New York City authorities have introduced new guidelines making harassment or discrimination in workplaces, schools or public spaces based on hair texture or style punishable by fines of up to $US250,000.

Key points: Anyone fined for contravening the law may also have to pay damages, for which there are no limits

Anyone fined for contravening the law may also have to pay damages, for which there are no limits Employers could face legal trouble for banning styles associated with black people

Employers could face legal trouble for banning styles associated with black people Hair nets can still be required for health and safety reasons

The new legal guidelines expand on the city's existing laws that protect the right to "maintain natural hair or hairstyles that are closely associated with racial, ethnic or cultural identities".

While the protections apply to all, they were prompted largely by "racist stereotypes that black hairstyles are unprofessional".

Marissa Jackson from the New York human rights council told the ABC the guidelines were aimed at combatting anti-black discrimination following numerous reports of "schoolchildren having their hair cut at school" and employees being fired or told to change their hair.

"People who violate the law will be hit with a number of penalties," she said. "It can go up to $US250,000 ($348,400), and there's no cap on damages."

The guidance specifically warns employers they could face legal trouble for banning styles associated with black people, such as Afros, dreadlocks or cornrows, or for instructing black workers to straighten their hair.

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Many black New Yorkers proudly posted photos and videos of their own styles on twitter celebrating the new measures.

An advertising campaign publicised the new measures with posters that read: "Hair is a part of you. Race discrimination based on hair is illegal in NYC".

Ms Jackson said the penalties have generated excitement within the community and gained worldwide attention.

"I think it will be important," Ms Jackson told ABC's The World program, adding that she hopes to see the measures expanded nationwide.

"We have really seen an impact already, just in people's awareness of the human rights law more broadly, and specifically with respect to its provisions on race and colour."

Around the country, schools have increasingly come under fire for banning dreadlocks, Afros and other popular styles.

In December, there was an outcry after a white referee told a black New Jersey high school wrestler to cut his dreadlocks right before a match or forfeit it.

The teen had the haircut, but many criticised the demand, including the state's governor and an Olympic wrestler.

Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court declined last year to hear a discrimination suit involving a black Alabama woman who said she lost a job offer because she would not cut her dreadlocks.

An appeals court had sided with the employer, saying federal law protects people from discrimination based on "immutable characteristics, but not their cultural practices".

Ms Jackson said the new guidelines will not only combat the discrimination itself, "but also the economic and social impacts related to discrimination".

"So we anticipate that the impact will be quite significant," she said.

Hair nets and ties can still be required for health and safety reasons.

ABC/AP