# Maori Hair Care ❉ Term

**Published:** 2025-05-30
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Term

---

![The focused examination of spiraled textured hair in this image evokes the deep connection between self-care, heritage, and the deliberate art of nurturing ancestral hair patterns emphasizing the importance of thoughtful hair practices and highlighting the inherent beauty found within textured hair.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/womans-hands-examining-twisted-strands-black-textured-hair-against-neutral.jpg)

![Embracing ancestral heritage, the portrait celebrates textured hair with carefully placed braids, a visual narrative resonating with expressive styling and holistic care. The interplay of light and shadow reinforces the strength of identity, mirroring the beauty and resilience inherent in the natural hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-with-braided-hair-accents-and-textured-hair.jpg)

## Fundamentals

The Maori Hair Care, at its most fundamental, represents a collection of traditional practices, beliefs, and ingredients utilized by the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) for the health, styling, and spiritual well-being of their hair. This body of knowledge is deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, reflecting a profound connection between hair, identity, and the natural world. It is an elucidation of how [ancestral wisdom](/area/ancestral-wisdom/) guided daily rituals, transforming simple acts of grooming into expressions of [mana](/area/mana/) and connection to the spiritual realm. The practices often center on respecting the sacredness of the head, a concept known as **tapu**, and utilizing indigenous plants for their restorative and protective properties. 

The meaning of [Maori Hair Care](/area/maori-hair-care/) extends beyond mere aesthetics; it encompasses a holistic approach where hair is viewed as an extension of one’s life force and lineage. The term signifies a legacy of care passed down through generations, emphasizing natural approaches and a reverence for the environment. It provides a foundational description of a heritage-rich system, a stark contrast to many contemporary, chemically-driven [hair care](/area/hair-care/) regimens. 

![This evocative portrait invites contemplation on Maasai beauty ideals the short, meticulously coiled hairstyle is a profound expression of cultural identity and ancestral heritage, while her direct gaze and traditional adornments narrate stories of resilience and the enduring strength of indigenous traditions.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-maasai-woman-displaying-traditional-hairstyle-and.jpg)

## Elemental Understandings of Hair

For the Māori, hair is not merely a biological appendage; it holds a sacred designation. The head, being the most elevated part of the body, is considered highly **tapu**, making hair an important aspect of this sacredness. This spiritual dimension influences every aspect of Maori Hair Care, from the selection of tools to the methods of disposal for hair clippings. The intrinsic connection between hair and an individual’s mana, or spiritual power and prestige, means that [hair care practices](/area/hair-care-practices/) are intertwined with social status and personal identity. 

> Maori Hair Care is a living archive of ancestral wisdom, where each strand carries the weight of cultural identity and spiritual connection.

![The monochrome image evokes timeless beauty, showcasing the intricate coiled hair style and radiant skin. This portrait emphasizes the richness of Black hair traditions, promoting natural hair expression and holistic hair wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-elegant-black-woman-with-coiled-natural-hair.jpg)

## Traditional Ingredients and Their Purpose

Ancestral [Māori hair](/area/maori-hair/) care relied heavily on the bounty of the land, utilizing plants with known beneficial properties. These natural resources were not simply chosen for their efficacy but also for their spiritual resonance and availability within the local ecosystem. The collection and preparation of these ingredients were often accompanied by specific protocols, reflecting the deep respect for the natural world. 

- **Tītoki berries** ❉ Pressed to yield a sweet-smelling oil, this was a primary ingredient for nourishing and conditioning hair, providing a natural luster.

- **Kawakawa (Macropiper excelsum)** ❉ This native plant, known for its bitter taste, was a significant component in Rongoā Māori, the traditional Māori medicine system. Its leaves were used for their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for scalp health.

- **Harakeke (New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax)** ❉ The gel from harakeke offered moisturizing and healing properties, applied to support scalp health and condition the hair.

![This striking black and white image honors the beauty of naturally coiled hair, blending modern fashion with ancestral pride, highlighting holistic hair care practices, and encouraging expressive styling within Black heritage, promoting discussions around textured hair forms and diverse hair narratives.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-bold-afro-and-sleek-attire.jpg)

![Moringa seeds, captured in stark monochrome, symbolize a connection to ancient beauty rituals and the revitalization of holistic hair care for diverse textured hair. These seeds embody a legacy where tradition and natural ingredients converged, enriching well-being through mindful hair care practices and ancestral heritage](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/moringa-seeds-holistic-hair-care-ingredient-in-black-and-white-detail.jpg)

## Intermediate

The intermediate understanding of Maori Hair Care moves beyond the basic ingredients and practices, delving into the nuanced cultural contexts and the profound significance woven into every aspect of its application. It is an exploration of how these traditions functioned as a coherent system, reflecting societal structures, spiritual beliefs, and the enduring resilience of Māori identity, particularly in the face of external influences. This section offers a more detailed description of the rituals and their underlying meaning, highlighting the ancestral wisdom that informs modern interpretations of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) care. 

![This black and white study captures a young girl](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-with-voluminous-afro-textured-hair-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

## The Sacredness of the Head and Hair: Tapu

The concept of **tapu**, denoting sacredness or restriction, is central to understanding Maori Hair Care. The head is considered the most **tapu** part of the body, making any interaction with hair a matter of considerable cultural sensitivity and protocol. This belief system shaped who could touch hair, how it was styled, and even how discarded hair was managed.

For instance, a person of higher status, a **rangatira**, was traditionally the only individual permitted to dress the hair of another of high standing, ensuring the sacredness of the person’s head remained uncompromised. This practice underlines a deep respect for personal mana and the communal responsibility for upholding spiritual well-being.

> Hair in Māori culture transcends its physical form, serving as a powerful conduit for mana and a living testament to ancestral ties.
The removal of hair, even in mourning, carried specific implications. An unkempt appearance, known as **rapa mamae**, could signify grief. This practice was a visible expression of an internal state, a public acknowledgment of loss that communicated meaning to the wider community. The significance of hair in expressing identity and status is not unique to Māori culture; similar patterns appear across various indigenous and Black diasporic communities, where hair serves as a profound marker of heritage and self. 

![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](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-classic-dress.jpg)

## Styling as a Cultural Statement

Maori hairstyles were far from arbitrary; they served as visual statements of social status, tribal affiliation, and even mythological connections. The practice of wearing **top knots**, known by various names such as **tiki**, **pūtiki**, **tikitiki**, **tuki**, **koukou**, and **rāhiri**, was particularly favored by high-ranking Māori individuals. These elaborate styles, often adorned with feathers, leaves, or flowers, were expressions of prestige and connection to the land. 

The evolution of these styles, especially following colonization, reflects the adaptability of Māori traditions. While some European writers generically described these styles as “top knots,” losing some of the specific cultural designations, the spirit of adornment and identity persisted. The continued use of bone-carved combs, or **heru**, for special occasions, even today, demonstrates the enduring legacy of these practices. These combs were not merely functional; they were often intricately carved from wood or whale bone, signifying the wearer’s rank. 

![The tightly coiled hair form, presented in stark monochrome, celebrates heritage while highlighting the intricate patterns and inherent beauty. Emphasizing holistic care and ancestral practices, the play of light and shadow accentuates the hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-monochromatic-study-of-textured-hairs-intricate-spring-like.jpg)

## Connecting to Broader Textured Hair Heritage

The ancestral practices of Maori Hair Care offer compelling parallels to the hair experiences of Black and mixed-race communities across the diaspora. In many African cultures, hair holds deep ontological and spiritual significance, representing identity, status, and even religious connection. The forced shaving of hair during the transatlantic slave trade, for instance, was a deliberate act to strip enslaved Africans of their visual identity, tribal affiliation, and spiritual connection. This act of dehumanization underscores the profound cultural weight placed on hair in these communities. 

Similarly, Indigenous peoples globally have faced attempts to suppress their [traditional hair practices](/area/traditional-hair-practices/) through colonial policies, such as the forced cutting of children’s hair in residential schools. Despite these historical traumas, a resurgence of cultural pride has seen a revitalization of [traditional hair](/area/traditional-hair/) customs, as hair continues to serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural connection. The Māori experience with hair care, therefore, offers a unique yet universally resonant example of how hair acts as a vessel for heritage, memory, and enduring identity in the face of historical adversity. 

![The image beautifully captures the essence of textured hair artistry, reflecting ancestral heritage through expert sectioning and styling techniques. This moment highlights the care, tradition, and precision inherent in nurturing coiled hair formations, celebrating the legacy and beauty of Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-textured-hair-parting-and-styling-process.jpg)

![Women braid textured hair, passing down ancestral techniques in a scene celebrating Black hair traditions. This practice demonstrates deep commitment to heritage while emphasizing beauty, self-expression, and the significance of communal support for holistic hair wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/women-braiding-textured-hair-cultural-exchange-and-hair-care-practices.jpg)

## Academic

The academic definition of Maori Hair Care extends beyond a mere cataloging of practices; it represents a profound interpretation of [indigenous knowledge](/area/indigenous-knowledge/) systems, ethnobotanical science, and the intricate interplay of cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and historical resilience, particularly as it relates to textured hair heritage. This elucidation considers Maori Hair Care as a complex phenomenon, a living testament to human ingenuity and deep ecological understanding, meticulously preserved and adapted through generations. It is a delineation of a care system that fundamentally understands hair as a biological entity imbued with spiritual and social meaning, offering profound insights for the broader discourse on Black and mixed-race hair experiences. 

![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)

## Meaning of Maori Hair Care: A Delineation of Interconnectedness

Maori Hair Care, from an academic perspective, is the integrated system of practices, beliefs, and material culture that historically and contemporaneously governs the maintenance, styling, and spiritual significance of hair within Māori society. Its meaning is rooted in the concept of **mana**, an individual’s prestige and spiritual power, and **tapu**, the sacredness of the head. This designation elevates hair care beyond cosmetic concern to a ritualized expression of identity, social standing, and connection to the ancestral realm.

The explication of Maori Hair Care requires an understanding of **Rongoā Māori**, the traditional healing system that integrates herbal remedies, physical therapies, and spiritual healing. The selection of indigenous plants like **kawakawa** and **tītoki** for hair treatments is not arbitrary; it stems from generations of empirical observation and spiritual reverence for the natural world.

This approach to hair care offers a compelling lens through which to examine the broader experiences of textured hair globally. The profound emphasis on natural ingredients and holistic well-being in Maori Hair Care parallels traditional hair care practices observed in many African and diasporic communities, where botanicals were central to maintaining hair health and symbolic meaning. An ethnobotanical study on hair care plants in the Afar region of Northeastern Ethiopia, for instance, identified 17 plant species used for hair and skin care, with a high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) of 0.95, indicating strong agreement among community members regarding their traditional uses. This shared reliance on indigenous plant knowledge underscores a universal ancestral wisdom concerning natural hair care, even across disparate geographical contexts. 

![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)

## Echoes from the Source: Elemental Biology and Ancient Practices

The foundational understanding of Maori Hair Care begins with the [elemental biology](/area/elemental-biology/) of hair itself, interpreted through an ancestral worldview. The Māori recognized the inherent qualities of various hair textures and developed care regimens that honored these distinctions. While specific scientific terms were not used, the practical application of oils from **tītoki berries** and the gel from **harakeke** suggests an intuitive comprehension of moisture retention and [scalp health](/area/scalp-health/) crucial for hair with a tendency towards dryness or fragility. 

Ancient practices involved meticulous grooming with tools such as the **heru**, intricately carved combs often made from wood or whale bone. These combs were not merely functional; they were artifacts of cultural expression, their designs often carrying symbolic meaning related to lineage or status. The act of hairdressing itself was a social ritual, particularly for those of high rank, where only individuals of superior status could attend to their hair, safeguarding the **tapu** of the head. This structured approach to care underscores a deep understanding of hair’s vulnerability and its need for respectful handling, a wisdom that resonates deeply with the specific care requirements of textured hair. 

The systematic preservation of hair knowledge within Māori communities, despite colonial pressures, highlights the deep cultural value placed on this aspect of identity.

The historical context of Maori Hair Care also includes the impact of colonization. As Māori began to adopt colonial dress, they also incorporated European hairstyles, leading to a shift in some traditional practices. However, the spiritual and cultural significance of hair persisted, often adapting rather than disappearing entirely. This historical resilience, the ability to maintain and revitalize cultural practices despite external pressures, offers a parallel to the experiences of Black and mixed-race communities who have continuously redefined and reclaimed their hair narratives.

The deliberate act of forcibly cutting Indigenous children’s hair in residential schools, aimed at dehumanization and cultural erasure, stands as a stark reminder of the power dynamics associated with hair in colonial contexts. Yet, the resurgence of traditional [hair practices](/area/hair-practices/) among Indigenous peoples demonstrates a powerful reclamation of identity and cultural continuity.

![This evocative photograph celebrates the elegance and cultural significance of textured hair, styled with silver adornments, drawing attention to the inherent beauty and expressive potential found in Black hair traditions, while subtly narrating ancestral heritage and holistic approaches to hair care through artistic presentation.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-long-textured-hair-and-embellishments-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## The Tender Thread: Living Traditions of Care and Community

The living traditions of Maori Hair Care are expressed through a tender thread of communal practices and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The preparation of traditional remedies, such as oils from **tītoki berries** or infusions from **kawakawa leaves**, often involved collective effort, reinforcing community bonds. These practices were not isolated acts but were woven into the daily rhythms of life, passed down from elders to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of ancestral wisdom. 

The concept of **Rongoā Māori**, the traditional Māori healing system, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the holistic nature of Maori Hair Care. Within this system, plants like **kawakawa** were utilized not only for their physical benefits to the hair and scalp but also for their spiritual properties, contributing to overall well-being. This integrated approach, where physical care is inseparable from spiritual and communal health, offers a profound model for textured hair wellness that extends beyond product application. It underscores the idea that true hair care is a reflection of self-care, community care, and reverence for one’s heritage. 

The oral traditions surrounding hair care, including stories of mythological figures and their hairstyles, further emphasize the deep cultural embedding of these practices. These narratives served to transmit knowledge, values, and a sense of collective identity, reinforcing the significance of hair as a cultural marker. The importance of hair in African cultures, for instance, is well-documented, with hairstyles communicating leadership status, mourning, class, and religious connections. This shared emphasis on hair as a language of identity creates a powerful connection between Māori hair care and the broader textured hair heritage. 

> The resilience of ancestral hair practices, like those of the Māori, offers a profound blueprint for contemporary textured hair care, grounded in holistic well-being and cultural affirmation.

![The Dogon man’s intense gaze and carefully braided hair, combined with the traditional mask, create a powerful visual narrative on heritage and identity. Textured hair patterns add visual depth and resonate with holistic hair care principles and styling practices in diverse mixed-race contexts](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dogon-mans-striking-portrait-with-traditional-mask-and-braided-hair.jpg)

## The Unbound Helix: Voicing Identity and Shaping Futures

The enduring legacy of Maori Hair Care continues to voice identity and shape futures, particularly within the evolving landscape of textured hair experiences. The resurgence of interest in traditional Māori healing practices, including **Rongoā Māori**, reflects a broader movement towards reclaiming indigenous knowledge and asserting cultural sovereignty. This revitalization of ancestral hair care practices is not merely a return to the past; it is a dynamic process of adaptation and innovation, where ancient wisdom informs contemporary approaches to hair health and identity. 

For individuals with textured hair, particularly those of Black and mixed-race heritage, the insights from Maori Hair Care offer a powerful affirmation of their own ancestral traditions. The shared understanding of hair as a sacred extension of self, a repository of heritage, and a symbol of resilience, creates a bridge across diverse cultural landscapes. The experience of Black women in the diaspora, for whom hair and hairstyles are evidence of rituals practiced throughout generations, resonates with the Māori emphasis on hair as a communicative medium. (Rosado, 2003, p.

61). This perspective highlights the enduring power of hair to connect individuals to their collective past and to express their unique identity in the present.

The ongoing exploration of Maori Hair Care, therefore, contributes to a richer, more inclusive understanding of global hair traditions. It provides a robust framework for recognizing the inherent value and scientific validity of indigenous knowledge systems, urging a departure from Eurocentric beauty standards that have historically marginalized textured hair. By embracing the wisdom embedded in Maori Hair Care, we can foster a future where textured hair is not only celebrated for its unique beauty but also revered for its profound cultural and historical significance. The preservation and promotion of these practices serve as a powerful act of self-determination and cultural continuity, ensuring that the stories held within each strand continue to be heard and honored. 

![The timeless black and white image depicts a poignant moment as a grandmother and grandchild prepare traditional hair remedies from natural ingredients, reflecting deep-rooted ancestral care passed down through generations and reinforcing the importance of holistic practices for textured hair wellness.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-heritage-grandmother-and-grandchild-preparing-natural-hair-remedy.jpg)

![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)

## Reflection on the Heritage of Maori Hair Care

As we close this meditation on Maori Hair Care, a sense of profound reverence settles, recognizing it not as a static historical artifact, but as a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of the Māori people. Each carefully chosen botanical, each meticulously styled knot, each whispered karakia, speaks to a lineage of wisdom that understands hair as more than keratin and pigment. It is a conduit for **mana**, a physical manifestation of ancestral connection, and a silent storyteller of identity and resilience. The Soul of a Strand ethos finds its deepest resonance here, affirming that textured hair, in its myriad forms, carries the weight and wonder of generations. 

The journey through Maori Hair Care, from the elemental biology of its native plants to the complex social tapestries woven into its styles, reveals a profound respect for the inherent power within each strand. It is a heritage that reminds us that care is not just about external application, but about internal alignment ❉ a harmony between self, community, and the natural world. The echoes of **tītoki oil** on a scalp, the purposeful placement of a **heru**, or the careful observance of **tapu**, all speak to a holistic approach that acknowledges the spiritual, physical, and emotional dimensions of hair.

This legacy extends an invitation to all who seek a deeper connection with their own textured hair heritage, encouraging a mindful return to practices that honor the sacredness of our crowns. In this living library of Roothea, Maori Hair Care stands as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a future where every textured strand is celebrated as a cherished link to a vibrant, unbroken past.

![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 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)

## References

- Hoffman, P. (2020). Discovering Tikanga Maori Hair Traditions. colleen salon stories.

- BarberSets. (2024). The Cultural Significance of Hair: Exploring Different Traditions. BarberSets Blog.

- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (2013). Hairstyles. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

- Landry, A. (2023). What My Mother Taught Me About My Hair. Chatelaine.

- Tuwharetoa Bone. (2023). Maori Heru and Hairstyles: A Cultural Journey. Polynesian Pride Blog.

- Gone, J. P. (2013). Historical Trauma, Race-Based Trauma, and Resilience of Indigenous Peoples: A Literature Review. First Peoples Child & Family Review, 5 (1), 126-136.

- Polynesian Pride Blog. (2023). Maori Traditional Clothing: A Timeless Cultural Treasure. Polynesian Pride Blog.

- Rangi, T. M. (2017). What hairstyles meant to our Māori ancestors. The Spinoff.

- Talkpal. (n.d.). Beauty and Personal Care in Maori. Talkpal Blog.

- Mamo, A. Tesfaye, A. & Asfaw, Z. (2025). Plants used for hair and skin health care by local communities of Afar, Northeastern Ethiopia. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 21 (1), 29.

- Triumph & Disaster NZ. (n.d.). Ingredients. Triumph & Disaster NZ.

- Omotoso, K. (2016). The Ontology of Hair and Identity Crises in African Literature. PhilArchive.

- Ndikau, M. Ng’ang’a, P. M. & Okemo, P. (2023). Cosmetopoeia of African Plants in Hair Treatment and Care: Topical Nutrition and the Antidiabetic Connection? MDPI, 12 (3), 466.

- Administration for Children and Families. (n.d.). Indigenous Community Projects: Addressing Colonization through Using Culture as a Protective Factor. The Administration for Children and Families.

- Sieber, R. & Herreman, F. (2000). Hair in African Art and Culture. Museum for African Art.

- Cultural Survival. (2020). Honoring the Spiritual Legacy, Resiliency, & Healing Power of Our Ancestors Through Indigenous Customary Hair Traditions. Cultural Survival Quarterly.

- Nyela, O. (2021). Braided Archives: Black hair as a site of diasporic transindividuation. (Master’s thesis). York University.

- Wijekoon, W. A. M. S. & Bandara, B. M. R. (2018). Cosmetic ethnobotanical applications for Hair Care. ResearchGate.

- Suryawanshi, N. S. & Deshpande, A. M. (2021). ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR HAIR TREATMENT BY TRIBALS OF DHARAMPUR TALUKA, GUJARAT. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 10 (1), 1227-1232.

- Victoria University of Wellington. (n.d.). Tikanga Customary practices guide. Victoria University of Wellington.

- The Wellbeing Store. (n.d.). Hair Growth Oil. The Wellbeing Store.

- Suryawanshi, N. S. & Deshpande, A. M. (2021). ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR HAIR TREATMENT BY TRIBALS OF DHARAMPUR TALUKA, GUJARAT. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 10 (1), 1227-1232.

- Library of Congress. (n.d.). Heavy is the Head: Evolution of African Hair in America from the 17th c. to the 20th c. Library of Congress.

- Lashley, M. (2017). The importance of hair in the identity of Black people. Érudit, 44 (2), 245 ❉ 262.

- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Canada’s Colonial Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: A Review of the Psychosocial and Neurobiological Processes Linking Trauma and Intergenerational Outcomes. PubMed Central.

- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (2011). Tohunga. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

- Triumph & Disaster AU. (n.d.). Ingredients. Triumph & Disaster AU.

- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (2011). Traditional Māori religion ❉ ngā karakia a te Māori. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

- Natures Therapeutics. (n.d.). Tane Kawakawa Hair N Scalp Oil. Natures Therapeutics.

- Riley, M. (1994). Māori healing and herbal: New Zealand ethnobotanical sourcebook. Viking Sevenseas.

- Xtend-Life. (n.d.). Harakeke Flax Oil. Xtend-Life.

- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (2013). Māori clothing and adornment ❉ kākahu Māori. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

- Intrinsic Aura. (n.d.). Traditional Māori Healing. Intrinsic Aura.

- Canopy. (n.d.). Ngā rākau rongoā Medicinal plants. Canopy.

- University of Nebraska-Lincoln. (n.d.). Kākahu as Cultural Identity. UNL Digital Commons.

- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Māori culture. Wikipedia.

- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (2007). Rongoā ❉ medicinal use of plants. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

- Shima Seiki – AUT. (2019). Te Kāuru Hou ❉ a new leaf: Processing Harakeke (Phormium Tenax) for WholeGarment® Knitting Technology. Shima Seiki – AUT.

- Wintec. (2024). Century old harakeke gifted to Wintec Māori Midwifery students as resource to make Muka Pito. Wintec News.

- Te Kura. (n.d.). Social Studies. Te Kura.

- Aotea Health. (n.d.). 3 Native Plants Used In Māori Medicine. Aotea Health.

## Glossary

### [Maori Hair Culture](https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-culture/)

Meaning ❉ Maori Hair Culture refers to the historical and ongoing practices surrounding hair within Māori communities, a rich body of knowledge offering a unique lens for understanding textured hair.

### [Māori Hair](https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Māori Hair, often recognized for its inherent strength and varying patterns from soft waves to defined curls, offers a thoughtful lens through which to consider the broader spectrum of textured hair.

### [Titoki Oil](https://roothea.co/area/titoki-oil/)

Meaning ❉ Titoki Oil, a precious botanical offering from the Aotearoa landscape, gently supports the unique needs of textured hair.

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

Meaning ❉ Indigenous Hair Practices gently point to the ancestral knowledge systems and time-honored methodologies developed by various Black and mixed-heritage communities across generations for the care and styling of naturally coily, kinky, and curly hair textures.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair Care Practices, within the delicate realm of textured hair, denote the considered approaches and consistent applications individuals gently employ to support the inherent well-being and distinct patterns of their coils, curls, and waves.

### [Tapu](https://roothea.co/area/tapu/)

Meaning ❉ Tapu, within the realm of textured hair understanding, denotes a sacred reverence for the inherent sanctity and distinct boundaries surrounding ancestral hair care wisdom and the unique structure of Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Elemental Biology](https://roothea.co/area/elemental-biology/)

Meaning ❉ Elemental Biology, when applied to textured hair, signifies a fundamental comprehension of the hair fiber's innate structure and its responsive characteristics within varied conditions.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair and Identity signifies the tender link between one's hair and their very sense of self, particularly for individuals with Black or mixed-race textured hair.

### [Indigenous Knowledge](https://roothea.co/area/indigenous-knowledge/)

Meaning ❉ Indigenous Knowledge, within the sphere of textured hair, signifies the generations-long wisdom passed down, especially among Black and mixed communities.

### [Maori Hair Mana](https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-mana/)

Meaning ❉ Maori Hair Mana, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, gently guides us toward the inherent dignity and spiritual authority residing within one's strands, especially pertinent for Black and mixed-race hair identities.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Do Traditional African Hair Rituals Continue to Inform Contemporary Textured Hair Care Methods and Identity?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-traditional-african-hair-rituals-continue-to-inform-contemporary-textured-hair-care-methods-and-identity/)
![Evoking ancestral hair traditions, this intimate scene captures one woman gently brushing another’s textured formations amidst lush greenery, symbolizing a tender exchange of wellness, heritage, and mutual care. This intimate exchange embodies holistic hair rituals deeply tied to Black and mixed ancestry hair experiences.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-two-women-textured-hair-care-black-and-mixed-heritage.jpg)

### [Can Ancestral Hair Practices Improve Modern Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancestral-hair-practices-improve-modern-textured-hair-care/)
![The monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty of braided textured hair, echoing ancestral strength and cultural expression. The meticulous braiding technique highlights the diverse styling possibilities within Black hair traditions, while the subject](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

### [Can Modern Hair Science Validate Ancestral Hair Care Wisdom for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/can-modern-hair-science-validate-ancestral-hair-care-wisdom-for-textured-hair/)
![The quiet moment of detangling textured hair reflects a deeper commitment to holistic self-care practices rooted in honoring ancestral hair traditions, where each coil and spring is gently nurtured and celebrated, showcasing the beauty and resilience of Black hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-detangling-textured-hair-near-window.jpg)

### [Which Ancient African Hair Practices Influenced Modern Textured Hair Care Routines?](https://roothea.co/question/which-ancient-african-hair-practices-influenced-modern-textured-hair-care-routines/)
![Her confident gaze and abundant coils celebrate the beauty and diversity of Afro textured hair, a potent symbol of self-acceptance and ancestral pride. The portrait invites reflection on identity, resilience, and the holistic care practices essential for nurturing textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-beautiful-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-natural.jpg)

### [Can Historical Hair Care Practices Offer Holistic Benefits for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/can-historical-hair-care-practices-offer-holistic-benefits-for-textured-hair/)
![Submerged in tranquil waters, a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/serene-woman-embraces-reflections-in-still-water-textured-hair-journey.jpg)

### [Can Ancient Hair Oiling Rituals Offer Lessons for Modern Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancient-hair-oiling-rituals-offer-lessons-for-modern-textured-hair-care/)
![Her expertly styled short cut emphasizes texture, highlighting the inherent beauty of patterned hair, and creating a bold statement of individuality rooted in the heritage of textured hair expression in a timeless monochrome study. The image reflects a fusion of ancestral pride and contemporary confidence.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-young-woman-short-pixie-cut-undulating-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Can Historical Hair Care Practices Inform Contemporary Styling Techniques for Textured Hair?](https://roothea.co/question/can-historical-hair-care-practices-inform-contemporary-styling-techniques-for-textured-hair/)
![The monochrome portrait unveils the expressive potential of short, coiled textured hair, illuminated by dynamic shadows that accent the face. The image celebrates the confluence of ancestral heritage and modern styling techniques, highlighting the beauty and adaptability of natural mixed race textured hair.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-radiant-woman-short-coiled-hairstyle-with-striking-shadow.jpg)

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Care Influence Modern Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-care-influence-modern-textured-hair-practices/)
![This expressive monochrome portrait captures the inherent beauty and volume of spiraling textured hair, highlighting cultural connections to textured hair traditions the woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-woman-with-long-spiraling-textured-hair-style.jpg)

### [Can Ancient Hair Rituals Influence Modern Textured Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/can-ancient-hair-rituals-influence-modern-textured-hair-care/)
![Hands gently caressing textured coils, she embodies self-reflection, a quiet moment honoring ancestral heritage and nurturing holistic well-being. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the beauty of natural hair, emphasizing a spiritual connection through mindful care practices.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-with-closed-eyes-touching-coiled-hair-in-black-and-white.jpg)

---

## Raw Schema Data

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 1,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 2,
            "name": "Term",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/term/"
        },
        {
            "@type": "ListItem",
            "position": 3,
            "name": "Maori Hair Care",
            "item": "https://roothea.co/term/maori-hair-care/"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
        "@id": "https://roothea.co/term/maori-hair-care/"
    },
    "headline": "Maori Hair Care ❉ Term",
    "description": "Meaning ❉ Maori Hair Care is a traditional system of hair practices and beliefs rooted in the sacredness of hair and indigenous plant wisdom. ❉ Term",
    "url": "https://roothea.co/term/maori-hair-care/",
    "author": {
        "@type": "Person",
        "name": "Roothea",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/author/roothea/"
    },
    "datePublished": "2025-05-30T19:58:45+08:00",
    "dateModified": "2026-01-05T07:33:50+08:00",
    "publisher": {
        "@type": "Organization",
        "name": "Roothea"
    },
    "articleSection": [
        "Term"
    ],
    "image": {
        "@type": "ImageObject",
        "url": "https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-bold-afro-and-sleek-attire.jpg",
        "caption": "This striking black and white image honors the beauty of naturally coiled hair, blending modern fashion with ancestral pride, highlighting holistic hair care practices, and encouraging expressive styling within Black heritage, promoting discussions around textured hair forms and diverse hair narratives."
    }
}
```

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@type": "WebPage",
    "@id": "https://roothea.co/term/maori-hair-care/",
    "mentions": [
        {
            "@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/mana/",
            "name": "Mana",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/mana/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Mana, within the realm of textured hair understanding, signifies the gentle efficacy that arises from deeply knowing one's unique hair characteristics."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-care/",
            "name": "Maori Hair Care",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-care/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Maori Hair Care, interpreted for textured hair understanding, offers a gentle, ancestral pathway to maintaining hair vitality, emphasizing scalp well-being and strand resilience."
        },
        {
            "@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/hair-care-practices/",
            "name": "Hair Care Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-care-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Care Practices, within the delicate realm of textured hair, denote the considered approaches and consistent applications individuals gently employ to support the inherent well-being and distinct patterns of their coils, curls, and waves."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair/",
            "name": "Māori Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Māori Hair, often recognized for its inherent strength and varying patterns from soft waves to defined curls, offers a thoughtful lens through which to consider the broader spectrum of textured 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/traditional-hair-practices/",
            "name": "Traditional Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/traditional-hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Traditional Hair Practices refer to the time-honored, often generational methodologies and insights applied to textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race communities, establishing a foundational understanding of its distinct properties and needs."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/traditional-hair/",
            "name": "Traditional Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/traditional-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Traditional Hair\" refers to the enduring practices and styling approaches, carefully carried across generations within Black and mixed-race communities, which express a deep cultural lineage and practical understanding of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/indigenous-knowledge/",
            "name": "Indigenous Knowledge",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/indigenous-knowledge/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Indigenous Knowledge, within the sphere of textured hair, signifies the generations-long wisdom passed down, especially among Black and mixed communities."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/elemental-biology/",
            "name": "Elemental Biology",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/elemental-biology/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Elemental Biology, when applied to textured hair, signifies a fundamental comprehension of the hair fiber's innate structure and its responsive characteristics within varied conditions."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/scalp-health/",
            "name": "Scalp Health",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/scalp-health/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Scalp Health, for those tending to coils, curls, and waves, refers to the deliberate stewardship of the skin beneath the hair, establishing an optimal ground for vibrant hair development."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-practices/",
            "name": "Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ \"Hair Practices\" refers to the considered actions and routines applied to the care, maintenance, and presentation of one's hair, particularly pertinent for textured hair types, including Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-culture/",
            "name": "Maori Hair Culture",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-culture/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Maori Hair Culture refers to the historical and ongoing practices surrounding hair within Māori communities, a rich body of knowledge offering a unique lens for understanding textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/titoki-oil/",
            "name": "Titoki Oil",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/titoki-oil/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Titoki Oil, a precious botanical offering from the Aotearoa landscape, gently supports the unique needs of textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/indigenous-hair-practices/",
            "name": "Indigenous Hair Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/indigenous-hair-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Indigenous Hair Practices gently point to the ancestral knowledge systems and time-honored methodologies developed by various Black and mixed-heritage communities across generations for the care and styling of naturally coily, kinky, and curly hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/tapu/",
            "name": "Tapu",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/tapu/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Tapu, within the realm of textured hair understanding, denotes a sacred reverence for the inherent sanctity and distinct boundaries surrounding ancestral hair care wisdom and the unique structure of Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/",
            "name": "Hair and Identity",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-identity/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Identity signifies the tender link between one's hair and their very sense of self, particularly for individuals with Black or mixed-race textured hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-mana/",
            "name": "Maori Hair Mana",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/maori-hair-mana/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Maori Hair Mana, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, gently guides us toward the inherent dignity and spiritual authority residing within one's strands, especially pertinent for Black and mixed-race hair identities."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/term/maori-hair-care/
