Dove and RISE.365 Advocate for More Representation of Black Hairstyles in Emojis

In a world where emojis play a significant role in digital communication, representation is key. A recent study conducted by Dove has revealed that a staggering 80% of Black individuals in the U.S. encounter challenges in finding emojis that authentically reflect their hairstyles. The campaign led by Dove and RISE.365 aims to address this gap, making the case for the inclusion of natural and protective hairstyles in the emoji library.

Emojis serve as a visual language that transcends boundaries, facilitating the expression of identity and culture. Yet, despite the availability of almost 4,000 emojis globally, none accurately represent Black hairstyles such as afros, locs, braids, or cornrows. This stark absence raises profound questions about the significance of diverse representation in our increasingly digital world. While users can find numerous emojis for mythical characters, the lack of relatable hairstyles reinforces the notion that Black hair is an afterthought.

As the Unicode Consortium prepares to review new emoji proposals in 2025, Dove and RISE.365 are calling upon their communities to join them in urging decision-makers to include these hairstyles in the next update. Dove has long championed the creation of a more inclusive digital space, as evidenced by its commitment to the CROWN Coalition, which seeks to promote respect and visibility for natural hair.

The Importance of Representation

In the research conducted by Dove, a significant 69% of Black individuals expressed that it's crucial for emojis to depict accurate representations of their hair features. The survey outcomes further revealed that the absence of relevant emojis poses a compromise on their identity, with 57% feeling undervalued in a digital landscape that fails to celebrate their hairstyles. For many, having a diverse array of emojis available is not just a matter of convenience but rather a means of recognition and validation of their identity.

The demand for change isn't new. Back in 2019, writer Rhianna Jones put forth a proposal for a dedicated afro hair emoji, gathering an impressive 65,000 signatures. However, this request was ultimately rejected, as the Unicode Consortium deemed existing