CROWN Act — Natural Hair Discrimination in California
Dedicated advocacy for California workers facing natural hair discrimination under the CROWN Act.
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The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair) is a landmark California law that prohibits discrimination against employees based on their natural hair texture and protective hairstyles. This includes braids, locs, twists, afros, Bantu knots, and other styles commonly associated with Black and other communities of color. Employers cannot treat natural hair as unprofessional or require employees to alter or straighten it to meet grooming standards.
Natural hair discrimination in California commonly occurs in these ways:
- Being told that afros, locs, braids, or twists are “unprofessional” or “distracting”
- Being forced to cut, straighten, or chemically alter natural hair to keep a job
- Denied hiring, promotion, or training opportunities because of natural hairstyles
- Harassment or hostile comments about natural hair texture or protective styles
- Retaliation after complaining about hair-related grooming policies
At Setareh Law, our CROWN Act lawyers help California workers fight natural hair discrimination and recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, and other compensation.
For more information on your rights, explore these resources:
Harassment vs Discrimination in California | Workplace Retaliation Lawyer | Race Discrimination at Work
Official Resources:
CROWN Act – California Civil Rights Department (CRD) | FEHA & CROWN Act Protections – Official Guide
What Is the CROWN Act and How Does It Protect Workers from Natural Hair Discrimination?
California’s CROWN Act prohibits discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and schools, recognizing that hair discrimination is a form of racial discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. If your rights have been violated you may be entitled to:
- Lost wages, benefits, and future earning capacity from discriminatory actions
- Emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney fees
- Reinstatement or injunctive relief requiring workplace policy changes
To learn more about your rights and how to take action, explore our detailed guides:
Race Discrimination at Work | Harassment vs Discrimination in California
Official resources:
CROWN Act – California Civil Rights Department (CRD) | FEHA & CROWN Act Protections – Official Guide
Why the CROWN Act Is Important in California
Natural hair is a fundamental part of racial and cultural identity for many Black Californians and other communities of color. The CROWN Act recognizes that policies targeting natural hair are a form of racial discrimination. It protects workers from being forced to change their appearance to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards in the workplace.
- The CROWN Act explicitly bans discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective hairstyles
- It applies to hiring, firing, promotions, and daily workplace rules
- Employers cannot enforce grooming policies that disproportionately affect Black employees
- Violations can lead to significant legal liability and damages
Key Provisions of the CROWN Act in California
The CROWN Act amended the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to provide clear protections.
- Natural hair texture and protective hairstyles (braids, locs, twists, afros, Bantu knots, etc.) are protected characteristics
- Employers cannot require employees to alter or straighten their natural hair
- Grooming policies that disproportionately impact people of color are illegal
- The law applies to all employers with 5 or more employees
- Retaliation for asserting CROWN Act rights is strictly prohibited
For more information on your rights under the CROWN Act, read our guide:
Official resource:
The Purpose of the CROWN Act
The CROWN Act was passed to eliminate racial discrimination disguised as grooming standards and to promote dignity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Recognize that natural hair is not a choice but a protected racial characteristic
- End the practice of forcing Black employees to conform to Eurocentric hair standards
- Promote diversity and equal opportunity in employment
- Hold employers accountable for policies that have a discriminatory impact
Common Forms of Natural Hair Discrimination in California
Natural hair discrimination often appears in subtle or overt ways.
Grooming Policy Violations
- Requiring “professional” hairstyles that exclude natural hair or protective styles
Hiring and Promotion Discrimination
- Rejecting candidates or denying promotions because of locs, braids, or afros
Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
- Offensive comments, jokes, or pressure to “fix” natural hair
Retaliation
- Demotion, reduced hours, or termination after complaining about hair policies
Who Is Protected by the CROWN Act in California?
The CROWN Act protects a wide range of California workers.
Worker Coverage
- Employees with natural hair textures common among Black and other communities of color
- Workers wearing protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and afros
- Job applicants and current employees
Employer Coverage
- Private employers with 5 or more employees
- State and local government agencies
- Staffing agencies and joint employers
Protected Rights
- Right to wear natural hair and protective hairstyles without discrimination
- Right to complain about hair-related grooming policies without retaliation
- Right to seek lost wages, emotional distress damages, and attorney fees
How to Protect Your Rights Under the CROWN Act
Taking prompt action strengthens your case and protects your future.
Document the Discrimination
- Keep detailed notes of dates, incidents, names, and witnesses
- Save emails, grooming policies, and any discriminatory comments
Report the Discrimination Internally
- Submit a written complaint to HR or management (if safe)
- Follow up in writing to create a clear paper trail
File an Administrative Complaint
- Submit a charge with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD/DFEH)
Consult a CROWN Act Lawyer
- Get a professional evaluation of your rights and case strength
How Our Lawyer Can Help You with CROWN Act Claims
Natural hair discrimination cases require sensitivity, strong evidence, and experienced advocacy. Our CROWN Act lawyers at Setareh Law provide compassionate and aggressive representation for workers throughout California.
Immediate Case Assessment and Strategic Planning
- Thorough review of grooming policies and discriminatory incidents
- Evaluation of CROWN Act violations and related claims
- Strategy development for CRD/DFEH filing or civil lawsuit
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Preservation
- Collection of emails, grooming policies, and witness statements
- Documentation of emotional and professional impact
- Analysis of employer policies and patterns of bias
Identifying All Liable Parties
- Analysis of direct employer and supervisor liability
- Review of company grooming and appearance policies
- Identification of insurance coverage and corporate assets
Aggressive Negotiations with Employers
- Presenting strong evidence of natural hair discrimination
- Demanding full back pay, emotional distress damages, and policy changes
- Countering employer defenses and low settlement offers
Litigation-Ready Representation
- Filing complaints with the California Civil Rights Department
- Representing you in superior court lawsuits
- Conducting discovery and preparing for trial
Full Compensation Advocacy
- Lost wages and benefits (back pay and front pay)
- Emotional distress and punitive damages
- Attorney fees and litigation costs
Compassionate Support Throughout the Process
- Regular updates on case progress and agency actions
- Plain-language explanations of your rights and options
- Responsive assistance at every stage of recovery and enforcement
Areas We Serve Across California
Our CROWN Act lawyers represent clients throughout the state.
Counties: Los Angeles | Orange County | San Diego | Riverside | San Bernardino | Ventura | Santa Barbara | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Sacramento | San Joaquin | Fresno | Kern | Stanislaus | Tulare | Monterey | Santa Clara | and every other county in the state.
Cities: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario, San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Fremont, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Stockton, and hundreds more.
FAQ's: CROWN Act natural hair discrimination in California
What hairstyles are protected by the CROWN Act in California?
Braids, locs, twists, afros, Bantu knots, and other natural hair textures and protective styles commonly associated with Black and other communities of color.
Can my employer require me to straighten my natural hair?
No. The CROWN Act prohibits policies that force employees to alter their natural hair.
Is natural hair discrimination considered racial discrimination?
Yes. The CROWN Act explicitly recognizes that discrimination against natural hair is a form of racial discrimination.
How long do I have to file a CROWN Act claim?
Generally 3 years from the discriminatory act for most claims.
Can I recover money for emotional distress?
Yes. Victims of natural hair discrimination can recover compensation for emotional pain and suffering.
Do I need a lawyer for a CROWN Act case?
Yes. These cases are sensitive and can involve subtle bias. Experienced legal representation is highly recommended.
Take the Next Step
Contact an experienced California employment attorney today for a FREE case evaluation. Protect your rights if you’ve faced natural hair discrimination under the CROWN Act. You pay nothing unless we win, and you could recover lost wages, emotional distress damages, and enforce workplace policy changes.
Contact us today:
📞 Phone: 310-888-7771
✉️ Email: help@setarehlaw.com
🌐 Address: 420 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills CA, 90210
This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with a qualified California employment attorney to discuss your individual situation.
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