Having curly hair in the workplace can be fraught. Just ask Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
The Florida Congresswoman’s wavy locks were the subject of a recent Business Insider article about how pressure to straighten them has followed her throughout her career. It was based on her appearance on “We Are Spiraling,” a new podcast about curly hair by former journalist Priya Anand, who has ringlets, too.
Anand launched the show earlier this month along with a Substack to complement her forthcoming hair care product line, Mayura. She told Business Insider she could relate to her high-profile political guest.
“In high school, other girls would tell me I’d look so much better if I straightened my hair,” Anand said in an email, adding that over time she learned not to let critics bother her. “At some point, I started tuning out noise around how I should reshape my appearance based on other people’s commentary.”
Research shows women with curly hair — especially those who are Black — can face bias in professional settings, which is why Anand says many intentionally hide their curls. Lawmakers have sought to address the problem through legislation, such as the 2019 CROWN Act, which bans race-based hair discrimination.
If you’re a curly-haired professional, Business Insider would love to hear from you. How has it affected your career? Tell us your story below.
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