How Hair Discrimination Affects Black Women at Work

Despite some progress over the past few years, race-based hair discrimination still remains a widespread issue for Black women in the workplace. A recent study showed that Black women’s hair was two-and-a-half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional, and one-fifth of the Black women surveyed between the ages of 25 and 34 had been sent home from work because of their hair. Although 20 states have adopted the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles including braids, twists, and locs, hair discrimination is not prohibited at a federal level in the U.S. To address and mitigate hair bias and discrimination, company leaders should focus on the following three areas: awareness, employee feedback, and objectivity.

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