Natural Hair Discrimination: Why the CROWN Act Is More Important Than Ever
Professional photo shoot styled by Crowns by Faah
In a world where natural beauty is finally being embraced at platforms like Beautycon and Afropunk, it's hard to believe that natural hair discrimination still persists. For many Black women, the fight for hair freedom goes beyond style; it’s about dismantling outdated, Eurocentric standards of what’s deemed “professional.” At Crowns by Faah, we believe that embracing our curls, coils, and kinks is a form of empowerment—honoring the crown we naturally wear. 💫
Faah styling client's hair
As a Curly Hair Specialist working on professional film shoots and campaigns, I’ve witnessed firsthand the societal pressure Black women feel to straighten or alter their natural hair texture. The reality? Hair discrimination runs deep, often tied to workplace policies that use vague terms like “neat” and “professional” to coerce Black women into conforming to norms that don’t celebrate their authentic beauty. According to the CROWN Research Study by Dove, 80% of Black women feel they have to change their hair to fit in at work, with their hair being 3.4 times more likely to be labeled unprofessional compared to other textures.
This battle to honor our natural crowns is both personal and professional for many of us, which is why I want to share how the CROWN Act is changing the narrative.
Dove Crown Act research study -2023
What Is the CROWN Act?
The CROWN Act—which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”—was introduced to combat hair discrimination and create legal protection for Black people who choose to wear natural hairstyles. First passed in California in 2019, this legislation ensures that policies targeting natural Black hair textures and styles, such as locs, braids, twists, and Afros, are prohibited.
Dove Crown Act research study -2023
As a professional in the natural hair industry, I can't stress enough how monumental this act is. For years, natural hair has been treated as “unprofessional,” but the CROWN Act is helping to redefine beauty and professionalism. This act allows us to express ourselves culturally, while also giving us the legal backing to protect our hair choices from discrimination in the workplace and schools.
If you want to dig deeper into the legislation and the ongoing advocacy work behind it, check out the official CROWN Act website here.
The Ongoing Fight: Why the CROWN Act Matters
Mother caring for child's curls
The issue of hair discrimination is more than just cosmetic—it’s about dignity, self-expression, and equity. Imagine walking into a job interview or a classroom and being told your natural hair is not "neat enough" or "professional enough." This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; these incidents happen all the time. For instance, in New Jersey, a Black high school wrestler was forced to cut his locs before a match—a humiliating act that made national headlines.
Events like ESSENCE Festival and Afropunk may celebrate Black beauty in its natural forms, but hair discrimination stories remind us why the CROWN Act is still needed. According to Essence magazine, the movement is gaining momentum, but only 23 states have passed the CROWN Act so far. That means many Black women are still left vulnerable to unfair scrutiny of their natural hair at work, in schools, and in everyday life. You can read more about how natural hair experts are discussing the CROWN Act's impact in Essence's coverage here.
How Can You Support the CROWN Act?
If you’re a business owner or someone in a position of influence, there are actionable steps you can take to support this important movement:
Dove Crown Act research study -2023
Review and update workplace policies: Ensure there’s no discriminatory language targeting natural hairstyles.
Educate your team: Hold diversity training sessions focused on cultural inclusion, with an emphasis on the importance of natural hair.
Advocate for the CROWN Act in your area: Push for local lawmakers to adopt the CROWN Act, ensuring no one is penalized for expressing their culture through their hair.
You can explore more about what the CROWN Act stands for and see if your state has passed this crucial legislation by visiting TruppHR’s overview here.
Professional photo shoot styled by Crowns by Faah
Honoring Our Crowns at Crowns by Faah
At Crowns by Faah, we take pride in helping individuals embrace their natural beauty through expert curly hair care. I’ve spent years working on professional film sets and campaigns, ensuring that natural hair is celebrated and respected. The journey to honoring our natural crowns can be challenging, but I am here to help you every step of the way.
Professional photo shoot styled by Crowns by Faah
Whether you're preparing for an important shoot, working on a personal hair transformation, or just learning to embrace your curls, I invite you to book a session with me. Together, we can elevate your natural beauty while supporting the fight for hair freedom through the CROWN Act. Let’s celebrate our natural crowns, one curl at a time.
Book me for your next campaign or workshop, and let’s celebrate our crowns together. 🌿 You can find more about my services at Crowns by Faah and learn how to honor your crown in every sense of the word.
Support the CROWN Act by sharing this article, engaging with the movement, and standing up for the right to wear your natural hair with pride.
