Emojis influence how we communicate feelings, identity, and culture, often ignoring authentic hairstyles, leaving millions unseen and digitally voiceless.—particularly when it comes to Black hair expression.. Dove’s recent research reveals a striking omission: 8 in 10 Black people in America either struggle to find emojis accurately depicting their hair or give up searching entirely, knowing they don’t exist. Emojis transcend simple communication—they validate experiences. While mythical beings populate keyboards abundantly, natural and protective Black hairstyles like afros, locs, braids, and cornrows remain absent.
Dove, partnering with London-based advocacy group RISE.365, has ignited a cultural movement to close this glaring representation gap. The initiative, aptly named #CodeMyCrown, challenges Unicode Consortium—the nonprofit regulating global emoji standards—to incorporate emojis authentically reflecting Black hairstyles. Unicode previously declined such a request in 2019 from writer Rhianna Jones, whose proposal for an afro emoji, backed by over 65,000 supporters, was dismissed as redundant alongside an existing “curly hair” icon.
The dismissal oversimplifies textured hair’s cultural importance, treating it as interchangeable rather than deeply personal. Protective styles are not trends—they’re expressions of identity, heritage, resilience, and pride. Hair remains deeply intertwined with racial equity movements, exemplified by the Crown Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), legislation Dove championed since 2019 to combat hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools.
Dove’s advocacy extends into virtual spaces, recognizing digital representation profoundly impacts self-esteem. Its 2023 initiative, “Code My Crown,” empowered game developers worldwide to integrate inclusive hair representation into gaming narratives. Now, the brand continues its digital inclusion commitment by calling for four vital hairstyle emojis: afro, locs, braids, and cornrows.
Marcela Melero, Chief Growth Officer of Dove Personal Care North America, captures this urgency: “Our ongoing support of the Crown Movement and collaboration with RISE.365 highlights an absence in keyboards that must be addressed. Everyone deserves recognition and authenticity, particularly in places where we express ourselves most openly.”
Representation isn’t trivial. Dove’s findings show that 69 percent of Black individuals feel it’s essential for emojis to depict their hair authentically, emphasizing cultural visibility and personal identity. Similarly, 57 percent of Black respondents reported feeling undervalued because their identities were digitally invisible. Emojis matter because identity matters—and exclusion in digital spaces reinforces marginalization offline.
RISE.365’s founder and CEO Joycelyn Buffong emphasizes the broader significance: “Emojis influence perceptions. Excluding Black hair reinforces the damaging idea that our identities are secondary or optional. This campaign isn’t merely about emojis—it’s about societal recognition, dignity, and celebrating Black beauty without compromise.”
Historically, emojis lacked diversity from their inception in the late 1990s, initially depicting neutral or predominantly white-skinned figures. Diverse skin tones were only introduced in 2015 following public advocacy, while varied gender and cultural representations evolved even later. However, despite incremental expansions, authentic textured-hair depictions remain notably absent—a stark oversight reflecting deeper cultural biases.
Today, Dove and RISE.365 demand action, leveraging community strength to influence Unicode’s upcoming emoji decision-making in 2025. Their campaign calls communities to rally online, tagging #CodeMyCrown to pressure decision-makers into action. Dove insists natural hair emojis aren’t decorative—they are necessary affirmations of cultural worth, identity, and visibility.
Emojis function not merely as playful symbols but as powerful markers of inclusion. By embracing authentic representations of Black hairstyles, Unicode Consortium holds the power to validate millions. Dove’s movement ensures that Black communities no longer compromise their identities for convenience, but instead proudly claim their space in every keyboard worldwide.
