Ever felt like you had to straighten your hair to be taken seriously at work? Or been told your braids, twists, or curls looked "unprofessional"? You’re not imagining it - and France just took a huge step to fight back against that kind of bias.
In a landmark move, France’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill that bans discrimination based on hair texture, style, or colour. This is a major win for people with afro-textured and protective hairstyles, especially in Black communities that have long faced workplace and school pressure to change how they wear their hair.
What is hair discrimination?
Hair-based discrimination happens when people are judged, excluded, or treated unfairly for having natural hair or cultural styles. It often targets afro-textured hair, locs, twists, braids, and other styles that don’t fit into Eurocentric norms.
- Being passed over for jobs because of natural hair
- Feeling pressure to straighten or chemically relax curls to fit in
- Being labelled as “messy”, “unprofessional” or “distracting”
While this type of discrimination may seem subtle, it’s been a real barrier to equality, confidence, and career progression. France’s bill officially recognises that - and moves to stop it.
Who’s behind the bill?
The bill was led by French MP Olivier Serva, who has been outspoken about the impact of hair bias. He pushed for legal clarity so people can challenge hair discrimination directly, not just as a vague appearance issue.
While it still needs to pass through the Senate, this first vote is a strong signal of change. It puts hair discrimination front and centre in the conversation about race, equality, and inclusion in France - and possibly beyond.
Real voices, real impact
The law has already sparked strong support across France. Consultant Estelle Vallois said simply: “It’s about time.”
Hairdresser and mother Aude Livoreil-Djampou said the law sends a powerful message to her mixed-race children:
“It’s not just about hair. It’s about giving people strength. When someone asks you to change your hair, you can now say, ‘No — this is who I am, and it’s protected by law.’”
Air France and the push for change
This isn’t coming out of nowhere. In 2022, a Black Air France employee won a legal case after being told they couldn’t wear braids to work. That case highlighted the gap in existing laws and pushed the country to take hair discrimination more seriously.
Even high-profile politicians have faced backlash for wearing natural hair on camera — showing just how deep this issue runs.
Critics say it’s not needed - but here’s why it is
Some argue that France already has laws protecting against discrimination based on appearance. But supporters of the bill say those laws weren’t specific enough - and that left people unprotected.
- Previous laws didn’t cover hairstyles clearly
- Cases were hard to prove or dismissed altogether
- Explicit wording = stronger legal protection
This law isn’t just symbolic. It’s specific. And that specificity gives people the confidence to show up as themselves - curls, coils, colour and all.
What this means globally
France’s decision could have a ripple effect. Countries like the US have passed similar protections under the CROWN Act. But others countries, including the UK still rely on general anti-discrimination laws that don’t always protect people with afro hair.
Now that France has taken this bold step, more governments may follow. It’s a reminder to employers everywhere: your grooming policies need to be inclusive, not outdated.
How you can support the movement
Change doesn’t only happen through laws. It starts with everyday actions. If you’re inspired by what’s happening in France, here’s how you can get involved:
- Educate yourself – read up on hair bias and its impact on Black communities
- Check your workplace policies – do they protect natural and protective styles?
- Call it out – challenge hair-based microaggressions when you see them
- Share stories – real experiences are powerful and drive awareness
- Support legislation – in your country, city, or school
Final thoughts
France’s new law sends a powerful message: you shouldn’t have to change your hair to succeed. It’s a move toward real inclusion, not just ticking a box.
Whether you wear your hair in locs, twists, a silk press, or an afro - it deserves respect. And the right to be yourself at work isn’t optional. It’s essential.
We all deserve to show up fully - without hiding who we are.
