Understanding the Crown Act for Hair: Why It Matters and Who It Affects

Menelek Gazir
Dec 2, 2025
4 min read

Hair is more than just a style or fashion statement. For many 'Black' diasporans, hair carries deep cultural, historical, and personal significance. Yet, discrimination based on natural hair and hairstyles has been a persistent issue in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. The Crown Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) addresses this problem by protecting people from hair discrimination. This post explains what the Crown Act is, why it matters, who it affects, and how it works.

Eye-level view of a woman with natural afro hair standing confidently outdoors — A woman with natural afro hair standing confidently outdoors

What Is the Crown Act?

The Crown Act is a law designed to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles commonly associated with Black people. These hairstyles include afros, braids, twists, locs, and cornrows. The Act recognizes that discrimination against these hairstyles is a form of racial bias because such styles are often linked to Black identity and culture.

The first Crown Act was passed in California in 2019. Since then, several other states have adopted similar laws. The Act applies mainly to schools and workplaces, ensuring that people are not forced to change their natural hair or hairstyles to fit arbitrary standards of 'professionalism' or appearance.

Why the Crown Act Matters

Hair discrimination is a real and ongoing problem. Many Black individuals have faced unfair treatment because of their natural hair or protective styles. This can include being sent home from school, denied job opportunities, or pressured to alter their hair to meet dress codes that do not accommodate cultural differences.

Here are some reasons why the Crown Act is important:

Protects cultural identity

Hair is a key part of cultural expression. The Act helps preserve this by preventing forced conformity to Eurocentric beauty standards.

Promotes equality

By outlawing hair discrimination, the Act supports equal treatment regardless of race or hair texture.

Improves mental health

Facing discrimination over hair can cause stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The Act helps reduce these negative impacts.

Supports professional opportunities

Black people often face barriers in hiring or promotions due to hairstyle biases. The Act works to remove these barriers.

Who Does the Crown Act Affect?

The Crown Act primarily protects Black people and others who wear natural or protective hairstyles. This includes students, employees, and anyone subject to dress codes or grooming policies.

Students

Many schools have policies that ban certain hairstyles, leading to suspensions or exclusions. The Crown Act ensures students can wear their hair naturally without punishment.

Employees

Workplaces sometimes enforce grooming standards that discriminate against natural hair. The Act requires employers to accommodate natural hairstyles.

Employers and Educators

The Act also affects those who create and enforce dress codes, requiring them to revise policies to be inclusive.

Broader communities

While focused on Black hair, the Act can also protect others who wear similar hairstyles for cultural or personal reasons.

When and Where Does the Crown Act Apply?

The Crown Act applies in places where discrimination based on hair texture or style occurs, mainly in schools and workplaces. The exact scope depends on the state or jurisdiction that has passed the law.

Schools

The Act prevents schools from disciplining students for wearing natural or protective hairstyles.

Workplaces

Employers cannot refuse to hire, promote, or retain employees because of their hair.

Public accommodations

Some versions of the Act extend protections to public spaces and services.

The timeline for adoption varies. California led the way in 2019, followed by states like New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and others. More states continue to consider similar legislation.

How the Crown Act Works

The Crown Act works by adding hair discrimination to existing civil rights protections. It makes it illegal to treat someone unfairly because of their hair texture or protective hairstyles.

Here’s how it functions in practice:

Policy changes

Schools and employers must update dress codes and grooming policies to allow natural and protective hairstyles.

Legal recourse

Individuals who face hair discrimination can file complaints or lawsuits under the Act.

Education and awareness

The Act encourages training and awareness programs to reduce bias related to hair.

Enforcement

Government agencies oversee compliance and investigate violations.

Examples of Impact

A student with locs was suspended for violating a school dress code. After the Crown Act passed, the school changed its policy and the student was allowed to return without altering their hair.
An employee was denied a promotion because their braided hairstyle was deemed "unprofessional." The Act provided grounds for a discrimination claim, leading the company to revise its grooming standards.