of tender holistic care, a woman expertly applies a conditioning mask to textured, natural hair, honoring time-honored Black hair traditions. This protective styling and deep conditioning ritual speaks to embracing natural coils and an ancestral heritage with beauty and wellness.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-woman-applying-hair-mask-to-natural-black-hair-texture.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Ancestral Hair Care Traditions Honor Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-ancestral-hair-care-traditions-honor-textured-hair-heritage/)
![Captured in monochrome, the hands carefully manage the child](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/gentle-hands-combing-through-childs-naturally-coiled-blonde-textured-hair.jpg)

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                "text": "\nThe arrival of European colonizers brought with it a different set of norms and expectations regarding personal appearance. This new framework often deemed African hair as inherently \"unruly\" or \"unclean\" when compared to the straight textures of European hair. This perception was deeply intertwined with the dehumanization of enslaved peoples. For those enslaved, especially those working in fields, hair was often shaved or covered with head-rags as a matter of practicality and as a method of cultural erasure. House servants sometimes adopted hairstyles that mimicked their enslavers, wearing wigs or attempting to shape their hair to emulate European styles.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Do Current Regulations Address Hair Bias?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": "\nIn recent years, the struggle for acceptance of natural hair has gained significant legislative traction, culminating in efforts like the CROWN Act. This acronym, standing for \"Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,\" represents a legislative framework designed to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles associated with racial identity. California was the first state to pass the CROWN Act in 2019, followed by numerous other states.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/when-did-negative-attitudes-toward-textured-hair-begin/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@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/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/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/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/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/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-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/castor-oil-benefits/",
            "name": "Castor Oil Benefits",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/castor-oil-benefits/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Castor oil, derived from the venerable Ricinus communis plant, has long held a gentle yet significant presence in the hair care practices for Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-self-esteem/",
            "name": "Hair and Self-Esteem",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-self-esteem/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Self-Esteem, within the context of textured hair, refers to the intrinsic link between an individual's perception of their coils, kinks, and waves, and their overall sense of personal value."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/shea-butter-properties/",
            "name": "Shea Butter Properties",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/shea-butter-properties/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Shea Butter Properties refer to the distinctive characteristics of the nourishing fat derived from the African shea tree, Vitellaria paradoxa, particularly its significant utility for textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@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/textured-hair-history/",
            "name": "Textured Hair History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair History tenderly traces the evolution of insights and care practices concerning coils, curls, and waves, with a specific focus on Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/",
            "name": "Hair and Social Status",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Social Status addresses the historical and current relationship between hair presentation ❉ particularly for textured hair ❉ and societal assessments of standing or acceptance."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-resilience/",
            "name": "Hair and Resilience",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-resilience/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Resilience points to the inherent fortitude within the distinct coil and curl formations characteristic of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-spirituality/",
            "name": "Hair and Spirituality",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-spirituality/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Spirituality denotes the tender bond between an individual's inner landscape and the physical presence of their hair, especially for those with textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-is-beautiful-movement/",
            "name": "Black Is Beautiful Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-is-beautiful-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Black Is Beautiful Movement, a gentle re-acquaintance with inherent grace, softly affirmed the distinct loveliness of Black identity, notably celebrating natural hair forms."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/when-did-negative-attitudes-toward-textured-hair-begin/
