A tech worker’s decision to report her colleague to Human Resources for sniffing her hair has been applauded across social media.

The 28-year-old employee and original poster (OP), Reddit user Accurate-Humor-2246, shared her experience of feeling increasingly uncomfortable as a male coworker, “Tom”, repeatedly touched and smelled her hair.

According to her post, Tom started by brushing his fingers through her hair without warning. Although surprised, the OP initially dismissed it as a one-time occurrence.

However, the touching continued, with Tom making repeated comments about how good her hair smelled.

The situation escalated when, in the office break room, Tom leaned in and sniffed her hair.

The OP wrote, “He just leaned in, took a deep breath, and said something like, “Your hair smells so good. What kind of shampoo do you use?” I was completely horrified. I didn’t know what to say, so I just muttered a quick answer and walked away. I couldn’t believe it.

“After that, it only got worse. He would sometimes stand a little too close to me when talking, and I’d catch him sniffing the air around me like he was trying to smell my hair again.

“He’d even comment on it, like, “Your hair always smells so fresh. I wish I knew what scent that is.” I tried to brush it off, but it felt more and more invasive every time.

“Finally, a few days ago, after he did it again during a meeting, I couldn’t stay silent any longer. I felt grossed out and violated. I went to HR and explained the situation, including how Tom had repeatedly touched and smelled my hair without my consent.

“I told them I felt uncomfortable, and I had tried to ignore it, but it had gone on long enough. HR assured me they’d take care of it.”

A few days later, Tom confronted the OP about the report. According to her post, he appeared visibly upset and accused her of overreacting.

“I didn’t think it was a big deal,” he told her. “I was just complimenting you on your hair, it’s no different than someone saying they like your shoes.”

Some coworkers agreed with him, arguing that she should have addressed the issue with Tom directly instead of escalating it to HR.

Redditors React

However, many of the responses to the OP’s post strongly supported her decision to report Tom’s behavior.

One user noted, “That was seriously creepy behavior. I don’t know how you let him even touch your hair to begin with. I think being a woman makes you allow things that you shouldn’t allow.

“In the future? Don’t allow anybody to invade your personal space in any way. Seriously. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Nothing.”

Workplace Harassment and Unwanted Contact

Workplace harassment takes many forms, and unwanted physical contact is a well-documented issue. According to HR Acuity, physical harassment includes “unwanted touching of skin, clothing, hair, or any other part of the body.”

This behavior—even if intended as a compliment or joke—can contribute to a hostile work environment, particularly when it becomes a pattern or makes the recipient uncomfortable.

Legal experts note that inappropriate touching at work can be considered harassment if it is unwelcome and creates a disruptive atmosphere. Taylor & Ring states that non-consensual physical contact, including touching someone’s hair, may violate workplace policies and legal standards for harassment.

Newsweek has contacted Accurate-Humor-2246comment via Reddit.

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