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A monochromatic photo captures a woman receiving a scalp treatment, hands gently applying white cream through her textured, coiled hair. Three women observe in the background. The scene emphasizes holistic hair care traditions, community wellness, and ancestral heritage embodied in Black hair practices, evoking historical hair care traditions.

Hair Care Oppression

Meaning ❉ Systemic devaluation of textured hair and its ancestral care practices, rooted in historical impositions and perpetuated by societal and economic forces.
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A striking black and white portrait reveals a woman with abundant, tightly coiled natural hair, styled into an afro-like silhouette. The image's composition, with the textured hair as a central visual element, explores beauty and heritage. Soft light highlights the details of her skin.

Heat Manipulation

Meaning ❉ Heat Manipulation is the deliberate application of thermal energy to hair to alter its texture, deeply rooted in ancestral care and cultural identity.
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A poised woman is seen in monochrome, her coiled hair cascading softly around her face, framed by her delicate hand. The reflection introduces depth, highlighting her contemplative expression. Textured hair care is intrinsically linked with heritage and cultural expression. The holistic approach to hair underscores the celebration of its unique beauty.

Cowrie Shell Value

Meaning ❉ The Cowrie Shell Value signifies the inherent worth, cultural identity, and ancestral wisdom embodied within textured hair across diasporic communities.
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A monochrome photograph captures a group of African women collaboratively grinding spices using a mortar and pestle. Their hands, positioned around the bowl, suggest a shared ancestral task. Headwraps and traditional attire connect to deep rooted traditions. Holistic practices, wellness, spice grinding process, and herbal remedies echo generations.

What were Tignon Laws?

Tignon Laws mandated free women of color in 1786 Louisiana cover their hair, an act of colonial control met with resilient textured hair heritage.
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