The city Human Rights Commission has released guidelines protecting New Yorkers from being discriminated due to their hair texture or style.

The guidance gives New Yorkers the right to "maintain natural hair or hairstyles that are closely associated with their racial, ethnic or cultural identities."

The protections apply to everyone but were prompted largely by what the commission calls "racist stereotypes that black hairstyles are unprofessional."

 

The ban makes New York the first city to take steps against discrimination based on hair texture and style.

Violators of the new law could face penalties up to $250,000.

Local hair and makeup artists say some are afraid to go to work or job interviews with their natural hair and instead alter it.