Hair discrimination is a serious issue affecting people, especially those of color, across the globe. But just how prevalent is this issue? To provide insight and raise awareness, we've compiled a comprehensive list of hair discrimination statistics. From the classroom to the corporate boardroom, these figures underline the depth of prejudice against natural hairstyles and its impact on individuals and communities.
Table of content
General Statistics:
- 54% of respondents feel people of color risk workplace discrimination due to their natural hairstyles. (4)
- Hair discrimination starts as early as 5 years old. (11)
- 93% of Black people in the UK reported hair discrimination. (14)
- 1 in 5 Black women in the UK felt the need to straighten their hair for employment.
- Black students are disproportionately suspended for hair and dress code offenses.
- Despite 90% of black girls feeling their hair is beautiful, 47% of their mothers have experienced discrimination.
- The CROWN Act exists to protect against hair discrimination in some U.S. states.
- Social media initiatives like #SupportThePuff and #BlackHairChallenge highlight hair discrimination.
- Cases of children penalized for natural hair brought hair discrimination into the light.
- Black women feel more anxious about their hair in professional situations than women of other races.
- Hair discrimination negatively impacts self-esteem, body perception, and well-being.
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Hair discrimination in the workplace statistics
- White women are more likely to view black hair as less attractive and unprofessional (13)
- Black women often experience anxiety related to their hair.
- 1 in 5 black women feel workplace pressure to style or straighten their hair.
- Black women face unfair judgment in the workplace due to their hair (C.R.O.W.N. Research Study).
- Hairstyles on Black women are deemed less 'work ready' than on White women.
- 80% of Black women adapt their natural hair to meet dress codes.
- Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home due to their hair.
- New York constitutionally prohibits hair discrimination.
- 44.3% of women face hair appearance discrimination.
- 46.5% were told their haircuts are unprofessional.
- 52.3% of women feel the need to alter their hair at work.
- 64.6% of Black women wish for more representation in brand campaigns.
- 56.5% want companies to create more products for natural black hair.
- 66% of Black women alter their hair for job interviews to avoid discrimination.
- 25% of Black women believe they were rejected from a job due to their hair.
- 66% of Black women in the U.S. change their hair for interviews, with 41% straightening it.
- 54% of Black women feel straightening their hair is vital for successful interviews.
- 44% of Black women under 34 feel pressured to present straight hair in headshots.
- Black women with textured hair experience double the microaggressions compared to those with straight hair.
- Black women were 83% more likely to feel judged due to their appearance (2019 CROWN Workplace Research).
Other Relevant Statistics:
- 82.9% of young people had their hair touched without consent, and 58% faced awkward questions (World Afro Day Hair Equality Report 2019).
- The U.S. Army overturned its prohibition on natural hairstyles in 2017.
- California, New York, and New Jersey passed laws against hair discrimination in 2019. Similar laws are pending in 23 other states.
Conclusion
In summary, hair discrimination statistics reveal a widespread and deeply-rooted issue affecting various aspects of life, from education to employment. Tackling hair discrimination requires a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and its effects.
The figures provided highlight the urgent need for broader education, inclusive policies, and legal protections. As we continue to push for a more equal and accepting world, these statistics serve as a sobering reminder of the path that still lies ahead in the fight against hair discrimination.
Reference
- https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2021/02/23/penalizing-black-hair-in-the-name-of-academic-success-is-undeniably-racist-unfounded-and-against-the-law/
- https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2023/05/31/employers-have-more-work-to-do-on-natural-hair-discrimination
- https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/msu-research-exposes-discrimination-against-black-women-with-natural-hair
- https://hbr.org/2023/05/how-hair-discrimination-affects-black-women-at-work
- https://gunnercooke.com/hair-discrimination-in-the-workplace-the-importance-of-diversity-and-acceptance/
- https://www.law.com/international-edition/2021/10/28/black-hair-is-never-just-hair-a-closer-look-at-afro-discrimination-in-the-workplace/?slreturn=20230502180216
- https://equaliteach.co.uk/hair-equality-in-uk-schools-why-hair-is-more-than-just-hair/
- https://www.fairplaytalks.com/2023/02/24/rife-hair-bias-and-discrimination-against-black-women-continues-at-work-reveals-study/
- https://cosmeticsbusiness.com/news/article_page/Black_womens_hair_25x_more_likely_to_be_seen_as_unprofessional_study_finds/206898
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/25-black-women-say-denied-job-interviews-hair-survey-says-rcna76006
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-all-things-hair-survey-reveals-staggering-level-of-hair-related-workplace-discrimination-301160693.html
- https://www.allthingshair.com/en-us/hairstyles-haircuts/hair-statistics/
- https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/nps/1900-v1-n1-nps05980/1076652ar.pdf
- https://pgnewsroom.co.uk/news-releases/news-details/2021/Gold-Series-from-Pantene-teams-up-with-Black-Minds-Matter-and-Project-Embrace-in-campaign-to-end-discrimination-against-Afro-hair-in-the-UK/default.aspx
