The Halo Code: Ending hair inequality at Alfa and beyond
At Alfa, we believe everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work without having to change who they are to fit in.
That’s why we’re proud to announce that Alfa has adopted The Halo Code, the UK’s first Black hair code, joining organisations committed to tackling hair discrimination and creating more inclusive workplaces.
Why hair equality matters
Hair is more than appearance. For many Black people, Afro-textured hair and the ways it is worn can be an important part of racial, cultural, ethnic and religious identity.
No one should have to choose between expressing their identity and being able to thrive at work.
At Alfa, we believe your hair should never be a barrier to opportunity.
What is The Halo Code?
The Halo Code was created by the Halo Collective, an alliance of organisations and individuals founded by young Black organisers from The Advocacy Academy.
The campaign aims to challenge hair discrimination in schools and workplaces across the UK and to create environments where Black people can wear their natural hair and protective hairstyles without fear of discrimination.
By adopting The Halo Code, Alfa is proud to stand alongside this movement and reaffirm our commitment to a workplace where people are respected and valued for who they are.
Learn more about The Halo Code and the Halo Collective
What The Halo Code means at Alfa
Our commitment is simple: Black colleagues should be free to embrace and celebrate their Afro-textured hair at work.
We recognise that Afro-textured hair requires specific approaches to styling, care and maintenance, and that hairstyles can have deep personal and cultural significance.
We therefore celebrate Afro-textured hair in all its forms. Hair styles are not barriers to professionalism, capability or success.
Creating a workplace where everyone belongs
Adopting The Halo Code is one part of our wider commitment to equity, equality and social justice.
Inclusion isn't simply about having policies in place. It's about creating a culture where people feel respected, understood and able to be themselves.
That means challenging assumptions, learning about experiences that may be different from our own, and making space for colleagues to express their identities without fear of judgement.
As part of our commitment to The Halo Code, we encourage everyone at Alfa to familiarise themselves with Afro-textured hairstyles and their cultural significance, and to think carefully about the language we use when talking about hair.
Words such as messy, unprofessional or inappropriate can carry very different implications when they are applied to Afro-textured hair.
Understanding this is an important part of building a genuinely inclusive workplace.
A commitment for everyone
The Halo Code is gender-neutral and applies to everyone.
It doesn't mean that workplaces cannot have reasonable requirements relating to safety or other legitimate workplace considerations. Instead, it encourages organisations to ensure that any expectations around appearance are applied fairly and do not unfairly discriminate against people because of their hair texture or hairstyle.
At Alfa, we don't have a formal uniform or dress code. Beyond ensuring that everyone is comfortable and safe, we don't prescribe how our colleagues should dress or present themselves.
That reflects something fundamental about our culture:
We embrace everyone exactly as they are.
Adopting The Halo Code is a public expression of that principle and a commitment to keep learning, listening and creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We’re proud to be an adopter of The Halo Code.