COMMITTEE CHAIR: Dr. Robert Zinko

TITLE: DEEP CONDITIONED: UNPACKING HAIR BIAS IN PERCEIVED PROFESSIONALISM AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR HIRING OF BLACK WOMEN

ABSTRACT: This study examines the relationship between Black women’s hairstyles, perceived professionalism, and hiring willingness. Using a two-study design, the research investigates whether hairstyle influences workplace evaluations and whether these perceptions change when additional applicant and evaluator characteristics are considered. Study 1 assessed perceptions of professionalism across four hairstyles: straight hair, an Afrocentric style, an afro, and locs. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between straight hair and the afro, with straight hair rated as more professional. These findings suggest that hairstyle can influence professional judgments, particularly when styles are more closely associated with Black cultural identity. Study 2 extended this analysis by examining whether applicant human capital, the industry of the position, and evaluator characteristics affected perceptions of professionalism and hiring willingness. Specifically, the study considered whether qualifications, job context, evaluator age, and exposure to Black culture reduced or explained differences in evaluation. The findings indicated that differences in professionalism ratings and hiring evaluations diminished after accounting for these factors. This suggests that hair bias may not operate in isolation, but instead interacts with broader assumptions about qualifications, workplace fit, industry expectations, and cultural familiarity.

Keywords: Hair bias, employment, discrimination, hiring biases

Location Online:

Zoom Link:

https://pvpanther.zoom.us/j/98672180616?pwd=T7iaZD1Ov1NH3HkM2dTZmUXMzym729.1

Meeting ID: 86 7218 0616

Passcode: 001