2025-11-27T10:26:02.529Z
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Extensive research increasingly indicates that women with naturally curly hair often encounter certain forms of bias or prejudice in professional environments. Studies have shown that hair texture—an aspect deeply tied to personal identity and heritage—can profoundly shape how individuals are perceived at work, influencing notions of professionalism, competence, and credibility.

Former journalist Priya Anand delves into this nuanced issue in her newly launched podcast, which focuses on the multifaceted experiences of people with curly hair and examines how society interprets such natural texture within the context of career and workplace dynamics. The series not only explores the aesthetic and cultural dimensions of curly hair but also interrogates the subtle pressures individuals face to conform to prevailing beauty standards.

Business Insider invites readers to join this important discussion by reflecting on their own experiences. Have your curls influenced how others perceive you at work? Has your hair impacted your career trajectory, opportunities, or self-presentation? The publication welcomes personal accounts from professionals navigating these complex realities.

For many, maintaining curly hair in a corporate environment can feel like walking a fine line between authenticity and expectation. Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for instance, offers an illuminating example. Her naturally wavy locks have followed her throughout her career—not merely as a personal characteristic but as a conversation point, a marker of identity that others often assess through the lens of societal norms. A recent Business Insider feature revisited how the congresswoman has faced consistent pressure, both implicit and explicit, to straighten her hair to align with traditional ideals of what is deemed “professional.” This article stemmed from her appearance on Priya Anand’s new podcast, *We Are Spiraling*, which takes its name from the natural spirals of curls shared by many of its featured voices, including Anand herself.

Earlier this month, Anand officially launched *We Are Spiraling*, complemented by a Substack newsletter designed to expand the ongoing dialogue surrounding the intersection of hair, identity, and self-expression. The publication also ties into her upcoming venture—a hair care product line named *Mayura*, developed to nurture and celebrate natural textures. In an interview with Business Insider, Anand shared her personal reflections on why the project feels so deeply resonant.

She recalled how, as a high school student, she was frequently told by peers that she might appear “more attractive” or “more polished” if she straightened her hair. Over time, however, these remarks—initially internalized as judgments—became a source of empowerment. Anand explained in an email that she gradually taught herself to filter out external commentary and prioritize self-acceptance over conformity. “At a certain point,” she noted, “I decided to stop letting the noise around how I should reshape my appearance dictate my choices.” Her story exemplifies how shifting one’s mindset can mitigate the emotional toll of social scrutiny.

Scholarly research supports Anand’s observation. Studies demonstrate that women with curly hair, and particularly those who are Black, routinely face implicit and explicit bias within hiring processes, promotion considerations, and broader professional interactions. This intersection between racial and aesthetic bias has spurred activism and legal reform, most notably through the 2019 CROWN Act—an acronym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools, affirming that natural hair textures and protective styles deserve respect and legal protection.

Through her podcast and related projects, Anand hopes to illuminate how societal standards surrounding hair are not merely cosmetic but cultural and structural, shaping how individuals experience belonging, professionalism, and agency.

Business Insider encourages all professionals with curly or textured hair to share their stories. Has your hair influenced the way colleagues or employers see you? Have you felt compelled to alter your style to meet unspoken expectations? Your experiences can help broaden understanding of how authenticity in appearance relates to equity and inclusion at work. Tell us your story below and contribute to a conversation that seeks to redefine what professionalism truly means.

Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/curly-hair-in-workplace-bigger-deal-2025-11