Dove Joins Campaign For Black Hair Emojis

Dove has joined a campaign to bring natural and protective Black hairstyles to the emoji keyboard. Partnering with London-based youth nonprofit RISE.365, the brand is calling on the Unicode Consortium to approve four new emoji designs representing afros, braids, cornrows, and locs. The push comes as Unicode prepares to review new emoji proposals this month.

The #CodeMyCrown campaign

The #CodeMyCrown campaign, backed by global pop star Mel B, is challenging the lack of representation of Black hair among the nearly 4,000 emojis currently available. While over 90 percent of the world’s population uses emojis to communicate, none reflect real people with natural or protective Black hairstyles.

New research from Dove reveals that eight in ten Black people in the US struggle to find emojis that accurately reflect their hair—or don’t bother looking, knowing they don’t exist. Nearly seven in ten say they use emojis to express their identity and culture, yet are forced to compromise due to the lack of relevant options. More than half reported feeling undervalued because of this absence, and two-thirds said that seeing natural and protective hairstyles reflected in emojis would make them feel seen.

As a founding member of the CROWN Coalition, Dove has helped pass legislation across the US aimed at ending hair discrimination. In 2023, it expanded its mission to digital spaces with Code My Crown, an initiative encouraging game developers to include more inclusive hair representation. Now, Dove is advocating for a more representative emoji library.

Making the case for Black Hair Emojis

This isn’t the first time advocates have tried to diversify the emoji lineup. In 2019, Rhianna Jones submitted an online petition for an Black hair emojis, backed by over 65,000 signatures. However, Unicode declined it, arguing that the existing “curly hair” emoji was meant to represent a variety of hairstyles. Despite this, fondue, a mouse trap, and an accordion were released as new emojis that same year.

“For too long, Black people have been excluded from digital representation, reinforcing the idea that our features and identities are an afterthought,” said Joycelyn Buffong, founder and CEO of RISE.365. “This movement is about more than emojis – it’s about recognition, inclusion, and ensuring that Black and mixed race hairstyles are seen, valued, and celebrated everywhere, including in digital spaces.”

The proposed emojis are being submitted to the Unicode Consortium this month. In the meantime, Dove, RISE.365, and their supporters are asking the public to show support by using the hashtag #CodeMyCrown.

Feature image: prostooleh on Freepik