Your hairstyle should not affect your chances of getting a job, keeping your position or earning a promotion. However, some workplace rules target natural Black hairstyles. Employers may call these rules professional standards, but they could lead to claims of racial discrimination.
In New York City, the law protects workers from discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles linked to race. Knowing your rights can help you spot when a workplace rule may break the law.
How NYC law protects natural Black hairstyles
New York City’s Human Rights Law bans racial discrimination at work. The city’s CROWN Act amendments make clear that this includes discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles linked to a racial group.
Protected hairstyles include Afros, Bantu knots, braids, cornrows, locs and twists. For example, an employer may violate the law by refusing to hire a qualified Black applicant because they wear locs. The same concern may arise if an employer punishes a worker for wearing natural hair but allows similar hairstyles on other workers.
Employers may still set fair safety rules. However, calling a rule a dress code or professional standard does not automatically make it legal. In some cases, hair nets, hair ties or head coverings may reduce safety risks without banning a hairstyle.
Signs that a workplace hair policy may be discriminatory
Not every grooming rule breaks the law. However, a rule may be discriminatory if it targets Black hairstyles or forces workers to change their hair to meet unfair standards.
Examples of possible discrimination include:
- Refusing to hire someone because they wear cornrows or locs
- Requiring a Black worker to straighten their natural hair to qualify for a promotion
- Calling Afros or braids unprofessional while allowing similar hairstyles on other workers
- Threatening to fire a worker who refuses to cut or hide their natural hair
These examples may point to discrimination, especially when an employer treats workers of different races differently. The NYC Commission on Human Rights guidance states that policies banning or restricting natural hairstyles or hair associated with Black people generally violate the NYC Human Rights Law.
An employment discrimination attorney can review the policy, assess the available evidence and explain possible legal options.
Your hair, your rights
New York City law generally protects Black workers from discrimination based on natural hair texture and hairstyles linked to Black identity. Employers generally cannot use claims about professionalism, company image or customer preferences to justify these restrictions. Recognizing these protections can help you assess whether a workplace grooming policy treats you unfairly because of your race.