We're building a
future without hair
discrimination
Welcome to the home
of the Halo Collective
We are the Black hair revolution
We are an alliance of organisations and individuals working to create a future without hair discrimination, founded by young Black organisers fromThe Advocacy Academy.
Race-based hair discrimination has been illegal in the UK since the the Equalities Act became law in 2010, and yet it still happens all the time.
For too long, Black people have been told that our hair textures and hairstyles are inappropriate, unattractive, and unprofessional. We've been suspended from school, held back in our careers, and made to feel inferior by racist policies and attitudes.
Together, we are fighting for the protection and celebration of Black hair and hairstyles.
Our Mission
Our mission is to end hair inequality for good.
Why We Exist
Hair discrimination remains a source of racial injustice with serious consequences for Black people in the UK.
Despite hair being a protected racial characteristic under the law, there is a widely held belief that Black hairstyles are not suited for formal settings, and may be unhygienic, messy, disruptive, or unkempt. These ideas strike at the freedom and dignity of Black people and serve no purpose other than to instil shame in us about our Blackness.
No one should have to change their natural or protective hairstyle in order to thrive. Together, we will ensure that all Black people can learn, work, and live free from hair discrimination.
Learn more about the history of hair discrimination
58%
of Black students experience name calling or uncomfortable questions about their hair at school
1 in 4
Black adults had a negative experience at school in relation to their hair texture.
46%
of parents say their children's school policy penalised Afro hair.
Our Stories
At 14 years old I started growing out my hair and was proud to be sporting an afro for the first time in my life! I was sat in maths class talking to my friends and I heard snickering behind me. I turned around, thinking innocently there was a joke I missed and wanting to join in. When my head was turned I was met with a loud gasp from my friend next to me. I turned back swiftly and asked what was wrong. She started tugging on my hair. . . it was chewing gum.
I stared hard into the blue eyes of the boy who was responsible, which only made him seem to find it funnier and laugh harder. Hearing the commotion, the teacher came over to deal with the situation and tried to get the gum out but it was clear that it was lodged in and would need to be cut out with scissors.
When asked why he did it, the response was a nonchalant, "I didn't know chewing gum would stick to that kind of hair. I wanted to see what would happen." The end result? A quick chastising and a, "don't do it again" while I was sent to reception to get a chunk of my hair cut out with scissors.
At 14 years old I started growing out my hair and was proud to be sporting an afro for the first time in my life! I was sat in maths class talking to my friends and I heard snickering behind me. I turned around, thinking innocently there was a joke I missed and wanting to join in. When my head was turned I was met with a loud gasp from my friend next to me. I turned back swiftly and asked what was wrong. She started tugging on my hair. . . it was chewing gum.
I stared hard into the blue eyes of the boy who was responsible, which only made him seem to find it funnier and laugh harder. Hearing the commotion, the teacher came over to deal with the situation and tried to get the gum out but it was clear that it was lodged in and would need to be cut out with scissors.
When asked why he did it, the response was a nonchalant, "I didn't know chewing gum would stick to that kind of hair. I wanted to see what would happen." The end result? A quick chastising and a, "don't do it again" while I was sent to reception to get a chunk of my hair cut out with scissors.
Sam, Warwick
Join the Fight!
We'd love you to get involved. Read more about our three part campaign strategy and decide how you want to join the fight.
Adopt the Halo Code
We're calling on every school and workplace in the UK to protect the rights of Black students and staff by adopting The Halo Code.
Fix Up the Law
Although hair discrimination is against UK law, it still happens all the time. Ask the Government to fix up the law by explicitly naming Black hair in the Equality Act.
It only takes 2 minutes!
Slay the Stigma
We're over being stigmatised for our hair. Help us change the way Black hair is perceived through research, education, and positive representation.
Collective Members
Meet our trailblazing Halo Collective partners!
