The professionalism of natural hair is a constant topic of debate in black culture. And while many naturals advance professionally and enjoy satisfying careers, some people seem to be stuck on the idea that hair trumps talent and intelligence. To be fair, it must be acknowledged that there are still incidents of natural hair leading to professional discrimination (Six Flags being the most popular example, currently), but these incidents are the exception and certainly not the rule. And also, just because discrimination happens, it doesn’t mean that it’s justified or even sensical. Here are 5 reasons why natural hair should never be viewed as ‘unprofessional’.
1. A naturally occurring physical characteristic CAN’T be unprofessional
Think about it. Would you call the shape of an Asian woman’s eyes “unprofessional”? Or the color of a black woman’s skin? Then how can you label hair — a naturally occuring physical trait — as “unprofessional”. It makes no sense. Now, of course, how you choose to ALTER or ADORN hair or body can be considered professional or unprofessional, but to call the natural characteristics of the body itself ‘unprofessional’ is totally ludicrous.
2. Natural hair can be styled conservatively
Afros are lovely and amazing, but most naturals have enough common sense to know that, depending on where you work, it won’t always be an appropriate style. Some work environments will call for a natural woman to pull her hair away from her face. Other work places might have more leeway, allowing for bigger styles like twist outs, braid outs or curly fros. In either instance, it is HOW the woman decides to style her hair that determines whether it is professional. Not the hair itself.
Tip: Short haired naturals (less than 6 inches) might feel they don’t have the length to rock conservative styles. Not true! Pinned up updos can work on shorter lengths.
3. Discrimination based on hair texture is illegal
Plain and simple. Now you can be fired for violating a company’s policy on how you STYLE your hair or present yourself. But to be fired for having a certain hair texture is literally criminal. If you DO find yourself being discriminated against because of your hair texture, take heart! You have a solid civil suit and, most likely, a lucrative settlement coming down the pipe.
4. It breeds paranoia
Have you ever heard a natural swear that she didn’t get a job or was unfairly treated, “just because I’m natural.” Meanwhile this woman might have a totally unprofessional attitude and an unkempt appearance. Unless it’s obvious that you are being discriminated against because of your hair, it’s not healthy to walk around with the assumption that this will or has happened. Not only does it breed paranoia, but it diverts focus from other weaknesses that could be the REAL cause of lost professional opportunities.
5. There are tons of natural hair professionals making moves right now
Don’t think that naturals can be professional? Take a walk through downtown Atlanta on any given workday. The natural hair scene is incredible! Black women rocking suits, pumps, and some fiercely elegant natural styles. If you’re looking for natural professionals in your own city or town, look no further than the many online natural hair forums (such as the Black Girl Long Hair forum, NaturalSunshine.com, or CurlTalk). They are chock full of professional women proudly rocking the natural.
The REAL Dilemma
So where is the REAL dilemma when it comes to natural hair and the workplace? In this day and age, it is a lack of understanding of the styling options and necessities that come with natural hair. While a natural can get by professionally rocking buns or french braids, they might not have access to more intricate styles, like cornrows, locs and in some cases twists, that are unfairly labeled as ‘radical’ or ‘extreme’ when, in reality, they are great for retaining length and protecting ends. Perhaps the focus should now be on how to communicate to employers and human resource professionals that natural hair thrives in styles that — to the uncultured eye — look exotic or intricate, but are actually quite ‘normal’.
Ladies, what are your thoughts? Do you think natural hair can be viewed as unprofessional? Why or why not?
I think it depends on the style and presentation of it.. Natural black hair can be intimidating to many non blacks, but by the same token, non blacks wear “natural hair” everyday and no one gets upset or thinks it’s unprofessional.
In my opinion, I think natural afro-textured hair can be intimidating to both Blacks and non-Blacks! I am speaking from my personal experience only! But, some Blacks are uncomfortable with seeing Black women rocking their natural hair. Their reactions to it can be downright rude and inappropriate.
I hate to get political, but it’s because black people have been conditioned–on purpose–to think our hair is unattractive and unacceptable. Unfortunately, some of us believe this. I have 3b (curly)almost waist length hair. Most times, I wear it up in a bun or pineapple. Occiasionally, I will wear it out when I want to be “free”. It is absolutely unbelievable how many black women ( especially the older women) stop me and tell me I need a perm!!!! I think it’s rude so I respond in kind “no thanks, I’m not European and don’t care to look like it.” on the other hand, white people love my hair and are very curious about it.
Rock Star, I have the same reactions.
I can’t dare wear my 4a hair open no matter how long it gets. Actually depending on where I work I can’t even wear my natural braids down without people staring and it’s the black people who are doing the staring…it’s never untidy but apparently, in my country, people with my ‘kind’ of hair should have it chemically straightened or curled within an inch of its life if it is to be accepted without question!
It’s not so bad now and I long ago decided that I should work on my attitude and my qualifications rather than getting paranoid about whether or not it’s my hair HR managers are afraid of.
Ikr! It’s so sad! I had a twistout last week. I washed my hair in the middle of the week and wore my afro with a nice headband for the rest of the week. Who had something derogatory to say about it? It wasn’t the white people! It was actually black people, 2 women and a man who all had hair that was way wilder than mine! What a shame to hate ourselves so bad!
This is crazy, I have gotten very similar reactions as well. The bad thing about it though is that my I’m transitioning from accidental heat training so my hair doesn’t even have its real curl pattern right now and I wear it in updos most of the time. White people look at it like its a miracle of God and many black people have told me that I’m wasting my looks by wearing my hair this way. Whatever the heck that means.
Same here, it get more rude comments fron blacks than non-blacks. I have had white women say they love and with their had would behave like mine, curl etc.
*wish
@ RockStar
I get the same reaction. It’s sad that white people tend to be accepting and appreciative when a black women wears her hair natural. I have gotten hateful and disgusted looks by black people- especially black men- when I rock my natural fro. The amount of disdain is downright hurtful.
That sucks because natural hair is awesome.
I agree that its can be intimidating to others. I am the only black female in my office and I went natural because I was ill and my hair was falling, then I began to embrace it completely and question why am I doing this to my hair. I usually wear twist, twist out, coils, or rock my fro from time to time, and at least every quarter I may wash and blow dry it and roller set it and wear that style for about 2 weeks. I aways get the comments I like your hair like this you should do this more often. I find it ignorant and sometimes offensive to tell me how to wear my hair when I do not judge them and say you should perm your hair so it can look curly or get a brazillian flat iron so it can be straight. Folks see the negative side of anything that a black person does out of the ordinary. I just had a brother tell me yesterday that I should wear my hair flat because he is not with the fro and natural “thing” really we have the same type of hair. Just sad educating our people is necessary.
I think some people have viewed natural hair as being unprofessional across the world. There’s hope though. Many more black women are wearing their hair naturally so its getting more and more common. So attitudes will change with time.
I’ve been natural since January 2012, but this is my second time going natural. I was natural for two years from 2007-2009, but changed up my hair following a lay off from my job and having to enter back into the job market. Entering back into the job market was the reason for the change in my hair. I live in the conversative South and as much as people were intrigued by my hair and wanted to touch it, they were not so willing to offer employment. I’m happy to say now that people are now more accepting of natural hair and they now realize that natural does not equate to unprofessional or uneducated. I proudly wear my natural hari and plan to continue to do so.
I always find it interesting that a Black women’s hair in it’s NATURAL STATE is intimidating. This is our NATURAL hair! We should not have to change that for any reason. So many of us Black women have been duped into chemically treating our hair for the “look” and not the ease of maintenance. I went natural 9 years ago and when I flat-ironed my hair the first time after years and years of braids, it was SO soft and healthy! I was shocked I could achieve the same “look” as chemically treated hair. Now, I have not even flat-ironed my hair in over a year and I am just doing two-strand twists, which reach the center of my back. No more chemically treated tresses for me and if a company would not hire you because of your natural hair, you may need to think what else they won’t accept!
Amen Renee!
So true!
Great point,however people are scared of what they do not know or understand hence the stigma with natural hair. Also with women waering what is thers in texture or style people don’t know what REAL hair looks like.
We have to remember that our standard of beauty is not dominant in this culture so the burden to conform in the workplace especially is heavy.
I remember rocking cornrows with extensions and as i was the only black in the office everyone was intrigued and so curious asking me tons of questions. LOL
I do believe a balance can be struck where you wear your natural hair and that is where the internet comes in handy with so much styles and experiences from others. :)
I totally agree with you Renee! We spend too much time letting others define us (down to the very of essence of the image created by God). Every human is unique. From our eyes, mouth, and yes, even our hair! Thanks for your comments, and also thanks to the person who wrote the article:
5 Reasons Natural Hair Should NOT be Viewed as Unprofessional.
Amen, I’m so sick and tired of brain-washed blacks giving me the ‘well you have to understand their point’…no I don’t'! If someone doesn’t like your natural hair, I can guarrantee you that’s it’s not the only thing they don’t like.
You said it! Blacks are sooooo brainwashed it’s amazing and not only that but very set so they don’t want to change their mind. There is hope though and in years to come it will be different.
exactly! who cares if they “understand, accept, like” or whatever. People need to get over themselves and stop believing that the worlds of others should begin and end with their own likes and opinions. I enjoy compliments, who doesn’t? And I welcome constructive criticism. But at the end of the day,that’s it for me. and quite frankly, my mother taught me not to be rude enough to openly put people down for their “fashion” choices.
I am a paralegal, a law student, and a naturalista. Law has traditionally been a very conservative field, maybe 2nd to banking. I have been 100% natural for the past 2 yrs although I had dreamed of being natural for years but had some fear as to how I would be viewed at work. I transitioned for a year and then chopped of the remainder of my relaxer, making my once brastrap length hair to my shoulders when straight and to my neck when curly. Initially, I straightened-bob, as my hair grew (back to top of brastrap length now) I mastered buns, twistsouts and braidouts. I normally love my hair big and curly – Diana Ross/Chaka Khan style, but at work, I generally lean towards conservative styles, buns/donuts and shells, low pony tails, and when I want to be a little more free I will do a non-manipulated twistout with a headband. The key to keeping my hair businesslike when doing a twistout is not to fluff it up.
I haven’t had any problems. Just like there are some clothing styles that are not acceptable at work, there are some hairstyles that are not accepted in an office. However, it’s not about the texture of the hair.
It is so funny how our natural hair is considered to be unprofessional in todays society. Can anyone answer this question PLEASE….What race back in the 1950′s wore BIG BEEHIVE hairdo’s and used a half can of hairspray daily??????? Seriously…and they say our hair is UNPROFESSIONAL. At least our hair is NATURALLY big. I laugh at the contradiction. Does anybody feel me on this? Just asking…our hair is beautiful and can’t/want be stopped.
you don’t have to go back that far, I’ve worked with many proud ‘i’m from jersey’ big haired women and nobody says boo to them.
I know I did’nt have to go that far but I was trying to make a point. We have been wearing big hair since forever in a day. When other races tease their hair so that it will stand high its not a problem, or it get perms because they want curly hair its not a problem, or they have curly hair and want it straight its not a problem. In other words what I am trying to say is that what we are naturally born with, we are negatively put down but yet they try to copy the big hair, if their hair is straight they get perms to make curly, or we get dreads and then they get dreads. Long story how is our hair considered to be UNPROFESSIONAL when they copy us. Hope this makes sense what I’m trying to get across. I love our beautiful hair no other ethic group has this type of diversity.
Also I only went that far back just touching the surface…the TRUTH is it goes back alot further but no one wants the TRUTH. The TRUTH always stings.
That’s because we live in a sick society where everything naturally good is rejected and their toxic fake mimics are celebrated.
A case in point: natural brown skin is apparently inferior but fake plastic tan/burnt orange skin is seen as desirable.
Simple fresh natural foods are seen as bland and avoided whilst toxic processed junk foods are seen as the ‘tasty’ norm.
A simple lifestyle close to nature is considered ‘backwards/primitive’ whilst the stress filled frenetic urban existance is glorified and seen as ‘advanced’.
Naturally cuvacious, full lipped black women are seen as ‘less feminine’, whilst white women with faces full of botox and fillers, fake lips, veneers on their teeth and silicone breasts are seen as the feminine ideal.
AMEN…Well said lady.
The lady is the picture is beautiful and her hair and make-up are gorgeous!
Yes indeed Keedy! Hair…amazing…makeup…flawless! I love the entire look!
I wonder how many White people really believe that natural hair is unprofessional? I would love to see a survey on this or something. When I have caught grief about my hair it has been mainly from Blacks telling me that my hair is unprofessional and the Whites won’t accept it. If anything, they have been the ones judging me and not necessarily the dominant society. There are so many ways to where natural hair, plenty of styles that can be conservative (with or without straightening) and others that are less conservative. I guess, my experience, I just don’t really hear many cases of dominant society judging a Black women for natural hair. More judgement happens within the Black community. ::shrugs::
This is true. I get more flack about my hair from Black people than from White people. I, too, would like to see some sort of survey. I feel like this is one of those things that we (Black people) have made bigger than it is. If anything, White people embrace my hair. Never heard any complaints about natural hair in my workplace.
It absolutely should not. And what is “natural” hair anyways? Isn’t everyone’s hair natural, no matter their race?
The fact that this is even a topic shows it is still a problem. It’s like saying no one should hire a red-hed because they have red-hair and freckles. Do you see many of those articles on the internet? No. Do red-heds walk around trying to avoid people touching their hair and skin? No. Racism; legacy of slavery and colonialism. Those are the roots whether we like/want to admit it or not. Non-Blacks and some Blacks deem our hair, large features, skin culture intimidating – and what you fear, you hate. In this post-colonial world we are still very much an ‘other’. I wonder if it’s because we can breed other races out so to speak….not sure.
Now, in 2012, because of laws that have been instituted and modified, we have better freedom of expression and it’s up to us to love ourselves and to accept the way God made us despite what the world has been collectively taught about how our skin color, on average larger features and hair don’t measure up to what is considered elite/beautiful (unless of course we are ‘performing’ or making a whole lot of money).
An afro is NOT, I repeat, is NOT a hairstyle. It is the natural way our hair grows out of our heads. Out and up. Not out and down. Like it or not. If you snatched every ounce of weave and relaxer out of the world and destroyed every hot-comb and flat iron, then you’ll see what happens when Black men, women and children roll out of bed, shower, wash their hair, condition it and add a little product like cream, gel or mousse – just like non Blacks do – and leave the house, their hair will form some version of an afro. So please tell me why all this talk about updos and our hair’s versatility, when Becky, Martina, Jose, Chan, Kim Tran, Ahmed and Raavi all get to go through that routine in the morning and get to rush out of the house with their hair still damp, in no really specific hairstyle other than the $20 haircut they paid for 3 weeks ago – letting it air dry – on the way to work, and it is somehow NOT deemed “unprofessional”??? Not everyone wants to spend 3-4hrs doing their hair every week; or bothering to get it braided or flat-twisted with all that pulling on their scalp.
Colonial times are but less than 200 years ago; less than 40 if you include South Africa. Let’s stop pretending that the root of this is our own self-hatred that we formed all on our own towards what God gave us from when we were born into existence and start admitting the real origin of how we came to this mass “fear to love” our natural hair and selves freely and openly WITHOUT fear of CONSEQUENCE of any kind.
I’m proud of the “movement”. It’s been waxing and waning for decades and I truly believe this go round, it’s not just a fashion trend that will fizzle out. I sometimes imagine the freak out that might happen if every person on the Earth went to bed tonight and when they woke in the morning, every Black person across the globe wore their natural hair in ranges of 2″ or …higher – including our men (no more skinning their heads down). Can you imagine the freak-out?? In fact – what if we took away all the blonde-bleach too?? Tell me non-Blacks won’t suspect a revolution and the next world war is underfoot? It will be pandemonium.
But thank God at least in America, we have laws to protect us against overt racial discrimination….the covert kind we may be dealing with for a while. One day at a time – the legacy of it all is still very young. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Black men and women; All men and women – Be the perfect way God made you.
Exactly what I was thinking!
Preach, Sista girl!! Yes! I fully agree!!
This line: “So please tell me why all this talk about updos and our hair’s versatility, when Becky, Martina, Jose, Chan, Kim Tran, Ahmed and Raavi all get to go through that routine in the morning and get to rush out of the house with their hair still damp, in no really specific hairstyle other than the $20 haircut they paid for 3 weeks ago – letting it air dry – on the way to work, and it is somehow NOT deemed “unprofessional”???”
and This one: “our men (no more skinning their heads down)”
i ALWAYS been thinking those two things were problematic. There are even some “conservative” yet slightly messy styles that other races can wear and everything is A-okay but when my 4C hair comes in the same style and it isn’t pasted down with gel, I’m unprofessional :/
i’ve also been meaning to look into the history of why it’s so bad for black men to let their hair grow out. The moment it reaches half of half of an inch everyone is on their backs about how messy it looks and they need a trim :/ what the hell is that about? It’s about as difficult for black men to let their hair grow as it is for black women to let their natural hair show. And noone can tell me the problem doesn’t date back for centuries.
Yes Sheree – the conservative yet messy styles others can rock and it be A-okay are:
1. the Mohawk (since they made it mainstream, we get to copy it as fro-hawks….even though it is a Massai and native American hairstyle).
2. The beach bum/surfer look – wild crazy blond hair highlighted in multiple shades of yellow.
3. The Fabio – how long is that hair again??? And how many non-Black men do you see rocking this…even when they’re balding. Yet, totally acceptable.
4. The severely short Audrey Hepburn look with bangs – vs a TWA with pomp in front. Which one will go over more easily in the “corporate” world, even though both are technically the same length, cut in the same style.
5. Any average “sexy bed-hair” style, from Julia Roberts unkempt curls, to Jennifer Anistons layered look, to Cindy Crawfords famous bed hair – not only acceptable but enviable and sexy. Can a sista with 9-12 inches of unstretched length do the same? Have a haircut, some highlights, wash it, dry it without straightening and wear her hair? Ummmm….likely not without some uproar.
Any styles I missed?
+1. I completely agree. Whether we want to face it or not, the sad truth is that this issue is deeply rooted in race-relations and colonialism. My natural hair has been called everything from “liberal” to “wild” to “African”, even when it was short or pulled back. It’s the deviation from the traditional, tamed, “White” hair that intimidates some people, when in fact, it’s just how my hair grows from my head and that’s it!
Natural hair is not a statement, but it is a departure from the norm, and change scares the shit out of some folks.
Wow you’ve pretty much addressed the root of the problem!
Stockholm Syndrome anyone? <—–(sarcasm)clearly!! Somehow the straightening and or altering of our natural hair became just another way to mask the God awful truth that our ancestors were brought here, to a foreign land (to live as slaves), by force, lies, deception and manipulation and not by choice. Please don't get me started
Because I know how badly most people just want to bury the truth and just forget it ever happened…you know the saying about bygones…I'm so glad that vengeance is the Lord's.
God Bless!!!
+1
Not only is the Afro not a “hairstyle”, but it ain’t a damn Halloween costume either. Rainbow or not!
lol
THANK YOU for saying what I was thinking about Afros! Wearing my hair in an Afro IS the equivalent of my fair skin co workers wearing their hair down. I’m in corporate america and I tend to prefer my afro. Usually on those days I get more compliments. Maybe I’m lacking common sense but I have never thought that an Afro is unprofessional. In talking to other women, the decision to not wear an Afro was based on the fear of what others would think.
Thank you.
That main photo style is gorgeous, wouldn’t mind trying out this style for myself.
Anyone’s hair period, not just natural hair, can be viewed as unprofessional if you don’t take care of it and if don’t make a true effort into keeping it maintained. The “just rolled out of bed” look is fine for some people but would not be accpetable in the workplace.It’s normall obviously when someone has clearly taken out time to groom themselves for the day. it just sucks that how our naturally grows out of our scalp isnt seen as “kept”/ or professional as others may think. Hopefully in time it will evolve more.
The “rolled out of bed” is fine for majority of the people in corporate America – and by rolled out of bed, I mean – at some point they paid some money to get a haircut (maybe even got some highlights) but day in and day out, they shower, shampoo, condition, slightly blow dry to accentuate the haircut they got weeks ago and add product, then they get going…probably 20-30min prep time. So we can “roll out of bed” too, we just don’t think ours looks like what the world’s society esteems as beautiful….and so here we go with the head skinning, or the 1, 2, 3+ hours of manipulating our hair the night before or day of to look “acceptable”…sometimes it might even make us late for work. And if weave is involved, sometimes we’re spending 4 times as much money bi-weekly or monthly to maintain something that’s not even ours. Not to mention setting a day aside to have braids Does that make sense?
Can you imagine going to the salon and seeing a majority of Non-Black woman drop $300+ every month or every other month and sit for 1-2hours to have “afro tracks” sewn into her head? (Afro tracks 3C, 4B, 3B, 2A, etc – I know they get straight weaves – I said AFRO weave) Or sit for 6-9hours to have kanekalon braided into her head – scalp all red – little bumps appearing at the edge the next day…does that make sense? It doesn’t and “on average”, I’m pretty certain they would rather die than subject themselves to that.
In fact, I’ll go out on a limb and say if the tables were turned, we’d see a huge amount of protest, documentaries , article, celebrity interviews and the like about Non-Black people fighting for their right to wear their “natural” straight hair. Then a law would be passed and that would be the end of the dang story.
But again – it’s all tied to colonialism, which is tied to capitalism and he who holds the majority of the money, sets the tone. Until people stop being scared of who they feel holds all the power. It’s mental slavery. And THAT is why it is radical to go against it.
GReat point i totally agree.People would be chaining themselves to the BSS! LOL
1 and 2 are my go-to rebuttals when I’m having this discussion! My hair texture is as much a part of me as my skin… it would be silly for someone to tell me I *need* to chemically alter it. Also, my hair is very compressible and my usual style is pinned up twists. It’s very out of the way and it doesn’t draw a lot of excess attention (except from people who are wondering how I did it!). The paranoia thing is spot on too. I have a multi-racial friend, with probably ’3b’ curls, who is convinced that her hair is a major problem with everyone! I think that there is some sort of social fear of some sort of ‘black power’ uprising, but my main theory is that on women in general (especially in very male-dominated fields), displays of a feminine attribute makes people uncomfortable sometimes. Hair that draws attention to itself because it’s eye-catching puts a womanly attribute out there for all to see.
Oh and I’m a biomedical research assistant getting ready to go to medical school, so my hair hasn’t stopped me yet!
I agree, Sophie. I’m mixed race, like your friend, and I can relate to how she feels.
People tend to have issues with hair that is tightly curled or kinky. I’m not sure what my hair type is, but I’ve heard nasty comments about it my whole life. And like some other ladies, I have also experienced people touching my hair without my consent and making offensive comments about its texture or questioning whether it is real.
I worked in a restaurant many years ago and my manager was an older white woman who complained that I needed to “do something” with my hair…although it was clean, neatly combed, and pulled back into a bun.
So I’m not entirely sure that it is paranoia. Black and mixed women with tighter curls are often subjected to some really ignorant treatment from others.
On another note, you said your usual style is pinned-up twists. That sounds gorgeous!
I do think that this topic is only controversial in the black community and it is about our fears and insecurities.
I understand history has a part to play but unless we deal with these attitudes then nothing will change.
That is why i appreciate seeing more naturals in the media as it shows it is ok to love what you have and that is a GOOD thing.
With google at our fingertips the opportunity to be creative is endless so i guess the key is confidence and nothing to do with texture.
100% agree!
But answer this if you don’t mind…if it is all in our heads and to do with confidence – what do you think will be stirred up in the hearts of Non-Blacks, if they woke up one morning to find all Black people across the globe had gone “natural”. Maybe the corporate banker/lawyer types wore updos but on average, it was just a lot of Afros walking around….do you think they’d be freaked out? Would their be uncomfortable shifts if they didn’t get the memo about this “revolution”? Would there be whispers around the water cooler about “did you notice…”? Would there be tweets about it? FB status updates? What do you think that would look like?
If it’s all on us and not on Non-Blacks – they’d be all smiles, comfortable happy even. Maybe some would go “Finally, they did it – I was wondering when Black people would just be themselves”. Or maybe no one would bat an eye and it’d just be business as usual from 71yr old Mr. Finkelstein on Wall Street in the Financial analyst office, to Jamie-Lynn in her law school class, no one would care.
I think people would be a bit fascinated but they shouldn’t be scared because when people remove their weaves,wigs the TRUE hair is underneath.Not to mention regrowth for relaxed peeps.
Natural hair is gaining traction but it is more to do with self-acceptance and not as a political weapon so that shouldn’t be an issue in my mind,a lot people are doinmg it to lessen the chemicals they expose themselves to so that is a good reason.
Unless a law is passed they cannot stop the natural movement.
We can’t keep hiding our texture forever.
That’s why the media is helping with more natural models it is sending a message of what is to come.
We have to remember that natural hair is natural! LOL
So it’s all about accepting the true you and when non-blacks realise the burden people go through with their hair and that is OUR standard or beauty then hopefully they should understand.
I hope that answers your questiona d what a good vision to have. :)
I would argue that self-acceptance is a political weapon, those in power have known, understood and used this obvious connection to their advantage for ages.
People of all types pose a ‘threat’ to profit-making institutions and power structures when they control their own image and access and attempt to bridge gaps to understanding the other. And to believe that profit- and power-making institutions aren’t completely embedded, monitoring and subverting such and haven’t been and still aren’t and won’t be engrossed in pushing a well-honed, highly-funded, racist, scare-tactic, divisive campaign aimed at cowing personal and community growth to make sure that that retail, social and governance revolution never happens, is not reality in my opinion.
spot on!
I am black and worked in childcare in a predominantly white area. I pressed my hair for my interview because I knew they wouldn’t look at my qualifications if my hair was in my afro. I got the job and shortly after started to wear my hair in its natural state. Parents started to complain about my hair and me wrapping my hair. One parent was really upset when her daughter asked me could I do her hair like mine (I had twists that day).My coworkers even started to talk to me like I was a child when I wore my hair in an afro or would demand I do the ‘untouchable’ jobs in the childcare center. My boss called me in the office and told me I was making everyone uncomfortable and that is not the way he hired me (with natural hair). I only lasted 11 months but, it hurt my pride for awhile and I wanted to get a relaxer to as I thought, look ‘professional’. Since then I have moved on and refuse to go to any job or job interview without my afro.
My comment below was for you, don’t know why it posted as a seperate comment.
I love your hair! I have an afro, too. Your story is the perfect example of why I never straighten my hair for an interview. It’s something that seems so trivial, right? It’s not like you’ve lied on your application or resume or during your interview. But it just goes to show that the issue of natural hair as “unprofessional” is NOT dead and there are still intimidation regarding Black women wearing our hair naturally. I’m sorry that happened to you, but I would have tried to get a lawsuit out of that, or at least threatened to file one haha
Shortly after I left the boss was fired so I say Karma.
And Thank you!
Wow,thank you for sharing your experience,your hair is beautiful!
In 2012 the behaviour shown is not acceptable,i personally would have sued.If people don’t feel comfortable that is THEIR business and their fears that they have to face. Instead of being scared why not try find out more about it? So would i be scared of someone wearing a ponytail?
That is so sad in 2012 their NO excuse for ignorance.
Tati I agree 100%. No one thought I would get the job when I did not straighten my hair for the interview, but I did and I have never looked back. If they don’t want you with your natural hair, then why would you want to work there?
Love your hair. It is beautiful – I can’t wait until mine can get that big and full.
If the statute hasn’t run out – I would consider at least filing a charge with the EEOC office. But I understand if you don’t think it’s worth it. Not everyone is MLK, Harriet or Malcolm but believe me, you know if the tables were turned and an office full of Black people and clients came down on a non-Black Blonde, Brunette or Red-Head like that with the same length hair as yours, she would have been on Anderson 360 the next day.
Somehow though, you just sharing your story here is enough. Thank you.
Thank you! Yes I felt a lot better after getting it out on this lovely website.
AJ, that pisses me off…you are so cute and your hair is gorgeous! It goes to show that racism will always be an issue.
Your fro frames your face beautifully. It is sad when a poised, professional Black woman is treated that way because of what grows naturally from her head.
My hair is relaxed but I plan on making the switch to natural. Kudos to you for staying natural despite what you went through at that job.
Thank you! Good luck with your transition to your natural texture.
You look well put together. I’m sorry about your experience.Sad to say that even in African countries, you might get some bad comments. I hope people’s mind set changes, we should be able to wear out hair like this with minimal manipulation. Maybe just add the headband as an accessory.
I have a headband on, my hair is just so big that it takes over the headband.
Hey there! That experience is absolute BS – the way THEY treated you, that is. Did you ever consider legal action? Rebut their accusations? Or did you just decide it wasn’t worth it and chucked the deuces? I would be smearing that company all up and down the street (unless of course they still gave/are giving you good references)..
Love your fro, by the way :)
I just left, it wasn’t worth it. At the time I was still finishing my first degree and was just looking for work to pay for school. I’ve since moved towns and still work in a similar environment. Only difference I let my education be the topic not my hair. Thank you for the compliment!
As you should! I LOVE your hair!
Thanks sissy and I love yours and my pretty niece’s hair!
Awesome article! Thank you!
Well, I wear my natural hair short and neat, no problems with jobs. I actually was denied jobs with straight hair and not b/c I was not qualified, chalked it up to the tough job market and employers choosing who they wanted. I will not flat iron or do elaborate updo’s and twists. I don’t care for those looks and the time consumed with it plus my texture is fine so those styles would unravel. I totally disagree that you have to twist up and pin up your natural hair to be conservative. I like mine short to medium and that’s conservative enough. I’m older so I love to keep it simple.Be proud of what God placed on your HEAD!!
HB- Amen to what you said, totally agree!!
I agree with the fact that natural hair is only deemed profesional if it is manipulated into some intricate style. Natural hair still scares some people as it shows an unwillingness to assimilate which to the world looks like some kind of rebellion or uprising. I believe because of the political, racial and historical roots of this problem, hair will never be just hair for black women as the majority of society still sees it as a “radical statement”.