Hairstyle Discrimination in Fairfield Township: Defend Your Identity at Work

How you wear your hair is an expression of your identity, heritage, and culture—and no one should be treated differently for it. Unfortunately, hairstyle discrimination still exists in workplaces, often targeting employees of color. If you’ve been unfairly judged or penalized for your hairstyle in Fairfield Township, Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is here to Protect Your Rights and hold your employer accountable.

What Is Hairstyle Discrimination?

Hairstyle discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to the texture or style of their hair, especially styles associated with race, such as afros, braids, locs, twists, or cornrows. While it may seem subtle, enforcing grooming policies that disproportionately affect certain racial or ethnic groups is unlawful under New Jersey law.

Examples of Hairstyle Discrimination

• Refusing to hire someone because of dreadlocks or braids


• Requiring an employee to change their natural hairstyle to conform to "professional" norms


• Mocking or making negative comments about someone’s hair texture or cultural style


• Disciplining or terminating an employee for wearing protective styles


• Creating or enforcing grooming policies that are racially biased

Legal Protections in New Jersey

In 2019, New Jersey passed the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), amending the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to specifically prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture associated with race.

This makes it unlawful for employers to enforce grooming policies that disproportionately target Black employees or others with culturally significant hairstyles.

Your Rights Include:

• The right to wear natural or protective hairstyles without being penalized


• The right to be free from harassment or bias related to your appearance


• The right to report discriminatory behavior without retaliation


• The right to fair hiring, promotion, and discipline practices

How Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Can Help

Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is a respected employment law firm that proudly defends the rights of employees facing race-based and appearance-based discrimination in Fairfield Township. If you’ve been targeted due to your hairstyle, we can help you file a claim, gather evidence, and pursue justice for emotional distress, lost wages, and more.

Take a Stand for Self-Expression

Your hair is a part of who you are. If your employer has discriminated against you because of your hairstyle, you have the legal right to push back—and we’re here to help.

Fairfield Township Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are ready to advocate for your right to be yourself at work.

Contact Information

New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924

New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781