Deep Conditioned: Unpacking Hair Bias In Perceived Professionalism And Its Implications For Hiring Of Black Women

Author

• Christine Hill, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

8-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Degree Discipline

Business Administration

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between Black women’s hairstyles and their perceived professionalism and the willingness to accept them. Using a two-study design, Study 1 identified differences in perceptions of professionalism across four hairstyles: straight hair, Afrocentric style, afro, and locs. The results showed a statistically significant difference between straight hair and afro, with straight hair rated as more professional. Study 2 examined whether applicant capital, the position’s industry, and evaluator characteristics influenced these perceptions as well as the willingness to hire Black women. The findings indicated that differences in perceived professionalism are influenced by industry and exposure to Black culture, but capital and age had no influence. Additionally, none of the moderating variables influenced hiring decisions. The results highlight the complex nature of hair bias in the workplace and support the call to promote more inclusive grooming policies and hiring practices.

Keywords: discrimination, employment, hair bias, hiring biases

Committee Chair/Advisor

Robert Zinko

Committee Member

Aneika Simmons

Committee Member

Qiang Fei

Committee Member

Christopher Furner

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

Date of Digitization

10/30/2026

Contributing Institution

J B Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Hill, C. (2026). Deep Conditioned: Unpacking Hair Bias In Perceived Professionalism And Its Implications For Hiring Of Black Women. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-dissertations/150