A recent study has found that Black women with natural hairstyles such as curly afros, twists or braids are less likely to get called in for a job interview than white women and Black women with straight hair, according to CNN Business. In the study, hundreds of participants of different races were asked to assess potential job candidates on competence, professionalism and other factors based on mocked-up Facebook and LinkedIn profiles as a way to ultimately screen them for a possible job. In general, Black women with natural hair got lower scores on competence and professionalism, and were recommended for interviews less often compared to Black women with straightened hair, white women with straight hair or white women with curly hair. The researchers noted that, in one iteration of the experiment, two groups were asked to evaluate the same Black female candidate: one group saw a picture of her with natural hair and the other saw a picture of her with straight hair. The latter group gave the candidate a higher score on professionalism and recommended her for an interview more strongly.

CNN, though, said the size of this effect varied depending on industry. For instance, the difference effectively disappeared when the women were being considering someone for an advertising position, but became stronger when they were being considered for a management consulting position.

The researchers noted that while it is not typical for people to include a photo with a job application, it's also very easy for employers to find people online and see what they look like.