Does my boss have the right to cut my hair ifI have lice?
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Does my boss have the right to cut my hair ifI have lice?
Asked on November 9, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, South Carolina
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Yes and no.
Yes, in the sense that your boss could tell that if you have lice, you can't work there unless you get your hair cut--he could even demand to be the one to cut it himself, which would be highly strange but would seem to be legal. (Though if he cuts it himself and there is any evidence that there is some improper motive in the act--e.g. he just wants an excuse to touch you--there could easily be a sexual harassment lawsuit.)
No, in that if you say no, the most he could do is fire you--he can't force you to cut your hair or let him cut it. If you're willing to risk your job, you could simply refuse.
Note that if you have an employment contract, you need to look to its terms to see what it says about termination, etc. And as noted above, this could easily turn into a harassment situation.
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