Skip to content
Mother and daughter close up picture

Legal Freedom for UK women to wear hair their way

The issue

All women experience pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. But, for black women and girls in the UK, many aspects of their daily lives are impacted by Eurocentric standards that often dictate what is beautiful.

This unfair treatment includes judgment based on hair texture and discrimination against protective hairstyles including braids, locs and twists. Black children have been sent home from school for their hair being ‘too big’ and ‘full’ and black women often face discrimination in the workplace for wearing their hair in natural styles.

What we can do about it

In fact, one in four black adults in the UK have been sent home from work or faced disciplinary action as result of wearing their hair in a natural or protected style. And, 51% of black children have been sent home from school due to wearing their hair naturally or in a protective style.

Dove believes that every woman should be free to celebrate their own beauty. That’s why it is supporting the Halo Collective and individuals who are calling for legislative change on race-based hair discrimination.

It’s time for every girl and women to have the freedom to wear their hair their way.

You can take action by signing a petition to add your support to create more effective legal protection.

Similar ways to take action (8 items)

More from Unilever

A yellow metal walkway runs through the centre of an array of solar panels on the roof of a Unilever building in India.

Unilever solar electricity deal powers renewable energy use in India

We’re partnering with our collaborative manufacturers in India to tackle climate change and increase renewable energy use. Learn how a joint power purchase agreement offers a new way to cut value chain emissions and achieve 25% cost savings on electricity.

A line-up of Unilever’s €1 billion Power Brands

What’s behind Unilever’s full-year results?

Our financial results for the full year 2024 show improved performance led by volume growth and gross margin expansion. Take a look at some of the brands, categories and innovations driving that momentum.

A Unilever refill machine, selling Dove, Lifebuoy and Sunsilk

Unilever is testing refill solutions to tackle plastic waste

Unilever is running refill pilot projects globally, seeking ways to reduce virgin plastic use and tackle plastic sachet waste. Learn how insights from three emerging markets are helping us understand the barriers to scaling reusable packaging models.

Automated picking machine placing packs of Dove Beauty Bars onto a pallet at Unilever’s Mannheim factory in Germany.

How we’re building a leaner, more agile supply chain

Unilever’s factories and distribution centres play a critical role in business performance and growth. Read how our site in Mannheim, Germany, is driving operational excellence through a combination of digital upskilling and advanced technology.

Back to top