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flag England and Wales now let criminal barristers skip wigs for comfort or cultural reasons, keeping robes and collars mandatory.

flag England and Wales have updated court dress rules, allowing barristers in criminal cases to skip traditional wigs if uncomfortable or impractical, particularly for those with cultural hairstyles like Afros or dreadlocks. flag The change, effective since July, removes the need for prior approval in these cases, though robes and wing collars remain mandatory. flag Exceptions also apply to pregnant barristers, those experiencing menopause, and individuals with disabilities or medical devices, though these require written approval. flag The update follows a complaint from a barrister whose Afro made wig use difficult. flag The Bar Council will review the changes after a three-year trial, but full abolition of the dress code is not planned. flag This shift marks progress toward inclusivity, building on prior exceptions for Sikh and Muslim barristers and the 2008 move to business attire in family courts.

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