Kinky Curly or Silky Straight? Examining the Effect of African-American Women’s Hair Texture on Hiring Preferences

Abstract

This study examined the role of African-American hair texture in the workplace hiring process. Though it was predicted that Black women who choose to wear their hair in its naturally curly (high stereotypicality [HS]) state would receive significantly lower selection ratings on hiring related measures than applicants with less stereotypical (LS) hair texture, Black women with HS hair textures were offered employment at the same rates as those with LS hair textures and were rated equally on most other measures; however Black women with HS hair textures were rated as less professional in appearance, but were also offered a higher starting salary. These findings could potentially reduce the pressure many Black women feel to alter their natural hair texture in order to avoid discrimination in the hiring process.