Education

Learn the Crown

Education is the foundation of empowerment. We provide resources to understand the science, psychology, history, and care of Black hair.

History Woven in Every Strand

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From Roots to Crown: Your Hair Journey

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Your Crown, Your Power

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History Woven in Every Strand · From Roots to Crown: Your Hair Journey · Your Crown, Your Power ·

Two women shopping in a store, one holding a brush and the other holding a curling iron, standing in front of a pegboard display with various items.

Science of Black Hair:

Anatomy, Care, and the LOC/LCO Method

Understanding the unique science of Black hair is essential for proper care—because what works for other hair types often won’t work for ours.

  • Black hair generally falls into type 3 (curly) and type 4 (coily/kinky) categories, both technically curly, with tight curls caused by elliptical hair shafts that create bends and twists.

  • Contrary to popular belief, oils do not moisturize hair. Oils like coconut or jojoba seal in moisture but don’t hydrate the hair shaft. True moisture comes from water—which is why submerging your hair in water weekly is critical, even if you’re not washing it.

  • The LOC/LCO Method is the cornerstone of hair hydration. First, the hair is saturated with a water. Cream is applied second, and oil seals in that moisture.

  • Protective styles like braids, twists, and wigs only help grow hair when done correctly. This means no excessive tension, giving your scalp time to rest, and maintaining scalp health through regular washing—even while in protective styles.

  • Hair growth cycles include anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest). Stress, illness, or trauma can trigger Telogen Effluvium (TE)—a temporary hair loss condition that disproportionately affects Black hair due to systemic stressors.

A woman with curly hair wearing a beige skirt and white top posing next to a map of Africa with various colored strings attached. Behind her is a blue wall with red and black text reading 'MODERNISM Changing Times Known Unknown'.

History of Black Hair: Complexity, Creativity, and Resistance

Black hair history is a rich, nuanced tapestry woven with survival, innovation, and cultural expression across centuries and continents.

  • In many African societies, hair was a sophisticated language: styles communicated age, marital status, tribal affiliation, and social rank. For example, the Himba people of Namibia use intricate hairstyles to signal life stages and cultural roles.

  • During the transatlantic slave trade, hair was forcibly shaved to erase identity and culture. But enslaved Africans preserved traditions covertly, braiding maps into cornrows as escape routes. This was survival encoded in hair.

  • The Tignon Laws of 18th-century Louisiana attempted to control Black women’s visibility by mandating head wraps, yet these women transformed oppression into artistry—turning their headscarves into bold fashion statements that challenged norms.

  • The Afro hairstyle’s rise during the 1960s Black Power movement was more than style; it was political defiance, a bold declaration of pride and rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards.

  • The first comb dates back to 5500 B.C. in ancient Egypt, proving that hair care has always been an integral part of our civilization.

A person with curly hair wearing a black blazer is doing a hairstyle to another person with similarly curly hair, seated outdoors in front of a brick building. The seated person wears a white t-shirt with a gold logo and gold necklaces.

Psychology of Black Hair: The Powerful Relationship with Our Crowns

Black hair is far more than a style—it's a living, breathing extension of identity, history, and mental well-being. The connection between Black individuals and their hair is deeply psychological and emotional, often tied to self-esteem, cultural pride, and resilience.

  • Did you know? Studies reveal that maintaining a positive relationship with your natural hair can significantly improve mental health outcomes, fostering confidence and reducing anxiety linked to societal pressures.

  • Hair discrimination isn’t just a surface-level issue—70% of Black women report facing bias at work or school because of their hair, which can lead to chronic stress and emotional trauma.

  • Maintaining your hair isn’t just about looks; it’s about maintaining a relationship with your crown. This relationship requires care, respect, and patience—much like any form of self-love or cultural connection.

  • The rituals of moisturizing, styling, and protecting Black hair serve as daily affirmations of identity and self-worth. It’s an act of resistance against a society that often tries to define beauty narrowly.

  • Embracing and caring for your natural hair fosters a sense of empowerment that transcends aesthetics—it’s reclaiming your narrative and honoring your heritage.

Crown Care Booklet

Crown Care Booklet

Crownwork: A Guide to Growing & Glowing Natural Hair
Crownwork: A Guide to Growing & Glowing Natural Hair
$10.00

The Crown Care Booklet is an intensive, culturally grounded guide designed for individuals with type 3 and type 4 hairwho want to better understand, care for, and grow their natural hair. Rooted in science and anatomy, this booklet breaks down how Black hair actually works—moving beyond trends and myths to provide practical, sustainable hair care education.

At the very basis, I wanted to start Crowning the Culture to educate people about proper hair care because there’s such a lack of reliable knowledge around caring for our God-given crowns.

I personally spent years scrolling through countless YouTube videos, articles, and tutorials, trying to figure out how my natural hair works, how to care for it best, and how to achieve the styles I desired. This trial-and-error journey sparked the creation of the Crown Care Booklet.

Our booklet is an intensive, comprehensive guide tailored for type 3 and type 4 hair. It breaks down:

  • The anatomy of your hair and what makes it unique

  • Essential terms you need to know when navigating hair care

  • How to build a customized wash day routine

  • Tips for maintaining curly and natural hairstyles

  • Everything you need to start, maintain, and grow healthy, thriving hair

The Crown Care Booklet is more than just instructions—it’s a tool for empowerment and self-love, designed to help you confidently nurture your crown every step of the way.

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