I have type 3C curls, which is a pretty tight curl. Depending on how I style my curls they can look like an afro. I remember wearing my curls to the office and getting comments (oftentimes negative) about how different I looked wearing my curls. I also remember wearing my hair straight and getting positive comments about my appearance.
The treatment I received when I wore my curls became extremely apparent to me. This would subconsciously lead me to straighten my hair for big meetings, presentations, interviews, or when I had to travel for work. I didn’t want to be seen as less professional or competent based on my natural hair. I know I was not the only one that felt this way, I remember a friend at work telling me that she would hide her locks and wear wigs to job interviews because she would not get job offers when interviewing while wearing her locks.
Hair discrimination in the workplace and in schools has been an issue among people of color forever. This is why the Crown Act was created. According to dove.com “The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is a law that prohibits racial discrimination based on natural textures and protective hairstyles.” The Crown Act is law in Philadelphia and in Pittsburgh and I hope that this legislation continues to pass in other cities in PA.
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By: Jiolka Peralta
Licensed Cosmetologist
Texture Curl Bar – Hair Salon
