Natural Hair in the Office
If I had a dollar for every time someone has called my hair “crazy” or “wild” in a workplace setting I wouldn’t be writing articles on LinkedIn. Perceptions of African-American hair, and Euro-centric expectations on what is a “neat and appropriate” appearance for the office, often discourage many African-American women from wearing their natural hair to work. If you have decided to take the plunge into rocking your natural ‘do to the office here are a few helpful tips to manage the transition:
Be prepared for off-color (no pun intended) remarks
Hopefully, none of these will come across as truly offensive, but some of your co-workers may not “get it”. Just as corporate culture is riddled with buzzwords to describe what we really mean, be prepared for some of those odd adjectives or phrases to pop up. Try to recognize when someone is genuinely trying to give you a compliment and invite them to clarify their statement. Often, there is a very nice sentiment underneath “Your hair is so crazy today!”
Redirect inappropriate comments firmly but politely
I had someone tell me that I am so much prettier when my hair is straight. Yea. Just going to leave that here. -_- Nevertheless, the time to address that comment was when it was said. Waiting another 20 minutes and stewing at my desk would have gotten me nowhere. Simply stating, “That’s not very nice” got me a full apology and opened up a discourse on what is ok to say and what might be offensive.
No, you can’t touch it
One of the beauties of African-American hair is its versatility. I love being able to have my curls one day and my big ‘fro the next. But that change can be too much for some. I ward off everything from requests to touch my hair to people straight up smushing it down, full palm. Whatever your preference is, make sure you communicate it (again, firm but polite). I personally loathe anyone I haven’t given permission touching me, period. The end. Set your boundaries and stick to them. It’s better than being mad about Carol from HR petting you and telling you that your hair is soft like a sheep’s. I promise.
Whatever you do, go boldly
Look, not everyone is going to understand and you have to be alright with that. Sometimes it’s just easier to process an African-American woman who is wearing a weave, a wig, or a perm. Again, Euro-centric expectations have dictated what is “normal” until recently, but don’t let that stop you. If you want to wear your hair natural go for it. It’s yours and I bet it’s beautiful.
Principal Program Manager at Crunchyroll
9 年Yes, office buzz words are truly interesting to navigate. I get told I change my hair all the time. So relatable.
Area Vice President, Global Head of AWS Business
9 年Cheers to being natural. The other consideration is the obscene amount of money and time it costs to constantly manage straight hair.
Administrative and Operations Manager
9 年Excellent article, Krysten.
??????Psychologist ?? Speaker ?? Workplace Well-being & Personal Development Expert ?? OD Consultant ??Nature Enthusiast ?????? Behavioral Scientist ?Mindfulness & Gratitude Coach??Mental Health Advocate
9 年Kierra Holroyd, CIR I love your article, it addresses something that a lot of women with natural hair are dealing with in the workplace. I went to a networking event for professional women couple weeks ago. The main speaker was a well-known motivational speaker, rocking her afro! One of the guest, who was sitting a couple seats down, pointed out to her clique that the speaker needs to do something about that hair!. I stopped relaxing mine about a year ago, and the transition is not easy! One because I knew nothing about taking care of and styling it in a way that makes me feel comfortable. Yes, I was told that ‘the afro look’ sends a message of unapproachability. I switch between wearing my hair straight and curly. Someone in my spinning class asked me couple days ago, how do you get your hair to be so pretty and long one day, and then it gets so short and big the next? Yes, she did ask to touch it (I allowed her). But then she was in awe of how soft it was! So I get it. Some will be curious and even offended, while others will absolutely love it! I tell myself that at the end of the day, people only give attention to things that are unique, why not the afro hair?
Vice President, Multicultural Marketing & Communications
9 年Christine, not a week goes by without someone trying it at least once.