Can an employer not allow wigs?
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Can an employer not allow wigs?
I am currently employed in a small independently owned sandwich shop that only allows natural hair colors. I understand they have the legal right to determine their employees hair color however I would still like to pursue red hair. I’m thinking I could wear a natural wig to work. Can they legally tell me I can’t wear a wig? I am worried they’ll make me change my hair back regardless.
Asked on November 28, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Most employment relationships are "at will". This means that a company can set the conditions of work much as it sees fit. This includes mandating what employees can or cannot wear at the workplace and whether or not workers are allowed to color their hair. This holds true so long as such action does not violate the terms of any employment contract/union agreement or constitutes some form of legally actionable dscrimination (i.e. is due to their race, religion, age (over 40), disability or the like). Accordingly unless you need to wear a wig for religious reasons, etc. you have no claim here. Accordingly, you can either accept your employer's policy, defy it but risk termination, or quit.
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