What is the Halo Code?
The Halo Code is an initiative developed by The Halo Collective to end hair inequality for good. It promotes the acceptance and celebration of natural, protective, and culturally significant hairstyles commonly worn by people from Black, Afro Caribbean and other ethnic backgrounds.
Hair discrimination can take many forms, including inappropriate comments or touching, assumptions about professionalism, and workplace norms that indirectly disadvantage people because of their hair.
The Halo Code exists to make clear that these behaviours are not acceptable, and that hair should never be a barrier to dignity, opportunity, or progression at work.
Our commitment to the Halo Code means that colleagues are supported in wearing their hair in ways that reflect their racial, ethnic, or cultural identity. Hairstyles including braids, locs, twists, Afros, fades, and protective styles are welcomed and respected.
Our commitment at DWF
Through the adoption of the Halo Code, DWF affirms its commitment to equality, inclusion, and fairness — aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, which calls for the removal of discriminatory practices and the promotion of inclusive workplaces.
This commitment is reflected in our ESG & Sustainability Strategy and DE&I policies and practices, including our Dress Code guidance, which recognises that professionalism is not defined by a narrow view of appearance and that colleagues should not be expected to change who they are in order to “fit in”.
The Halo Code is part of our wider approach to racial and ethnic equity, bringing our commitment to inclusion into everyday experience at work. It sits alongside colleague-led initiatives such as the Black Professionals Support Group, led by Kataura Quayson and Topazia Jones, which creates a visible and empowering space focused on wellbeing, career development and allyship.
Through storytelling and open conversations, the group helps bring the principles of the Halo Code to life — building understanding, challenging assumptions and celebrating lived experiences across the firm. For many colleagues, hair is deeply connected to identity, culture and self-expression, and these experiences highlight why this commitment matters in practice.