The CROWN Act is current legislation in the United States that seeks to end hair discrimination within institutions of work and school. While protection against discrimination is prevalent within U.S. law, a recent federal law passed in 2019 allows employers the option to ban locs in the workplace. It is the passing of this law that initiated the efforts of the Crown Act. Since its fruition, the Crown Act is now law in 16 states but much of the U.S. remains without this protection. 

Black hair is significant to the African diaspora from a socio-historical context and has remained a meaningful source for self-expression and celebration of blackness. While the policing of natural hair is gaining media attention in the U.S. and around the globe, the surveillance of black bodies is not a new concern. 

Black women and Black children are the most visible targets for natural hair policing and have been subject to various consequences when their natural hairstyles do not meet dress code policies at work and school. 

Anti-blackness is a global concern and natural hair is just one aspect of its oppressive gaze. This project seeks to obtain the narratives of Black women across the globe describing their experiences and emotions surrounding natural hair styling options. This empirical study will provide insight into the significance of emotions within race scholarship and more specifically, the importance of creating safety within society for natural hair as an option. 

Studies show that Black women are targeted in the workplace for their decisions to dawn natural hairstyles (Koval and Rosette 2021, Greene 2012, Dawson et al 2019). And media attention has shed light on the disproportionate policing of black bodies and more specifically those who choose to wear natural hair styling options. 

As the Crown Act gains recognition around the country and adoption throughout the country, it remains critical to understand the global experiences of Black women who choose to wear natural hairstyles