Hairstyle is a powerful expression of cultural identity and individuality. Yet, for far too long, certain hairstyles—particularly those associated with African American and ethnic communities—have been unfairly targeted in the workplace. In Egg Harbor Township and across New Jersey, laws now protect workers from discrimination based on hairstyle. If you’ve experienced unfair treatment because of how you wear your hair, legal help is available.

What Is Hairstyle Discrimination?

Hairstyle discrimination occurs when an employer treats an individual unfairly because of their natural hair texture or protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, or Afros. It can affect hiring, promotions, job assignments, and terminations, and it often overlaps with racial discrimination.

Common examples include:

• Requiring employees to change their natural hair or protective style to appear “professional”
• Disciplining workers for wearing braids, locs, or twists
• Creating or enforcing grooming policies that disproportionately impact employees of color
• Making derogatory comments about an employee’s hairstyle or cultural expression

The CROWN Act and NJLAD

New Jersey has taken a bold stance against hairstyle discrimination through the enactment of the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This law expanded the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles.

This means employers in Egg Harbor Township cannot legally discriminate against employees based on how they choose to wear their natural hair.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Hairstyle discrimination may be subtle or masked under the guise of “professionalism,” but it can have a significant emotional and economic impact. An experienced employment attorney can help you recognize discrimination, gather evidence, and take action through the appropriate legal channels.

Your lawyer can assist you with:

• Filing a formal complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
• Negotiating compensation or changes to discriminatory workplace policies
• Litigating your case in state court if necessary
• Protecting you from retaliation during the legal process

Choose Castronovo & McKinney, LLC

Castronovo & McKinney, LLC is one of New Jersey’s most respected employment law firms, with a strong focus on Protecting Your Rights. We are deeply committed to fighting discrimination in all its forms—especially those rooted in cultural identity and race. Our attorneys bring passion, precision, and proven results to every case.

If your hairstyle has become the basis for unfair treatment, let us help you reclaim your dignity and workplace equality.

Legal Help in Egg Harbor Township

You deserve to be judged by your work, not your appearance. If you’ve faced hairstyle discrimination, don’t stay silent. Legal protections are in place, and our team is ready to stand with you.

Egg Harbor Township Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

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