Group shot of women with natural hair laughing and posing outside a building

Why NYC’s ban on natural hair discrimination is so important

Targeting people based on their hair or hairstyle is now illegal in NYC, will the UK follow suit?

In a historic move, New York City has now made it illegal to discriminate against natural hair in the public sector. And, we’ve been exclusively told from our US Team that the policies that have been put in place will stop prejudice against, “natural hair, treated or untreated hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, fades, Afros, and/or the right to keep hair in an uncut or untrimmed state.”

This is such an important time for natural-haired women, as they’ve always faced criticism around their hair, being constantly reminded that their unique and beautiful hair type is ‘unprofessional’.

So, we’ve got to give a big round of applause to New York for taking the lead, and obviously ask: will the UK do the same?

Model with natural afro hair, wearing golden dress and posing in a home setting
Natural hair is beautiful! Credit: Rosalind Alcazar

Considering we still hear stories about UK women and schoolchildren being told their natural hair or protective hairstyle (be it box braids or cornrows) are inappropriate at work and school, it would be great if we could adopt New York City’s policy.

Why? Because it will safeguard natural hair lovers against prejudice, and allow them to feel empowered to wear their hair the way they want to (as they should be!). We love all hair types and think everyone should have the freedom to wear their tresses how they want.

New York natural hair discrimination: Shot of two models with natural hair, one with afro, the other with cornrow hairstyle
New York has banned natural hair discrimination, and this is what we have to say. Credit: indigitalimages.com

While we wait for the UK to do this, all we can do is spread hair-positivity with challenges like the #BlackHairChallenge, and continue to show you how amazing and versatile black hair is. So, don’t forget to show your support and check out our black hairstyles page!

 

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