The Tignon Law

Head wraps have always been an expression of culture and style throughout the diaspora of black women. The beautiful colors and artistic design enhances the natural beauty of any woman who wears it. Did you know at one time in the late 1700’s there was a law in Louisiana that prevent black women from uncovering their hair due to the attention the African and creole women were getting from European men?  It was called the Tignon Law, pronounced tiyon.

A Tignon is a head covering made from a large cloth material and is tied around the head, resembling the African Gele. The Law was created under the administration of Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró and required women of African descent, Creole, slave or free to cover their head and hair with a scarf and tone down how they dressed, so as not to attract a white man’s attention, as well as maintain class distinction. 

However, the women took their style to a whole new level by designing elaborate colorful tignons that got them more attention than before.

Today head wraps are becoming more popular as women of color are embracing their natural hair and styles that define their originality.

Kudos to the au’naturale movement!