# Why Did Textured Hair Face Historical Devaluation? ❉ Question

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

---

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![The monochrome portrait evokes ancestral pride through deliberate Fulani-inspired face painting, highlighting coiled afro texture styled with care the striking contrast celebrates natural sebaceous balance and emphasizes the profound connection to cultural heritage, illustrating enduring aesthetic strength within ethnic beauty ideals.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-embodied-heritage-with-fulani-inspired-face-painting-artistry.jpg)

## Roots

Feel the whisper of ages, the soft rustle of ancestors tending to their crowns. For countless generations, across vast plains and bustling cities, [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) stood as a living archive, a sacred scroll of identity, lineage, and spiritual connection. It was sculpted with intention, adorned with reverence, and understood as an extension of the soul itself.

Yet, the question lingers in our collective memory: why did this profound heritage, this innate expression of being, come to face such relentless devaluation? It is a wound etched deep, a legacy born of imposition and misunderstanding, severing connections to a past where coiled strands were revered, not reviled.

To truly comprehend this unraveling, we must first look to the very fiber of who we are, to the elemental biology and historical interpretations of textured hair. Before the shadow of imposed standards stretched across continents, African societies viewed hair with an understanding far removed from mere aesthetics. Hair was a conduit, a visible declaration of one’s place within the community, a reflection of spiritual alignment.

Its intricate patterns spoke of age, marital status, tribal affiliation, and even a person’s standing within their community. (BLAM UK CIC, 2022) This inherent meaning, this interwoven fabric of being and appearance, stood in stark contrast to the emerging European gaze.

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-natural-afro-hair-texture-direct-gaze-style.jpg)

## The Architecture of Ancestral Strands

Understanding the physical properties of textured hair offers a lens through which to view its later mischaracterization. Human hair, at its elemental level, is a protein filament. What gives textured hair its distinctive form ❉ its beautiful coils, kinks, and waves ❉ is the elliptical shape of the hair follicle and the way keratin proteins arrange themselves. This unique structure, often described as having more points of weakness compared to straight hair due to its twists and turns, was, in fact, an evolutionary marvel.

It provided a natural protective barrier against the sun’s intense rays, allowed for ventilation, and maintained scalp health in diverse climates (Jablonski, 2022). This biological reality was, however, later reframed through a lens of racial hierarchy.

> Textured hair, once a revered symbol of identity and spirit, underwent systemic devaluation through imposed standards that disregarded its inherent biological and cultural richness.
Historically, the very language used to describe hair became weaponized. Words like “kinky” and “nappy,” once possibly descriptive of tight curl patterns, were imbued with derogatory connotations during the era of transatlantic enslavement and beyond (Byrd and Tharps, 2014). This linguistic shift served to dehumanize and categorize, establishing a false binary of “good hair” (straight, Eurocentric) versus “bad hair” (textured, African-derived). This insidious racialization of hair was a deliberate mechanism to assert dominance and justify oppression. 

![The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the angular planes of the face, focusing on the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-undercut-hairstyle-expressive-stare-textured-fringe-in.jpg)

## Early Classifications and the Distortion of Science

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw the rise of “scientific racism,” a pseudoscientific endeavor that sought to explain and validate European colonial power through purported biological differences (Britannica, 2025). Hair texture, alongside skin color and other physical markers, became a central criterion for these fabricated racial classifications. Thinkers like Carl Linnaeus and Charles White meticulously documented perceived differences, placing European hair at the apex of a fabricated hierarchy (Britannica, 2025). This was not true science; it was an ideological construct, designed to serve a political and economic agenda, specifically to rationalize the enslavement and subjugation of African peoples. 

The ramifications of this pseudoscientific categorization extended far beyond academic texts. It filtered into public consciousness, solidifying biases and shaping societal norms. The intrinsic diversity of African hair textures, ranging from loosely curled to tightly coiled, was ignored in favor of a monolithic, devalued stereotype. The rich spectrum of hair types within African communities was flattened into a single, undesirable category, designed to mark people of African descent as inferior. 

![This evocative portrait captures the strength and beauty of an African individual with intricate coil-patterned textured hair, symbolizing heritage and wellness, embodying resilience with the shadows and light playing across the face, revealing the depth of ancestral history and the promise of holistic care.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-an-african-individual-with-textured-hair-and-jewelry.jpg)

![This study in monochrome celebrates the elegance of short, wavy hair, with a braid subtly accentuating the face. The portrait underscores the beauty and diversity of textured hair, reflecting both ancestral pride and a modern approach to expressive, minimalist styling choices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-short-wavy-textured-hair-and-braid.jpg)

## Ritual

From the very moment African people were forcibly brought across the Middle Passage, a profound severance occurred, not only from land and loved ones but from the very traditions that defined their being. The ritualistic care and styling of textured hair, once a cornerstone of daily life and communal bonding, faced a brutal assault. Slaveholders systematically shaved the heads of their captives, a barbaric act designed to strip them of identity, culture, and any semblance of their former selves (Library of Congress, 2023). This act, so outwardly simple, was in fact a deeply psychological weapon, severing the sacred bond between person and lineage. 

Despite this deliberate erasure, the spirit of hair heritage persisted. Enslaved individuals, even under unimaginable cruelty, found clandestine ways to tend to their hair, using whatever meager resources were available. Shared moments of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) became acts of quiet defiance, a way to reclaim a fragment of dignity and connection.

These gatherings often happened on Sundays, the only day of rest, transforming hair tending into a communal tradition (Library of Congress, 2023). Through hushed conversations and the rhythmic movements of fingers, ancestral practices were kept alive, albeit in altered forms.

![Evoking a sense of ancestral connection, the portrait embodies cultural identity through tribal face paint and thoughtfully coiffed tight-coil textured hair. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the visual narrative, inviting contemplation on the roots of self-expression and heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-woman-adorned-with-tribal-face-paint-black-and-white.jpg)

## The Ancestral Roots of Protective Styling

The rich legacy of African braiding, twisting, and locing traditions did not vanish. These styles, which date back thousands of years in African cultures, served multiple purposes: they conveyed social status, age, marital status, and even tribal affiliation (Afriklens, 2024; BLAM UK CIC, 2022). Beyond their communicative function, these styles were inherently protective, designed to manage and safeguard hair in demanding environments. 

- **Braids** ❉ Originating over 5000 years ago, braids, including cornrows, were not simply styles; they were intricate forms of art and communication. They could indicate a woman’s marital status, fertility, or rank. (BLAM UK CIC, 2022; Afriklens, 2024)

- **Twists** ❉ Similar to braids, twists offered a gentle method of coiling hair to reduce tangling and promote moisture retention, a practice rooted in ancient African care.

- **Locs** ❉ Though widely popularized in the 1960s within America, locs have an ancient global history, existing in various cultures as a spiritual or cultural statement (Library of Congress, 2023).
The strategic brilliance of these styles extended to acts of survival. It is widely speculated that some enslaved women braided seeds into their hair, carrying sustenance for escape or to plant in new lands (Salford Students’ Union, 2024). Braided patterns could also conceal maps for freedom, literally charting a path to liberation. This speaks to the profound adaptive capacity and ingenuity within oppressed communities, where hair transformed into a silent, powerful tool of resistance. 

![Captured in monochrome, the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-wavy-textured-hair-in-shadow.jpg)

## What Influenced the Shift towards Hair Straightening?

As generations passed within the diaspora, particularly in the Americas, external pressures to conform to [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) intensified. Laws were enacted to enforce visual markers of subservience. The 1800s saw the implementation of laws in the United States prohibiting [Black women](/area/black-women/) from wearing tightly coiled [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) in public (BLAM UK CIC, 2022; Historical Perspectives on Hair Care, 2025). This institutionalized discrimination created a profound dilemma, linking survival and social acceptance to the alteration of one’s natural hair. 

The invention and widespread adoption of tools like the hot comb and [chemical relaxers](/area/chemical-relaxers/) offered a means to achieve the desired straightened look. While these innovations provided Black individuals with a way to navigate a prejudiced society, they often came at a significant cost to hair health and an internal conflict with inherent identity. The push for “good hair,” often defined as straight or loosely curled hair resembling European textures, became a deeply internalized standard within some Black communities (African-American Hair, 2024). This internalization was a direct byproduct of [systemic devaluation](/area/systemic-devaluation/) and the survival strategies employed to cope with it. 

The choices made regarding hair became more than personal preference; they were fraught with social and economic implications. For many, altering one’s hair was a necessity for employment or acceptance in educational settings. This pressure highlighted the deep-seated nature of hair discrimination, which continues to shape experiences in the present day. 

![The black and white tone adds a timeless quality to this scene of cultural exchange, inviting contemplation on the ancestral heritage embodied in textured hair, its ongoing evolution within modern beauty standards, and the commitment to its care and creative expression.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-textured-hair-stylist-creating-protective-hairstyles.jpg)

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

## Relay

The historical devaluation of textured hair, born from the crucible of colonialism and enslavement, did not simply fade with the passage of time. Instead, it relayed through generations, manifesting in various forms of discrimination and self-perception. Yet, within this ongoing struggle, a profound act of defiance has persistently bloomed: the steadfast reclamation of [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) and the enduring spirit of self-definition. Our hair, a living extension of our collective story, continues its powerful discourse with the world, challenging imposed narratives and reaffirming its inherent majesty. 

Consider the particularly revealing case of the **Tignon Laws**. Enacted in Spanish colonial Louisiana in 1786 by Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró, these sumptuary laws mandated that free women of color wear a tignon ❉ a head covering or kerchief ❉ in public (Gould, cited in Klein, 2018; Wikipedia, 2024). The law’s explicit intent was to distinguish these women from white women, who often adorned their hair elaborately, and to visually tie free women of color to enslaved status, marking them as inferior (Wikipedia, 2024; The Tignon Law, 2018). It aimed to curb their perceived elegance and economic success, which challenged the existing social order (Gould, cited in Klein, 2018). 

> The Tignon Laws, designed to visibly mark free women of color as inferior, instead became an assertion of their creativity and resilience through elaborate headwear.
The response of these women was nothing short of an aesthetic protest. They adhered to the letter of the law but transformed the tignon into a statement of unparalleled beauty and defiance. They crafted their headwraps from luxurious fabrics, adorned them with jewels and feathers, and devised intricate wrapping techniques that drew more attention to their crowns than before (Wikipedia, 2024; The Tignon Law, 2018).

This act, a subtle rebellion, demonstrates a profound truth: the spirit of heritage, when confronted with oppression, often finds novel ways to express itself, turning symbols of shame into emblems of pride and power. The Tignon Law, intended to diminish, instead highlighted the ingenuity and unyielding spirit of a people determined to define their own beauty.

![The interplay of light and shadow on her face, partially veiled by her hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-coiled-afro-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## How Did Scientific Racism Undermine Hair’s Valued Heritage?

The enduring devaluation of textured hair also finds deep roots in the pseudo-scientific assertions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. So-called “scientific racism” attempted to legitimize racial hierarchies by measuring and classifying physical attributes, including hair texture, as indicators of intelligence and civility (ResearchGate, 2019; Society for Cultural Anthropology, 2017). This false science asserted that [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) was a reliable proxy for racial distinctions, placing European hair at the top of a fabricated evolutionary ladder (Britannica, 2025). Such discriminatory categorizations had tangible, devastating impacts. 

For instance, in apartheid-era South Africa, the infamous “pencil test” was used to determine a person’s racial classification. If a pencil inserted into a person’s hair remained in place due to its tight coils, they were categorized as “Native” or “Colored,” leading to systemic segregation and discrimination (Jablonski, 2022). This brutal example lays bare how the biological diversity of hair was deliberately weaponized to enforce social control and maintain oppressive systems. It exemplifies the way arbitrary physical traits were assigned immense social and legal weight, solely for the purpose of maintaining a racist social order. 

The lingering effects of this historical devaluing are still felt today, influencing perceptions of professionalism, beauty, and even self-worth within the diaspora. Studies continue to reveal the pervasive nature of hair discrimination. Research shows that Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional in workplace settings (Greene, 2012, cited in Ujima Natural Hair, 2024).

Furthermore, a CROWN 2023 Research Study found that 41% of Black women altered their hair from curly to straight for job interviews, and 54% believed they should have straight hair for such occasions (Ujima Natural Hair, 2024). These statistics are stark reminders of the ongoing impact of historical devaluation, pushing individuals to conform rather than celebrate their ancestral strands.

![This monochromatic artwork captures the beauty of African diaspora identity through expressive coils of textured hair, a symbol of self-acceptance and cultural pride. Her gaze is self-assured, reflecting ancestral strength and resilience in the face of historical adversity, embodying holistic beauty](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-african-descent-woman-with-bold-natural-hair-style.jpg)

## What Pathways Have Led to Hair Reclamation and Protection?

The narrative of devaluation is powerfully countered by a history of reclamation. The “Black is Beautiful” movement of the 1960s marked a significant turning point, advocating for the celebration of natural hair and challenging Eurocentric beauty norms (African American Registry, 2024; Ujima Natural Hair, 2024). This movement, and subsequent natural hair resurgences in the 2000s, affirmed textured hair as a symbol of cultural pride and resistance, a visible connection to African ancestry (African American Registry, 2024; Ujima Natural Hair, 2024). 

Legislation such as the **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) directly addresses the legacy of hair discrimination. Introduced in 2019 by California State Senator Holly Mitchell, the Act prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles commonly associated with race, including braids, locs, twists, and Afros (The Crown Act, 2024; NAACP, 2024). As of 2024, many states have adopted this legislation, with ongoing efforts for federal implementation (NAACP, 2024).

The [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) represents a vital step towards dismantling the systemic prejudice that has long undermined the value of textured hair. It signals a societal shift towards recognizing that one’s natural hair is an intrinsic part of racial identity and should not be a barrier to opportunity.

- **African American Barbershops and Salons** ❉ Initially serving exclusively white clientele in segregated spaces, Black barbers and beauticians honed their skills. Later, Black-owned establishments became vital community hubs, fostering self-care and cultural expression, moving away from Eurocentric standards (Library of Congress, 2023).

- **Madam C.J. Walker’s Enterprise** ❉ A pioneer in the Black haircare market, Madam C.J. Walker built an empire around products like her “Wonderful Hair Grower” and established Poro College to educate Black women on haircare and entrepreneurship. Her work, while sometimes criticized for promoting straightening, provided agency and economic empowerment within the community, offering solutions when mainstream products ignored textured hair (Library of Congress, 2023).

- **Modern Natural Hair Movement** ❉ Fueled by social media and a renewed connection to heritage, this movement celebrates the diversity of textured hair. It has led to an explosion of products and educational resources tailored to natural hair, further destigmatizing coils and kinks and asserting diverse beauty ideals.
This historical progression from devaluation to legislative protection and cultural celebration demonstrates the unwavering spirit of textured hair heritage. The journey continues, with each coil and strand contributing to a vibrant narrative of resilience, innovation, and self-love. 

![The evocative black and white portrait emphasizes light and shadow on the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-radiant-woman-with-dreads-sunlight-and-shadow.jpg)

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

## Reflection

The echoes of devaluation, once a loud, dissonant chord in the symphony of textured hair, now find themselves challenged by a swelling chorus of affirmation. What was historically dismissed or policed now stands as a powerful testament to survival, creativity, and the enduring connection to ancestral ways. Every twist, every coil, every loc carries within it the spirit of generations ❉ the wisdom of those who tended hair by moonlight, the defiance of those who adorned their tignons with exquisite artistry, and the pride of those who chose to wear their crowns unbound. This living archive, the soul of a strand, continues to write its story, a vibrant narrative of heritage reclaimed and futures reimagined. 

![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)

![The monochrome portrait captures a woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-protective-hairstyling-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## References

- African-American Hair. (2024). <i>Wikipedia_.

- Afriklens. (2024). _African Hairstyles: Cultural Significance and Legacy_.

- BLAM UK CIC. (2022). _The history of Black Hair_.

- Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. (2014). _Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Griffin.

- Jablonski, N. G. (2022). _Untangling Race From Hair_. Sapiens.org.

- Klein, S. (2018). _Creole: The History and Legacy of Louisiana’s Free People of Color_. Louisiana State University Press.

- Library of Congress. (2023). _Heavy is the Head: Evolution of African Hair in America from the 17th c. to the 20th c._

- NAACP. (2024). _The Crown Act ❉ Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair_.

- ResearchGate. (2019). _Racial hair: the persistence and resistance of a category_.

- Salford Students’ Union. (2024). _The Remarkable History Behind Black Hairstyles_.

- Society for Cultural Anthropology. (2017). _AnthroBites: Scientific Racism_.

- The Crown Act. (2024). _The Official CROWN Act_.

- The Tignon Law. (2018).

- Ujima Natural Hair. (2024). _Ujima Natural Hair and the Black Community Black Paper_.

- Wikipedia. (2024). _Tignon_.

- Historical Perspectives on Hair Care and Common Styling Practices in Black Women. (2025). _Clinics in Dermatology_.

## Glossary

### [Knowledge Devaluation](https://roothea.co/area/knowledge-devaluation/)

Meaning ❉ Knowledge Devaluation, within the gentle process of understanding textured hair, speaks to the quiet lessening of regard for established insights.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair as Identity signifies the deep connection between an individual's coily, kinky, or wavy hair and their personal sense of self, alongside their cultural ties.

### [Hair Care](https://roothea.co/area/hair-care/)

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.

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

Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Practices signify the accumulated knowledge and customary techniques passed down through generations within Black and mixed-race communities, specifically concerning the well-being and styling of textured hair.

### [Braiding Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/braiding-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ "Braiding Traditions" gently speaks to the enduring methods of hair adornment and preservation, carefully handed down through generations within Black and mixed-race communities.

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

Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Devaluation refers to the systemic diminution of perceived worth and inherent beauty assigned to coils, kinks, and waves, particularly within Black and mixed-race hair communities.

### [Chemical Relaxers](https://roothea.co/area/chemical-relaxers/)

Meaning ❉ Chemical Relaxers represent a category of strong alkaline agents, typically lye- or no-lye based, meticulously formulated to permanently reconfigure the natural curl pattern of highly textured hair by breaking and reforming its disulfide bonds within the hair's cortex.

### [Natural Hair](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/)

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.

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

Meaning ❉ Black Hair Devaluation names the pervasive societal dismissal of Black and mixed-race hair's inherent qualities, textures, and traditional care methods.

### [Black Women](https://roothea.co/area/black-women/)

Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Why Did Castor Oil Become Vital for Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/why-did-castor-oil-become-vital-for-textured-hair-heritage/)
![Within an intimate, intergenerational setting, women collaborate, passing down ancestral braiding techniques, celebrating diverse hands styling while addressing the nuances of low porosity high-density coils, applying emollient products and showcasing Fulani braiding artistry and holistic hair care. The Madrasi head tie is showcased for identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-braiding-heritage-diverse-hands-styling-natural-textured-hair-coils.jpg)

### [Why Did Textured Hair Become Common in Africa?](https://roothea.co/question/why-did-textured-hair-become-common-in-africa/)
![The striking monochrome portrait emphasizes the subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-striking-african-man-adorned-with-ceremonial-hair-art.jpg)

### [Why Is Hair Protection Essential for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/why-is-hair-protection-essential-for-textured-hair/)
![Illuminated coils offer a glimpse into the intricate nature of Afro textured hair, capturing its inherent strength. This close-up honors the beauty of Black hair textures, celebrating ancestral identity and the profound power of embracing natural style.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/close-up-of-kinky-hair-coils-natural-hair-texture-details.jpg)

### [How Do Bonnets Protect Textured Hair and Why Are They Culturally Important?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-bonnets-protect-textured-hair-and-why-are-they-culturally-important/)
![This powerful monochromatic portrait honors natural textured hair heritage through the confident gaze of a young woman, her closely cropped coils symbolizing strength and self-acceptance. The interplay of light and shadow enhances her features, inviting the viewer to contemplate the intersection of beauty, identity, and ancestral expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-young-woman-with-short-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Why Did Heritage Influence Nightly Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/why-did-heritage-influence-nightly-hair-care/)
![Hands extract aloe vera pulp for a traditional hair treatment, connecting generations through natural haircare rituals. This image represents a tangible link to ancestral heritage and the enduring beauty of holistic textured hair care practices promoting optimal scalp health and resilient hair formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/extracting-aloe-vera-for-textured-hair-care-holistic-preparation-method.jpg)

### [Why Did Societies Police Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/why-did-societies-police-textured-hair/)
![This captivating portrait celebrates the artistry of braided hairstyles as expressions of cultural identity and personal strength. The halo braid symbolizes beauty, resilience, and timeless elegance, reflecting the traditions passed down through generations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-braided-hairstyle-radiating-natural-beauty-and-cultural-identity-in.jpg)

### [Why Are Plant Oils Essential for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/why-are-plant-oils-essential-for-textured-hair/)
![Hands meticulously harvest aloe](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/aloe-preparation-hands-squeezing-gel-into-bowl-natural-textured-hair-care.jpg)

### [Why Did Ancient Protective Styles Become so Important for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/why-did-ancient-protective-styles-become-so-important-for-textured-hair/)
![In monochrome, the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-cornrow-braids-and-natural-hair.jpg)

### [Why Is Textured Hair More Prone to Breakage than Straight Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/why-is-textured-hair-more-prone-to-breakage-than-straight-hair/)
![The monochrome portrait captures the essence of individuality, showcasing a modern high-top fade with etched geometric lines in short coils. The image evokes strength, style, and the deliberate expression of self through distinct coily hair fashion, inviting contemplation on identity and heritage.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-textured-hair-and-geometric-lines.jpg)

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            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How Did Scientific Racism Undermine Hair's Valued Heritage?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The enduring devaluation of textured hair also finds deep roots in the pseudo-scientific assertions of the 19th and early 20th centuries. So-called \"scientific racism\" attempted to legitimize racial hierarchies by measuring and classifying physical attributes, including hair texture, as indicators of intelligence and civility (ResearchGate, 2019; Society for Cultural Anthropology, 2017). This false science asserted that hair texture was a reliable proxy for racial distinctions, placing European hair at the top of a fabricated evolutionary ladder (Britannica, 2025). Such discriminatory categorizations had tangible, devastating impacts.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What Pathways Have Led to Hair Reclamation and Protection?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The narrative of devaluation is powerfully countered by a history of reclamation. The \"Black is Beautiful\" movement of the 1960s marked a significant turning point, advocating for the celebration of natural hair and challenging Eurocentric beauty norms (African American Registry, 2024; Ujima Natural Hair, 2024). This movement, and subsequent natural hair resurgences in the 2000s, affirmed textured hair as a symbol of cultural pride and resistance, a visible connection to African ancestry (African American Registry, 2024; Ujima Natural Hair, 2024).\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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    "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/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/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/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/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/systemic-devaluation/",
            "name": "Systemic Devaluation",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/systemic-devaluation/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Systemic Devaluation quietly describes the pervasive, ingrained societal tendency to assign lesser worth to textured hair, particularly that of Black and mixed-race individuals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/chemical-relaxers/",
            "name": "Chemical Relaxers",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/chemical-relaxers/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Chemical Relaxers represent a category of strong alkaline agents, typically lye- or no-lye based, meticulously formulated to permanently reconfigure the natural curl pattern of highly textured hair by breaking and reforming its disulfide bonds within the hair's cortex."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "name": "Ancestral Wisdom",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-wisdom/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Wisdom, for textured hair, represents the enduring knowledge and discerning observations gently passed through generations concerning the unique character of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/knowledge-devaluation/",
            "name": "Knowledge Devaluation",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/knowledge-devaluation/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Knowledge Devaluation, within the gentle process of understanding textured hair, speaks to the quiet lessening of regard for established insights."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-identity/",
            "name": "Hair as Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair as Identity signifies the deep connection between an individual's coily, kinky, or wavy hair and their personal sense of self, alongside their cultural ties."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-practices/",
            "name": "Ancestral Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Hair Practices signify the accumulated knowledge and customary techniques passed down through generations within Black and mixed-race communities, specifically concerning the well-being and styling of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/braiding-traditions/",
            "name": "Braiding Traditions",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/braiding-traditions/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Braiding Traditions\" gently speaks to the enduring methods of hair adornment and preservation, carefully handed down through generations within Black and mixed-race communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-devaluation/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Devaluation",
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Devaluation refers to the systemic diminution of perceived worth and inherent beauty assigned to coils, kinks, and waves, particularly within Black and mixed-race hair communities."
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            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Hair Devaluation names the pervasive societal dismissal of Black and mixed-race hair's inherent qualities, textures, and traditional care methods."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/why-did-textured-hair-face-historical-devaluation/
