# Why Do Historical Laws Persist in Textured Hair Bias? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-07
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

![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)

![The monochrome composition draws focus to the detailed braid patterns and the textured bun, emphasizing the importance of protective styles in Black hair traditions. This image celebrates hair styling as a powerful form of heritage expression and individual identity through holistic hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portraiture-woman-protective-hairstyling-braids-twisted-bun-with.jpg)

## Roots

Consider the coiled strand, each curve a testament to a journey spanning continents and generations, each spring a silent declaration of survival. It is more than mere protein; it is a living archive, bearing the weight of ancestral memory, whispered wisdom, and the sun’s ancient touch. This vital connection, a vibrant heritage expressed through our very crowning glory, has, through the ages, become a target of decree and control, shaping the very understanding of who we are in the wider world. 

To truly grasp why past mandates hold sway in perceptions of textured hair, one must journey to the foundations, recognizing the sheer biological wonder that has been historically misunderstood and, worse, maligned. The very structure of textured hair, often seen as a departure from a singular, linear ideal, is instead a masterwork of natural design. Its elliptical cross-section, unlike the rounder form of many other hair types, facilitates its distinctive curl and coil patterns. This inherent architecture, far from being a flaw, grants it an exceptional capacity for volume and protective styling, guarding the scalp and strands from environmental elements.

Research has even shown that across various human populations, curly hair arises from a curved follicle and some form of asymmetry in the mitotic zone around the dermal papilla within the follicle itself (Clinical and anthropological perspectives, 2015). This biological blueprint, deeply tied to the adaptations of ancestral communities across diverse climates, should command reverence.

The perception of hair, particularly its texture and form, shifted dramatically with the advent of colonial expansion and the horrific system of transatlantic enslavement. In many traditional African communities, hair was a profound visual language, communicating tribal identity, marital status, age, wealth, and social rank. Styles were meticulously crafted, often serving as intricate maps for escape routes during times of duress or conveying complex mathematical concepts through braiding patterns. This rich heritage, however, confronted a brutal imposition of new ideals in the so-called New World. 

> The historical devaluation of textured hair stripped away its ancestral significance, transforming it into a marker of subjugation.
One particularly stark example of this legal imposition arises from the late 18th century. In 1786, the governor of Louisiana issued the **Tignon Laws**, which mandated that free [Black women](/area/black-women/) in New Orleans conceal their elaborate hairstyles with a tignon, a simple headscarf. These women, renowned for their intricate and artful coiffures adorned with jewels and feathers, had, in the eyes of the colonial powers, attained a level of visibility and perceived social standing that challenged the racial hierarchy.

The law served a dual purpose: it visually asserted that free Black women were aligned with enslaved women, rather than with white women, and it aimed to curb their perceived social allure among white men. This early legal decree, though seemingly about appearance, held a deeper, more sinister intent: to strip away [cultural identity](/area/cultural-identity/) and maintain a rigid social order through the symbolic degradation of Black 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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-woman-applying-hair-mask-to-natural-black-hair-texture.jpg)

## How Did Eurocentric Views Shape Early Hair Classifications?

The imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards, which favored straight or loosely curled hair, began to define what was considered “acceptable” or “good” hair. This constructed ideal, often rooted in pseudoscientific notions, dismissed the inherent qualities of Afro-textured hair as “unruly,” “unprofessional,” or “unkempt”. Such labels were not merely aesthetic judgments; they were tools of systemic racism, designed to justify subjugation and marginalization. 

Traditional hair classification systems, even some seemingly neutral ones, have been critiqued for inadvertently perpetuating racial hierarchies. The **Irizarry [Hair Texture](/area/hair-texture/) Scale** (IHT), for instance, was developed as a more comprehensive framework to address both the physical and socio-cultural aspects of hair texture, challenging earlier systems that often reinforced biased perceptions. It underscores how hair texture has served as a primary identifier in racial and cultural contexts, sometimes even overshadowing skin tone in defining racial differences (Carrington, 2017). 

![The hairpin](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hammered-silver-hair-pin-for-styling-textured-hair-ancestral-adornment.jpg)

## Ancestral Wisdom and Hair’s Elemental Lexicon

Before the imposition of colonial ideals, the language surrounding hair in African societies was rich with specific terms and practices that honored its versatility and significance. This lexicon reflected a holistic understanding of hair care, deeply tied to community, spirituality, and well-being. 

- **Kinky Hair** ❉ A term now reclaimed, historically used pejoratively by oppressors, but descriptive of tightly coiled hair that stands proudly from the scalp.

- **Locs** ❉ More than a style, these matted coils often hold spiritual and cultural significance, representing a natural progression of hair and a deep connection to ancestry in many traditions.

- **Braids** ❉ Beyond their aesthetic appeal, historical accounts speak of braids carrying messages, embodying community bonds, and serving as a record of skill passed down through generations.
These terms and the practices they represent form a core part of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) heritage, standing in stark contrast to the narratives of disdain later imposed through legal and societal norms. The very act of caring for and styling textured hair, using methods passed down through time, became a quiet act of resistance against laws designed to erase that heritage. 

![The image celebrates the intimate act of nurturing textured hair, using rich ingredients on densely coiled strands, reflecting a commitment to holistic wellness and Black hair traditions. This ritual links generations through ancestral knowledge and the practice of self-love embodied in natural hair care](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-hair-cream-to-coiled-hair-a-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![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)

## Ritual

The threads of heritage, though strained by punitive laws, found ways to persist, coiled within the very rituals of styling and care. Hair styling for Black and mixed-race individuals has never simply been about aesthetics. It is a profound act of cultural memory, a living art form passed through generations, and a statement of identity in a world that often sought to dictate conformity. This intrinsic link meant that historical biases, codified into legal frameworks, inevitably seeped into the very spaces where styling occurred. 

The early 20th century, for instance, witnessed a growing pressure for Black people to alter their hair to conform to Eurocentric standards, a trend solidified by beauty entrepreneurs like Madam C.J. Walker, who popularized products for straightening hair. While Walker’s business acumen made her a millionaire, her legacy also reflects the societal pressures of the time, where straightened hair was often seen as essential for social and economic advancement, particularly in professional settings. The very tools of styling, like the hot comb, became symbols of a coerced assimilation, despite the ingenuity behind their development. 

> Styling textured hair became a subtle rebellion, a quiet testament to enduring cultural identity in the face of imposed uniformity.

![The image beautifully captures the fusion of modern styling and natural hair texture. With a stylish undercut and expertly styled wave, the subject embodies a bold and graceful sense of identity and cultural pride through her expressive hair design, celebrating individuality](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-showcasing-textured-hair-styles-and-modern-undercut-design.jpg)

## How Did Styling Traditions Become Legal Battlegrounds?

The mid-20th century saw a powerful resurgence of [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) as a symbol of Black pride and resistance, particularly during the [Civil Rights](/area/civil-rights/) and Black Power movements. Icons like Angela Davis sported afros, transforming natural hair into a powerful symbol of defiance against white American beauty standards. Yet, as natural hairstyles gained prominence, they quickly became a flashpoint for legal conflict. 

Courts began to grapple with cases of hair discrimination, often yielding inconsistent results. For instance, in the 1976 case of **Jenkins v. Blue Cross Mutual Hospital Insurance**, the U.S.

Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld a race discrimination lawsuit against an employer for bias against afros, asserting that such styles were protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This ruling offered a glimmer of legal recognition for natural Black hair.

However, this precedent did not universally extend protection to all natural styles. A contrasting outcome emerged in 1981 when a Black woman sued American Airlines because the company required her to remove her braids. The court sided with the airline, arguing that braids were a “mutable” or changeable characteristic, not an immutable racial trait, and therefore not protected in the same way as an afro. This distinction created a problematic legal loophole, allowing discrimination against cultural hairstyles that were deeply rooted in Black heritage. 

![The image conveys a moment of intimate care, as hands apply a rich moisturizer to tightly coiled hair, celebrating the beauty and strength of Black hair traditions and holistic care. This act embodies cultural identity, ancestral connection, and wellness for expressive styling, nourishing the hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/nourishing-textured-hair-deep-moisture-treatment-application-black-and-white.jpg)

## Protective Styling as an Encyclopedia of Heritage

The array of [protective styles](/area/protective-styles/) common within Black and mixed-race communities represents a living encyclopedia of ancestral knowledge. These styles were designed not only for beauty but for the health and preservation of the hair, often reflecting specific cultural origins. 

- **Cornrows** ❉ Intricate braided patterns lying flat against the scalp, with roots in ancient African civilizations, used to signify social status and tribal lineage.

- **Bantu Knots** ❉ Small, coiled buns, tracing their lineage back to the Zulu people of Southern Africa, serving as both a protective style and a cultural marker.

- **Twists** ❉ A versatile style that involves twisting two sections of hair around each other, originating from various African traditions, safeguarding the hair while allowing for moisture retention.
These protective styles, often misinterpreted or deemed “unprofessional” in dominant white spaces, carry profound heritage. They are tangible links to a past where [hair care](/area/hair-care/) was a communal practice, a source of aesthetic expression, and a means of preserving identity in hostile environments. The legal battles over these styles underscore the enduring struggle for the recognition of [textured hair heritage](/area/textured-hair-heritage/) as an intrinsic aspect of racial identity. 

The workplace, in particular, remained a site of significant hair bias. A 2019 study, further supported by the 2023 CROWN Workplace Research Study, revealed that 80% of Black women are more likely than non-Black women to feel they had to alter their hair to conform to workplace standards. The same study found that Black women with natural or braided hairstyles were consistently rated as “less ready” for job performance. This alarming statistic clearly demonstrates the pervasive, ongoing impact of historical biases on economic and professional opportunities. 

![This captivating portrait highlights the artistry of braided protective styles, connecting to ancestral roots and holistic hair care practices. The subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-portrait-with-braided-protective-hairstyle-and-expressive-gaze.jpg)

![The image reflects a heritage of natural Black hair care. It reveals a deep bond between women as hair nourishment is applied directly to the scalp](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/melanin-rich-skin-tending-to-natural-black-hair-coils-with-ancient-wisdom.jpg)

## Relay

The echoes of historical prejudice reverberate in the ongoing struggle for textured hair acceptance, yet the spirit of [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) offers a profound framework for resilience and forward motion. The persistence of biased laws, whether explicit or subtly embedded in institutional policies, traces back to the historical policing of Black and Brown bodies, where hair served as a visible marker for control and social stratification. This complex interplay of history, biology, and lived experience forms the bedrock of modern advocacy for hair liberation. 

Consider the deep cultural implications of hair as a component of identity. From the 15th century, during the transatlantic slave trade, the shaving of heads was a deliberate act of cultural erasure, intended to strip newly enslaved Africans of their heritage and identity, which was often tied to specific hairstyles and grooming practices. This historical trauma established a lasting association between natural [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) and perceptions of being “unclean” or “unkempt,” a narrative that stubbornly persists in many spaces even today. 

> The enduring struggle for hair liberation is a testament to the resilient spirit of heritage against centuries of imposed norms.

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-volcanic-ash-sedimentation-representing-dense-textured-hair.jpg)

## How Do Systemic Biases Manifest in Contemporary Policies?

Despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which sought to prohibit employment discrimination based on race, a legal loophole often permitted bias against hair texture and specific Black hairstyles. Courts historically interpreted Title VII as not covering “mutable” characteristics, thereby excluding certain hairstyles from protection. This interpretation, however, disregards the intrinsic connection between hair, culture, and race, perpetuating a system that forces Black individuals to compromise their identity for social and economic acceptance. 

A compelling case demonstrating this systemic issue is that of **Chastity Jones**. In 2013, Ms. Jones, a Black woman in Alabama, was offered a customer service position, only for the offer to be rescinded when she refused to cut her locs, which the company deemed to violate their grooming policy.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit on her behalf, but the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately sided with the employer, upholding the district court’s ruling that locs were a “mutable” characteristic and therefore not protected under Title VII. This particular ruling underscores the inadequacies of existing anti-discrimination laws and highlights how a lack of understanding regarding afro-textured hair and its cultural significance underpins legal decisions.

This judicial stance, while often citing a supposed neutrality in grooming policies, effectively reinforces white standards of appearance as the default “professional” norm, creating a significant burden on Black individuals. It forces a choice between embracing one’s cultural identity and achieving economic advancement, a choice no person should have to face. 

![The elegant cornrow braids demonstrate a legacy of ancestral braiding, showcasing scalp health through strategic hair part placement, emphasizing the cultural significance of protective styles, hair density considerations, and low manipulation practices to support healthy textured hair growth rooted in natural hair traditions.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/cornrow-braids-on-young-black-girl-showcasing-scalp-health-and-shine.jpg)

## What Role Does the CROWN Act Play in Affirming Heritage?

The CROWN Act, standing for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” represents a modern legislative response to these persistent biases. Initiated in 2019 by California State Senator Holly Mitchell, it aims to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, such as braids, locs, twists, and knots, in workplaces and public schools. The movement has gained significant momentum, with over half of U.S. states enacting similar legislation as of July 2024. 

The significance of the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) transcends mere legal protection; it is a recognition of textured hair as an intrinsic aspect of racial identity and cultural heritage. By expanding the definition of race to include hair texture and styles, the Act directly addresses the systemic racism that has historically policed Black hair. It offers a critical step towards dismantling the deeply ingrained notion that Black hair in its natural state is “unprofessional” or “unacceptable,” fostering environments where individuals can express their cultural identity without fear of penalty. 

![This monochromatic portrait captures a moment of serene elegance, highlighting the texture and volume of a bold afro with expertly tapered lines. It is an invitation to contemplate ancestral roots, expressive styles, and holistic hair care, deeply rooted in Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-woman-with-afro-and-tapered-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## Ancestral Wellness and Holistic Care

The pursuit of hair health for textured strands often draws upon ancestral wisdom, long before modern science entered the conversation. This holistic approach views hair as an extension of one’s overall well-being, deeply connected to nutrition, spiritual practices, and environmental harmony. 

- **Herbal Infusions** ❉ Traditional practices across the African diaspora frequently employed natural herbs like aloe vera, fenugreek, and hibiscus to cleanse, strengthen, and moisturize hair, acknowledging the plant world’s bounty.

- **Protective Measures** ❉ Nighttime rituals involving silk or satin coverings, now codified as “bonnet wisdom,” derive from ancestral practices of protecting delicate strands from friction and moisture loss during sleep, preserving intricate styles and fostering healthy growth.

- **Communal Grooming** ❉ Historically, hair care was a communal activity, a time for sharing stories, imparting wisdom, and reinforcing social bonds. This collective aspect of care reinforced its significance beyond individual appearance.
The modern natural hair movement, supported by legislation like the CROWN Act, can be seen as a continuation of this ancestral legacy. It encourages individuals to rediscover and celebrate the biological and cultural beauty of their natural hair, creating a new narrative of acceptance and self-affirmation. This renewed emphasis on holistic care and respect for textured hair stands as a powerful counter-narrative to centuries of bias, weaving a path toward a future where heritage is unequivocally honored. 

![The intimate portrait celebrates ancestral heritage through intentional hair care, a woman lovingly coats her intensely coiled textured hair with a nourishing hair mask. A self-care ritual honoring the legacy of Black hair traditions, showcasing the commitment to healthy, expressive styling with holistic products](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-rich-hair-mask-to-intensely-coiled-textured-hair-at-home.jpg)

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

## Reflection

The journey through the intricate landscape of [textured hair bias](/area/textured-hair-bias/) reveals a profound truth: the coil, the wave, the loc, the braid ❉ each form carries the weight of a past where its existence was often deemed defiant, and the promise of a future where it stands celebrated. The historical decrees that sought to diminish Black and mixed-race hair were not merely legal codes. They were extensions of a deeper societal discomfort with difference, a persistent attempt to flatten the vibrant spectrum of human expression into a singular, often Eurocentric, ideal. Yet, through every challenge, the soul of a strand, rooted in ancestral soil, has refused to be severed. 

Our exploration of Why do historical laws persist in textured hair bias? unfurls a narrative of enduring resilience, a testament to the strength found in tradition and self-definition. From the colonial mandates designed to erase identity to the contemporary battles waged in boardrooms and classrooms, the underlying current remains a struggle for autonomy over one’s own crowning heritage. The textured hair, once a symbol of subjugation, now stands as a powerful beacon of self-acceptance, a living connection to ingenuity, and a vibrant marker of enduring cultural lineage.

It is a reminder that what was once legislated to oppress can, through collective will and renewed understanding, become a catalyst for liberation. The ongoing work involves not only legislative change but a re-education of hearts and minds, allowing each strand to tell its unfettered story, contributing to a truly inclusive tapestry of human beauty and history.

![Echoing generations of ancestral heritage, the craftsman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/artisanal-wooden-comb-held-by-hand-displaying-rich-textural-heritage.jpg)

![This striking visual evokes the raw, natural ingredients often at the heart of time-honored hair practices. From ancestral wisdom to modern holistic care, the image celebrates the rich heritage and nurturing traditions that fortify textured hair through generations of community](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-arrangement-of-natural-forms-evoking-heritage-textured-hair-care.jpg)

## References

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

- Dabiri, Emma. Don’t Touch My Hair. Penguin, 2019.

- Ellington, Tameka N. editor. Black Hair in a White World. Kent State University Press, 2023.

- Greene, D. Wendy. “Splitting Hairs: The Eleventh Circuit’s Take on Workplace Bans Against Black Women’s Natural Hair in EEOC v. Catastrophe Management Solutions.” University of Miami Law Review, vol. 71, 2017, pp. 987-1017.

- Jacobs, Lanita. From the Kitchen to the Parlor: Language and Community in African American Women’s Hair Care. Oxford University Press, 2006.

- Kelly, Monique D. A. and Stanley R. Bailey. “Racial inequality and the recognition of racial discrimination in Jamaica.” Social Identities, vol. 24, no. 6, 2018, pp. 688 ❉ 706.

- Sims, Regina N. David P. Pirtle, and Tiffany Johnson-Arnold. “The Person Beneath the Hair: Hair Discrimination, Health, and Well-Being.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 16, no. 8, 2023, pp. 46 ❉ 50.

- Weitz, Rose. Rapunzel’s Daughters: What Women’s Hair Tells Us About Women’s Lives. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004.

- Wingfield, Adia Harvey. Doing Business with Beauty: Black Women, Hair Salons, and the Racial Economy of Beauty. Stanford University Press, 2013.

## Glossary

### [Hairline Bias](https://roothea.co/area/hairline-bias/)

Meaning ❉ Hairline Bias refers to the disproportionate focus on the delicate perimeter strands, often called 'edges,' of textured hair, potentially overlooking the comprehensive well-being of the entire scalp and hair body.

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

Meaning ❉ The CROWN Act establishes legal protections against discrimination based on hair texture and styles frequently worn by individuals of Black or mixed heritage.

### [Melanin Bias](https://roothea.co/area/melanin-bias/)

Meaning ❉ Melanin Bias delicately points to the often-unacknowledged systemic oversight and misinterpretations surrounding hair types abundant in eumelanin and pheomelanin, particularly within the Black and mixed-race hair experience.

### [Protective Styles](https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/)

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.

### [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.

### [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.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ "Textured Hair Heritage" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries.

### [Systemic Bias](https://roothea.co/area/systemic-bias/)

Meaning ❉ Systemic bias, within the realm of textured hair understanding, refers to the inherent patterns within established systems, information streams, or routine practices that subtly disadvantage or misrepresent Black and mixed-race hair types.

### [Skin Tone Bias](https://roothea.co/area/skin-tone-bias/)

Meaning ❉ Skin Tone Bias, within the quiet study of textured hair understanding, denotes a subtle, often unconscious inclination favoring lighter skin tones, which historically influences perceptions of beauty and the perceived needs of hair.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Can Acknowledging Hair Ancestry Lessen Workplace Bias against Textured Styles?](https://roothea.co/question/can-acknowledging-hair-ancestry-lessen-workplace-bias-against-textured-styles/)
![The striking monochrome portrait reveals a child, their high porosity coiled hair accented by a flower. Ancestral heritage merges with individualized holistic expression as light emphasizes distinct textured formations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-child-with-coiled-hair-and-flower-adornment.jpg)

### [What Specific Historical Laws Targeted Black Hair in the Americas?](https://roothea.co/question/what-specific-historical-laws-targeted-black-hair-in-the-americas/)
![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.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-hands-braiding-black-textured-hair-ancestral-tradition-and.jpg)

### [How Have Historical Laws Impacted Textured Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-have-historical-laws-impacted-textured-hair-heritage/)
![This evocative portrait captures the essence of natural Black hair traditions through its textured coils, expressive styling, and confident gaze. It honors cultural heritage and celebrates modern beauty with its interplay of shadows, fostering dialogue on textured hair forms and identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-natural-coiled-hair-and-confident-gaze-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Kemetian Ingredients Persist in Textured Hair Care Today?](https://roothea.co/question/what-kemetian-ingredients-persist-in-textured-hair-care-today/)
![The stark contrast of monochrome emphasizes the textures and formations within this braided hairstyle, enriched with spiral accents. It honors black hair traditions while showcasing individuality, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the art of expressive styling and its cultural significance.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-elaborate-braids-and-spiral-adornments.jpg)

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Practices Persist?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-practices-persist/)
![Captured in monochrome, the wood hair fork embodies the intersection of tradition and modern design. A symbolic nod to ancestral heritage styling, this handcrafted piece resonates with contemporary holistic care, preserving the legacy of textured hair through artful form and mindful practices.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-wood-hair-fork-heritage-styling-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Hair Protection Methods Persist in Modern Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-hair-protection-methods-persist-in-modern-textured-hair-care/)
![This black and white study of light and form showcases a sleek, short textured hairstyle, reflecting contemporary elegance. Undulating hair designs enhance the model](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/sleek-short-hair-presentation-model-in-a-minimalist-setting.jpg)

### [In What Ways Do Ancestral Hair Care Traditions Persist in Modern Routines for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-ancestral-hair-care-traditions-persist-in-modern-routines-for-textured-hair/)
![Bathed in radiant sunlight, these Black and Brown women engage in the practice of styling their diverse textured hair patterns, highlighting ancestral heritage, affirming beauty standards, and demonstrating holistic haircare routines that honor coils, waves, springs, and undulations in a shared setting, reflecting community and self-love.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-brown-women-in-sunlight-styling-natural-textured-hair.jpg)

### [What Ancestral Techniques Persist in Contemporary Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/what-ancestral-techniques-persist-in-contemporary-textured-hair-care/)
![The concentrated clay embodies holistic hair care rituals, offering gentle cleansing and mineral nourishment for textured hair strands to promote health and longevity, echoing ancestral practices. Its simple presence honors the connection between earth, heritage, and the vitality of the scalp.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fine-clay-powder-composition-for-heritage-hair-mask-raw-ingredient.jpg)

### [What Historical Laws Specifically Targeted Black Women's Hair Expression?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-laws-specifically-targeted-black-womens-hair-expression/)
![The image](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-woman-adorned-with-braids-and-jewelry.jpg)

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        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Question"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-pottery-jar-high-angle-shot-ancestral-hair-ritual-context.jpg",
        "caption": "This monochromatic shot evokes a sense of history and tradition, suggesting the jar was used for preparing or storing natural ingredients for ancestral hair care rituals, highlighting the rich heritage and the significance of honoring the past through holistic beauty."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How did Eurocentric views shape early hair classifications?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The imposition of Eurocentric beauty standards, which favored straight or loosely curled hair, began to define what was considered \"acceptable\" or \"good\" hair. This constructed ideal, often rooted in pseudoscientific notions, dismissed the inherent qualities of Afro-textured hair as \"unruly,\" \"unprofessional,\" or \"unkempt\". Such labels were not merely aesthetic judgments; they were tools of systemic racism, designed to justify subjugation and marginalization.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How did styling traditions become legal battlegrounds?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The mid-20th century saw a powerful resurgence of natural hair as a symbol of Black pride and resistance, particularly during the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Icons like Angela Davis sported afros, transforming natural hair into a powerful symbol of defiance against white American beauty standards. Yet, as natural hairstyles gained prominence, they quickly became a flashpoint for legal conflict.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "How do systemic biases manifest in contemporary policies?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " Despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which sought to prohibit employment discrimination based on race, a legal loophole often permitted bias against hair texture and specific Black hairstyles. Courts historically interpreted Title VII as not covering \"mutable\" characteristics, thereby excluding certain hairstyles from protection. This interpretation, however, disregards the intrinsic connection between hair, culture, and race, perpetuating a system that forces Black individuals to compromise their identity for social and economic acceptance.\n"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Question",
            "name": "What role does the CROWN Act play in affirming heritage?",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "@type": "Answer",
                "text": " The CROWN Act, standing for \"Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,\" represents a modern legislative response to these persistent biases. Initiated in 2019 by California State Senator Holly Mitchell, it aims to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, such as braids, locs, twists, and knots, in workplaces and public schools. The movement has gained significant momentum, with over half of U.S. states enacting similar legislation as of July 2024.\n"
            }
        }
    ]
}
```

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{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/question/why-do-historical-laws-persist-in-textured-hair-bias/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@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/cultural-identity/",
            "name": "Cultural Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/cultural-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Cultural Identity, when considered through the lens of textured hair, represents a soft, abiding connection to the deep-seated wisdom of ancestral hair practices and the shared experiences of a community."
        },
        {
            "@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/textured-hair/",
            "name": "Textured Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured hair describes the natural hair structure characterized by its unique curl patterns, ranging from expansive waves to closely wound coils, a common trait across individuals of Black and mixed heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "name": "Natural Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hair describes hair that maintains its original structural configuration, untouched by chemical processes like relaxers, texturizers, or permanent color that alter its natural coil, curl, or wave definition."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "name": "Civil Rights",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/civil-rights/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Civil Rights, within the gentle landscape of textured hair understanding, points to the fundamental freedom and equal access allowing individuals with Black and mixed-race hair to define, care for, and present their unique hair identity without prejudice."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/protective-styles/",
            "name": "Protective Styles",
            "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."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Heritage",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-heritage/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Textured Hair Heritage\" denotes the deep-seated, historically transmitted understanding and practices specific to hair exhibiting coil, kink, and wave patterns, particularly within Black and mixed-race ancestries."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/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/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/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."
        },
        {
            "@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/textured-hair-bias/",
            "name": "Textured Hair Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/textured-hair-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Textured Hair Bias denotes a subtle, often unconscious leaning away from recognizing the inherent beauty and distinct needs of hair with natural curl, coil, or wave patterns, a perception often felt keenly by those with Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hairline-bias/",
            "name": "Hairline Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hairline-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hairline Bias refers to the disproportionate focus on the delicate perimeter strands, often called 'edges,' of textured hair, potentially overlooking the comprehensive well-being of the entire scalp and hair body."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/melanin-bias/",
            "name": "Melanin Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/melanin-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Melanin Bias delicately points to the often-unacknowledged systemic oversight and misinterpretations surrounding hair types abundant in eumelanin and pheomelanin, particularly within the Black and mixed-race hair experience."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/systemic-bias/",
            "name": "Systemic Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/systemic-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Systemic bias, within the realm of textured hair understanding, refers to the inherent patterns within established systems, information streams, or routine practices that subtly disadvantage or misrepresent Black and mixed-race hair types."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/skin-tone-bias/",
            "name": "Skin Tone Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/skin-tone-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Skin Tone Bias, within the quiet study of textured hair understanding, denotes a subtle, often unconscious inclination favoring lighter skin tones, which historically influences perceptions of beauty and the perceived needs of hair."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/why-do-historical-laws-persist-in-textured-hair-bias/
