# Texturism Definition ❉ Term

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

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![Within an intimate, intergenerational setting, women collaborate, passing down ancestral braiding techniques, celebrating diverse hands styling while addressing the nuances of low porosity high-density coils, applying emollient products and showcasing Fulani braiding artistry and holistic hair care. The Madrasi head tie is showcased for identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-braiding-heritage-diverse-hands-styling-natural-textured-hair-coils.jpg)

## Fundamentals

The concept of **Texturism Definition** speaks to a deeply rooted bias, a societal inclination that subtly yet profoundly favors certain [hair textures](/area/hair-textures/) over others, particularly those found within the vast and varied tapestry of Black and mixed-race hair. It describes the preference for looser curl patterns, often those perceived as approximating straighter hair, while simultaneously devaluing or stigmatizing tighter coils and kinks. This inclination extends beyond mere aesthetic preference, embedding itself in social structures and often carrying significant consequences for individuals with afro-textured hair. Understanding its basic meaning involves recognizing this hierarchical valuing of hair textures. 

At its fundamental level, the **Texturism Definition** signifies a system of discrimination where [hair texture](/area/hair-texture/) becomes a marker, dictating perceptions of professionalism, beauty, and even social standing. This prejudice is not simply about what someone finds visually appealing; it carries historical weight and contributes to systemic inequities. For instance, children as young as five years old have faced punishment in schools due to their natural afro-textured hairstyles, highlighting how this bias takes hold early in life. 

> Texturism Definition refers to the societal bias favoring looser hair textures over tighter coils, carrying historical and social implications for those with textured hair.

![This evocative portrait immortalizes resilience, revealing an elder](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/resilient-elders-textured-legacy-natural-coils-high-porosity-hair-aesthetics.jpg)

## Early Manifestations of Hair Hierarchy

Long before formal categorizations of hair types emerged, the seeds of [texturism](/area/texturism/) were sown through historical oppression. During the transatlantic slave trade, the deliberate shaving of enslaved Africans’ heads aimed to strip them of their identity and cultural connection to their hair. This act of dehumanization laid a foundation for the devaluation of [afro-textured hair](/area/afro-textured-hair/) within Western societies.

The subsequent preferential treatment given to enslaved individuals with features deemed more “European,” including looser hair, further solidified a hierarchy. This created an insidious link: possessing hair that deviated less from European norms became associated with a greater chance of survival and a less brutal existence during enslavement.

The origins of this bias are deeply entangled with the imposition of [Eurocentric beauty](/area/eurocentric-beauty/) standards. These standards were not simply ideals; they were tools of control and markers of a constructed social order. African hair, with its inherent diversity of coils, curls, and kinks, was actively pathologized and deemed “unacceptable” against this imposed norm. This laid the groundwork for a societal perception where “good hair” became synonymous with straighter textures, and “bad hair” was reserved for more tightly coiled strands. 

![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)

![This monochrome portrait encapsulates a mindful moment as the woman applies her holistic treatment, promoting the health and definition of her coils. The photograph celebrates her connection to ancestral self-care practices, highlighting the beauty and strength found in textured hair and its unique spiral patterns](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-woman-applies-holistic-hair-mask-for-natural-coil-definition-black-and.jpg)

## Intermediate

Moving beyond a basic understanding, the **Texturism Definition** encompasses the intricate social and psychological ramifications of this discriminatory framework. It describes a pervasive societal preference for individuals with looser, straighter hair textures, frequently associating these with attributes like professionalism and beauty. This preference leads to tangible disparities, impacting opportunities and self-perception within various communities. This prejudice often manifests as discrimination at school and in the workplace, creating real barriers. 

The notion of “good hair” versus “bad hair” emerged from this historical context, perpetuating a divide even within Black and mixed-race communities. Those with more tightly coiled hair often experience greater prejudice than individuals with naturally looser curls. This internalized bias means that even within a shared heritage, a subtle hierarchy can exist, echoing the historical divisions imposed during periods of enslavement and colonization. 

![This portrait captures the youthful vibrancy and beauty of high-density coils, celebrating Black hair heritage and ancestral pride through expressive styling. The image resonates with themes of self-love, cultural identity, and holistic hair care for healthy helix definition](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girls-afro-puffs-embrace-black-hair-heritage-and-spiraled-texture.jpg)

## Historical Threads of Devaluation

The history of this devaluation stretches back centuries. In pre-colonial African societies, hairstyles held profound meaning, signaling social status, age, marital status, and even spiritual beliefs. Intricate braids, twists, and locs were not merely aesthetic choices; they were integral to cultural identity.

However, with the onset of the transatlantic slave trade, this rich cultural heritage was actively dismantled. The forced shaving of heads upon arrival in the Americas served as a brutal act of cultural erasure, severing ties to [ancestral practices](/area/ancestral-practices/) and identity.

As generations passed, the forced adoption of [European beauty standards](/area/european-beauty-standards/) became a survival tactic. Enslaved individuals often used heated utensils or homemade concoctions to straighten their hair, seeking to emulate European appearances and, in turn, gain a degree of preferential treatment within the brutal system of slavery. This practice, born of necessity and coercion, illustrates how the early foundations of texturism were inextricably linked to the struggle for dignity and survival. 

> The **Texturism Definition** reveals itself in the persistent social and psychological effects of hair texture discrimination, a direct lineage from colonial power structures.

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

## The Brazilian Hair Classification System as a Case Study

To comprehend the pervasive nature of texturism, one can look to the historical and ongoing racial dynamics within Brazil. In Brazil, unlike the United States where racial classification is often defined by lineage, skin color and hair texture have served as primary markers for defining an individual’s place within a racial hierarchy. The concept of “bad hair” (<i>cabelo ruim_) is directly tied to Black or African ancestry, while having “good hair” assists in assigning individuals to a “White” racial category. 

Sociologist Orlando Patterson observed that even when white colonizers initially marveled at the elaborate styling of African hair, this admiration soon twisted into a tool for asserting inferiority. By the 1970s, as Black activist movements in Brazil gained prominence, embracing natural hairstyles became a powerful symbol of racial affirmation, directly challenging the dominant ideology that promoted approximating whiteness. This highlights how ingrained the bias against [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) became, even in societies like Brazil, which historically promoted a narrative of “racial democracy” while pervasive racial prejudice continued. 

![This evocative monochrome portrait captures the essence of afro coiled beauty, reflecting a legacy of ancestral heritage. The rich textures and the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-natural-afro-coils-in-dramatic-monochrome-portrait.jpg)

![The halved seed pod shows botanical beauty, mirroring intricate spiral textures and ancestral heritage similar complex formations are echoes of coils, afro-textured hair emphasizing the importance of natural plant ingredients for holistic nourishment and textured hair resilience, rooted in tradition.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/botanical-seed-pod-reveals-intricate-patterns-in-black-and-white.jpg)

## Academic

The academic understanding of the **Texturism Definition** delineates it as a distinct form of racial phenotypicality bias, specifically targeting afro-textured hair based on its curl pattern and density. This discrimination favors looser, straighter hair textures, positioning them as inherently more professional, attractive, or acceptable within societal norms. This phenomenon is a direct descendant of deeply entrenched Eurocentric beauty standards, which have historically marginalized and devalued afro-centric physical traits. The implications of texturism extend beyond social discomfort, manifesting as tangible disadvantages in educational, professional, and even healthcare environments. 

The scholarly lens reveals that the perception of “good hair” versus “bad hair” is not a benign cultural artifact but a complex, historically constructed ideology with profound psychosocial consequences. This binary classification, often internalizing and reproducing systems of white supremacy, creates divisions within marginalized communities themselves. It becomes a mechanism through which individuals with tighter coils face more pronounced prejudice compared to those with looser curls, despite sharing a common ancestry. Research consistently demonstrates that this bias persists, with studies showing that Black women’s hair is 2.5 times more likely to be deemed unprofessional than other women’s hair, directly impacting career advancement. 

> Academic inquiry into the **Texturism Definition** confirms its nature as a systemic phenotypical bias, deeply rooted in colonial beauty impositions and impacting social mobility.

![Defined 4a finger coils exemplify intentional texture styling embracing the wearer](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-african-american-woman-showcasing-finger-coils-and-edges.jpg)

## Historical Foundations and the “Civilizing Mission”

The roots of the **Texturism Definition** are firmly planted in the [transatlantic slave trade](/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/) and subsequent colonial projects. European enslavers systematically dehumanized enslaved Africans, viewing their hair as “closer to sheep’s wool” and often shaving it to strip individuals of their cultural identity and ancestral connection. This deliberate act of cultural annihilation was part of a broader “civilizing mission” designed to assert racial domination and justify exploitation. The intricate pre-colonial African hairstyles, which conveyed profound social, spiritual, and communal meanings, were systematically denigrated. 

This historical imposition led to a tragic internalization of negative perceptions. Enslaved Africans, and their descendants, began to perceive their own hair as ugly and inferior, a belief unfortunately perpetuated across generations. The preference for European hair types became intertwined with perceived social and economic mobility, creating a perverse incentive to conform. 

- **Colonial Erasure** ❉ **Shaving heads** of enslaved Africans served to sever cultural ties and demoralize.

- **“Good Hair” Construct** ❉ The concept of “good hair” arose, associating straighter textures with acceptability and often privilege.

- **Economic Imperative** ❉ Preferential treatment for lighter skin and straighter hair led to attempts at hair alteration for survival and social advancement.

- **Internalized Bias** ❉ Centuries of oppression led to the internalization of negative perceptions of natural afro-textured hair.

![The woman’s striking Afro, a showcase of coils and helix structure, presents a balanced sebaceous vitality reflective of holistic hair care, echoing ancestral Black hair traditions. The radiant beauty and soft glow highlight the importance of balance and overall vitality in embracing expressive styling and celebrating natural hair forms](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/radiant-afro-elegance-natural-hair-beauty-sebaceous-balance-holistic-shine.jpg)

## The Architecture of Bias: From Comb Tests to Corporate Policies

The academic investigation of texturism reveals its insidious progression from overt acts of dehumanization to subtle, yet equally damaging, societal practices. Post-abolition, the internalized hair texture stigma persisted. Historical accounts detail instances where Black churches, for example, reportedly used “comb tests” to determine if a person’s hair was straight enough for membership, reflecting how [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) penetrated even community institutions. This discriminatory practice underscores the profound reach of texturism, influencing social acceptance and belonging. 

In contemporary society, this bias has transitioned into institutionalized racism embedded in dress codes and hair policies within schools and workplaces. Emma Dabiri, author of ‘Don’t Touch My Hair,’ documented instances of children as young as five being punished for wearing natural afro-textured hairstyles in UK schools, with policies effectively banning protective styles essential for hair maintenance. Such policies often disproportionately target Black individuals, labeling their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) as “unprofessional” or “unruly.” A 2023 study by the CROWN Coalition reported that [Black women](/area/black-women/) are 3.4 times more likely to be labeled unprofessional due to hair presentation and 1.5 times more likely to be sent home for “unprofessional hair.” This compels approximately 80% of Black women to alter their natural hair texture through chemicals or heat to align with organizational norms. 

This [systemic discrimination](/area/systemic-discrimination/) has financial, social, and mental health consequences. The historical trajectory of [hair care](/area/hair-care/) products also reflects this bias; companies, many of which are not Black-owned, have historically marketed hair straighteners with language like “straight,” “smooth,” and “silky,” perpetuating a negative perception of naturally curly hair. Black consumers, spending nine times more on hair care products than other ethnic groups, are often targeted with products that may even contain harmful chemicals. 

![Illuminated coils offer a glimpse into the intricate nature of Afro textured hair, capturing its inherent strength. This close-up honors the beauty of Black hair textures, celebrating ancestral identity and the profound power of embracing natural style](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/close-up-of-kinky-hair-coils-natural-hair-texture-details.jpg)

## The Natural Hair Movement: A Counter-Narrative of Heritage and Health

In response to centuries of discrimination, the [natural hair movement](/area/natural-hair-movement/) emerged as a powerful counter-narrative, with roots in the Black Power movements of the 1960s and 1970s. This movement represents a conscious rejection of European [beauty standards](/area/beauty-standards/) and a reclamation of authentic, natural beauty. Figures like Angela Davis and Nina Simone popularized Afros, transforming natural hair into a symbol of Black pride and resistance against assimilation. 

The resurgence of this movement in the 2000s, driven by increased access to information and a desire to reduce chemical damage from relaxers, continues to challenge the ingrained biases of texturism. Legislation like the [CROWN Act](/area/crown-act/) in the United States, first enacted in California in 2019, aims to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, signaling a legal recognition of this systemic issue. Despite these advancements, the journey toward complete acceptance of all hair textures remains ongoing. 

The psychological toll of texturism is profound. It can lead to decreased satisfaction with one’s natural hair among young Black girls, starting as early as age five. This highlights a critical need for interventions that promote self-acceptance and celebrate the diversity of hair textures. 

- **Early 20th Century Hair Categorization** ❉ **Eugen Fischer’s “hair gauge”** in 1908 aimed to categorize hair based on proximity to whiteness, reinforcing racial ideologies.

- **Comb Test** ❉ Historically, some Black churches used a “comb test” to assess if hair was straight enough for membership.

- **CROWN Act** ❉ The CROWN Act, originating in California in 2019, seeks to legislate protection against race-based hair discrimination.

![Striking in monochrome, the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-elegant-black-woman-with-coiled-afro-hairstyle.jpg)

![Hands gently work to form protective coils, reflecting deep rooted cultural traditions of textured hair care. This intimate moment connects to heritage, wellness, and the enduring legacy of styling Black hair, underscoring self expression within diverse communities](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-crafting-protective-styles-for-textured-hair-coils-and-heritage.jpg)

## Reflection on the Heritage of Texturism Definition

The journey through the **Texturism Definition**, from its elemental biology to its profound societal impact, is a testament to the resilience of Black and mixed-race hair heritage. Each curl, coil, and kink holds echoes of ancestral practices, stories of resistance, and celebrations of identity. The wisdom passed down through generations ❉ the knowledge of herbs, oils, and meticulous styling ❉ speaks to a sacred connection with hair that far predates the oppressive systems designed to diminish it. This continuous thread of care, community, and self-expression reminds us that understanding hair goes beyond mere aesthetics. 

Our exploration reveals that the essence of hair, particularly textured hair, has always been intrinsically linked to a person’s very being, a visible manifestation of their spirit and lineage. When we acknowledge the historical burden of texturism, we also recognize the profound strength and innovation of communities that consistently found ways to honor their hair, even in the face of systemic denigration. The ongoing movement to reclaim natural hair is not simply a trend; it is a powerful reaffirmation of ancestral wisdom, a living act of homage to those who preserved hair traditions despite immense pressures. It is an unbound helix, continually spiraling forward while deeply connected to its origins. 

![Radiant in monochrome, the woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-with-exquisite-afro-textured-coils-in-black-and.jpg)

![This arresting portrait celebrates the inherent beauty of textured hair and personal expression. With tightly coiled Afro texture and elegant features, the woman embodies a fusion of ancestral heritage and contemporary style, inviting us to contemplate identity and the power of self-acceptance through natural coils appreciation](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-woman-with-tightly-coiled-afro-hair.jpg)

## References

- Kilburn & Strode. (2021). Afro-texture: a hair-story.

- Afriklens. (2024). African Hairstyles: Cultural Significance and Legacy.

- NativeMag. (2020). Examining the history and value of African hair.

- Webb, S. L. (2020). Hairism, Texturism, and Other Hair Politics – Dr. Sarah L. Webb – Colorism Healing.

- BLAM UK CIC. (2022). The history of Black Hair.

- Assendelft. Pre-Colonial African Hairstyles: A Journey Through Time and Culture.

- Patterson, J. (2024). Freedom of Expression, Unless It’s Your Hair – In These Times.

- Flanigan, A. Holmes, C. G. & Alexander, S. (2021). The Skin I’m In: Texturism and Embracing Your Crown – Therapy for Black Girls.

- May, N. (2023). Black History Month: Loving Natural Afro-Hair – SUSU.

- Encyclopedia.com. Hair and Beauty Culture in Brazil.

- Griffin, R. (2021). “Light skin is the Right Skin? and Long Hair Don’t Care?”: An Investigation of Colorism and Texturism Amongst Black and Latina Women. Bard College.

- Wikipedia. Kinky hair.

- Patton, R. (2023). What Every Dermatologist Must Know About the History of Black Hair.

- Wikipedia. Discrimination based on hair texture.

- Menezes, L. (2012). Black hair in Brazil: A revolution in the making.

- Rowe, K. L. (2023). Black Hair and Hair Texture: Cultivating Diversity and Inclusion for Black Women in Higher Education. Emerald Insight.

- Shepherd, J. M. (2018). TEXTURISM AS AN EXTENSION OF COLORISM IN THE NATURAL HAIR COMMUNITY.

- Sales, N. (2022). Race and Social Inequality in 20th and 21st-Century Brazil. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History.

- Byrdie. (2021). The Controversial History of the Hair Typing System.

- African American Museum of Iowa. History of Hair.

- Johns, N. & Anderson, K. (2021). Cutting out hair discrimination in nursing – CEConnection.

- Noma Sana. (2024). The History of Straightening Afro and Textured Hair.

- Futuress. (2022). Parda: Of Roots, Curls and Race.

- Caldwell, K. L. “LOOK AT HER HAIR”: THE BODY POLITICS OF BLACK WOMANHOOD IN BRAZIL.

- MDPI. (2022). Afro-Ethnic Hairstyling Trends, Risks, and Recommendations.

- Tchenga, A. (2020). Hair It Is: Examining the Experiences of Black Women with Natural Hair.

- anu essentials. (2022). The Many Waves of Afrocentric and Natural Hair ~ A Series.

- Walker, K. (2020). Examining Afrocentricity and Identity Through the Reemergence and Expression of Natural Hair.

## Glossary

### [Colonialism](https://roothea.co/area/colonialism/)

Meaning ❉ Colonialism, in the tender world of textured hair, speaks to the historical introduction of external aesthetic ideals and care practices that regrettably diminished the inherent beauty and structural integrity of natural Black and mixed hair textures.

### [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 Textures](https://roothea.co/area/hair-textures/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Textures refer to the distinct structural characteristics of individual hair strands and their collective formation, primarily observed in the varying curl patterns, coil tightness, and strand thickness inherent to Black and mixed-race hair.

### [Colonial Hair Impact](https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-impact/)

Meaning ❉ The term 'Colonial Hair Impact' describes the enduring effects of historical colonial ideologies and practices on the understanding, care, and cultural perception of textured hair, especially for those with Black and mixed-race heritage.

### [Texturism](https://roothea.co/area/texturism/)

Meaning ❉ Texturism gently clarifies a particular bias observed within the vibrant spectrum of textured hair, often favoring curl patterns perceived as looser over those with tighter coils or dense curl formations.

### [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.

### [Transatlantic Slave Trade](https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/)

Meaning ❉ The Transatlantic Slave Trade represents a deeply impactful historical period, where the forced displacement of African peoples significantly altered the lineage of textured hair understanding.

### [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.

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

Meaning ❉ Hair Texture Bias refers to an inclination or predisposition, often unconscious, to favor certain hair patterns over others, particularly those with less curl definition or a looser curl structure.

### [Texturism History](https://roothea.co/area/texturism-history/)

Meaning ❉ Texturism History gently unfolds the historical landscape of societal preferences and biases within Black and mixed-race communities, which historically valued looser curl patterns above others.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [Mixed Strands Definition](https://roothea.co/term/mixed-strands-definition/)
![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](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-monochromatic-study-of-textured-hairs-intricate-spring-like.jpg)

### [Hair Wellness Definition](https://roothea.co/term/hair-wellness-definition/)
![The woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-woman-with-sculpted-natural-hair-updo-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Semangat Definition](https://roothea.co/term/semangat-definition/)
![The photograph captures a profound sense of self assurance and modern natural hairstyle artistry. This portrait symbolizes embracing unique Afro textured hair formations and the bold self expression found within contemporary mixed-race heritage narratives promoting positive imagery and ancestral pride.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-person-with-curly-hair-and-fade-hairstyle-looking-forward.jpg)

### [Myristicaceae Definition](https://roothea.co/term/myristicaceae-definition/)
![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](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-young-woman-with-braided-hair-accents-and-textured-hair.jpg)

### [Liquid Wax Definition](https://roothea.co/term/liquid-wax-definition/)
![Gathering ancestral wisdom by the riverside, a mother shares the time-honored practice of identifying medicinal plants with her child. Baskets overflow with potential remedies, echoing centuries of traditional knowledge, holistic care, and the profound connection between heritage, hair care, and earth.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-and-child-discovering-plant-medicines-legacy-along-riverbank.jpg)

### [Hammam Clay Definition](https://roothea.co/term/hammam-clay-definition/)
![Drawing from ancient sources, the individual with coiled hair evokes ancestral ties to natural elements, reflecting a holistic approach to self-care deeply rooted in heritage, celebrating the enduring connection between water, wellness, and textured hair traditions through gentle replenishing rituals.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-with-coiled-hair-draws-water-ancient-fountain-black-and-white.jpg)

### [Wavy Hair Definition](https://roothea.co/term/wavy-hair-definition/)
![The image presents an abstract visual metaphor for textured hair patterns and origins, reflecting cultural significance, ancestral roots, and the intricate network forming the foundation of textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-radial-pattern-of-powder-resembling-textured-hair-root-formation.jpg)

### [Gisuboran Definition](https://roothea.co/term/gisuboran-definition/)
![This striking portrait celebrates the beauty and cultural significance of locs, a protective style often representing ancestral heritage and a connection to Black hair traditions. The luminous backdrop contrasts with shadowed areas to create a deep, contemplative focus on identity and pride.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-protective-locs-and-natural-radiance.jpg)

### [Self-Integrity Definition](https://roothea.co/term/self-integrity-definition/)
![This captivating black and white portrait celebrates a woman](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-woman-showcasing-natural-kinky-coily-textured-hair.jpg)

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            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/texturism/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Texturism gently clarifies a particular bias observed within the vibrant spectrum of textured hair, often favoring curl patterns perceived as looser over those with tighter coils or dense curl formations."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric Beauty describes an aesthetic framework that historically positions features and hair textures common in European populations as the prevailing ideal."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/",
            "name": "Ancestral Practices",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/ancestral-practices/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Ancestral Practices, within the context of textured hair understanding, describe the enduring wisdom and gentle techniques passed down through generations, forming a foundational knowledge for nurturing Black and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/european-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "European Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/european-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ European Beauty Standards, when considered for textured hair, denote a historical aesthetic preference, predominantly for hair exhibiting straightness and fineness, a standard which often did not align with the intrinsic characteristics of Black and mixed-race 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/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "name": "Transatlantic Slave Trade",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/transatlantic-slave-trade/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Transatlantic Slave Trade represents a deeply impactful historical period, where the forced displacement of African peoples significantly altered the lineage of textured hair understanding."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Eurocentric Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Eurocentric beauty standards denote a historical leaning towards hair characteristics commonly found within European lineages, such as straightness, fineness, or gentle waves, alongside particular color and density ideals."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "name": "Natural Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Natural Hair describes hair that maintains its original structural configuration, untouched by chemical processes like relaxers, texturizers, or permanent color that alter its natural coil, curl, or wave definition."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "name": "Black Women",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-women/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/systemic-discrimination/",
            "name": "Systemic Discrimination",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/systemic-discrimination/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Systemic discrimination, within the delicate world of textured hair, refers to the subtle, often unstated patterns and historical frameworks that consistently disadvantage individuals with coily, kinky, or wavy strands."
        },
        {
            "@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/natural-hair-movement/",
            "name": "Natural Hair Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Natural Hair Movement represents a conscious redirection towards acknowledging and nurturing the inherent structure of Afro-textured and mixed-race hair."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance."
        },
        {
            "@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/colonialism/",
            "name": "Colonialism",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonialism/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Colonialism, in the tender world of textured hair, speaks to the historical introduction of external aesthetic ideals and care practices that regrettably diminished the inherent beauty and structural integrity of natural Black and mixed hair textures."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-impact/",
            "name": "Colonial Hair Impact",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/colonial-hair-impact/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The term 'Colonial Hair Impact' describes the enduring effects of historical colonial ideologies and practices on the understanding, care, and cultural perception of textured hair, especially for those with Black and mixed-race heritage."
        },
        {
            "@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/hair-texture-bias/",
            "name": "Hair Texture Bias",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-texture-bias/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Texture Bias refers to an inclination or predisposition, often unconscious, to favor certain hair patterns over others, particularly those with less curl definition or a looser curl structure."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/texturism-history/",
            "name": "Texturism History",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/texturism-history/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Texturism History gently unfolds the historical landscape of societal preferences and biases within Black and mixed-race communities, which historically valued looser curl patterns above others."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/term/texturism-definition/
