On 10 September 2024, this year’s World Afro Day (“WAD”), campaigners from WAD, in an open letter to the Government called for the UK to become the first Western country to introduce a law specifically to protect against Afro hair discrimination. Their campaign ‘Fix the law, not our hair!’ was taken to Parliament, where they circulated an education pack on the history of hair discrimination in the UK.
WAD is a global day of celebration and liberation for Afro hair and identity. It has been endorsed by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The organisation behind it works with entities around the world to tackle hair discrimination, providing trainings and resources to empower those with Afro hair to bring their full selves to society.
MPs such as Paulette Hamilton, behind the movement called for change to the Equality Act 2010 to protect Afro hair. She said: “I’d wear wigs, I’d have perms, I’d wear extensions, because that’s what people said I had to do.” She felt that she would “never succeed in her career” with her natural hair.
WAD highlighted that although race is a protected characteristic, schools and workplaces still treat minority ethnic people unfairly due to their natural hair. Research from Pantene UK, Black Minds Matter, and Project Embrace Research show that:
WAD’s Workplace Hair Acceptance Report 2023 supports these findings. Only 65% of employers surveyed felt that Afro hair is appropriate for the workplace, whereas 85% considered straight hair to be appropriate in all circumstances. Furthermore, 37% of employers confirmed that their organisation may be less likely to hire candidates with “inappropriate” hair.
WAD founder Michelle De Leon said she felt pressured to use chemicals to straighten her natural hair since she was a child and that for many people of colour, concerns about how their hair would be perceived were on their mind from the beginning of the employment process.
She added: “I think it starts even before you get to the workplace. Like an interview – can I wear my own hair to the interview? Will I be accepted with my own hair? Should I change myself to be accepted? So that psychology starts before you even get the job, before you even walk into the office.”
Protected characteristics are specific aspects of a person’s identity stated in the Equality Act like age, race or gender. By law, no one should be discriminated against because of these characteristics. By adding Afro hair to the list, those with it would be afforded the same protection. For instance, it would be unlawful for someone with Afro hair to be treated less favourably than someone with any other hairstyle. Doing so would give rise to a claim for discrimination.
To discuss any of the issues raised in this article, including concerns regarding hair discrimination, please do not hesitate to contact Daniel Onafuwa or a member of the Employment Team.
