Black Hair in the Workplace
Not every black woman changes her hair constantly and could crush the DMX Challenge as effortlessly as Beyoncé struts across a stage. However, whether you are a “braids in the summer” type girl or “new wig every week” chick, you are bound to stick out in Corporate America. Yes, in the year of 2020 black women are still grasping with how to simultaneously present and represent in the workplace. We change our hair and don’t know whether we’ll walk into work and become the topic of conversation or “The New Girl”, because apparently, we were no longer recognizable with the new hairdo. Society has a long way to go, but ultimately, I would love to live and work in a world where my hair is appreciated, and even more so the person beyond the mane (cue India Arie’s “I am not my hair”)!
Rocking my go-to style: Two-strand Twist Out
If you don’t have anything nice to say…
I get mixed reactions to my hair at work. Some co-workers (irrespective of race) compliment every new style and ask questions about how I accomplished the style and how I maintain the health of my hair through the changes. Others don’t bother to comment on my hair because as my colleague recently put it “you change your hair every few days”. LIES! I restyle it every week or two, making significant changes (color, texture, installs) 2-3 times a year, but that’s neither here nor there.
Personally, I don’t mind these conversations as I love to share what I’ve learned about hair. I mean now that I no longer botch my twist outs, I’d like to consider myself a master stylist. However, not every black woman wants to discuss her hair at work and rightfully so! These conversations have a tendency to take a turn for the worst so many of us would just prefer to keep it professional and not discuss personal matters which includes our hair. Nonetheless, if you find yourself going there, please be kind. As the old saying goes… if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
How to avoid being offensive
All of these things should go without saying, but considering my experience recently I thought I would put this out there:
1. Don’t Touch!
Respect people’s boundaries and personal space, especially in the workplace. I know our hair may be interesting to look at, but keep it there. Didn’t your mama ever tell you not to touch everything you see?!?
2. Don’t Compare!
Not to food, animals, objects, cartoon characters, the one black girl you remember from middle school, or each other. Emphases on that last one! Our hair comes in different shapes, lengths, textures, colors, and that’s what makes us all uniquely beautiful.
3. Don’t Hate!
No one should be treated differently or discriminated against because of their hair. You don’t have the right to weigh in on how we should wear our hair. You don’t have the right to define or categorize our hair (this goes for us too)! Throw your beauty standards in the garbage and just let us be.
Sorry I can’t hear you over the volume of my hair 😉
How to keep it professional
First of all, what is professional when it comes to hair? I don’t subscribe to the traditional connotation of “Professionalism” because when it comes to how people of color show up in the workplace it generally implies assimilation. Now assimilation is not all bad, in fact it’s necessary, but at its extreme it’s just racist (but that’s a blog for another day). I promise you when you were told to bring your full self to work – that didn’t include the fine print. In most cases, you have to balance being true to yourself and your style while meeting the standard set by your place of business. Still every workplace is different and so many things play a role such as: racial representation, geography, industry, gender representation, etc.
I’ve included a few quick tips below to help you to both be mindful and avoid diluting your blackness.
Quick Tips:
Shape: Unfortunately, the bigger the hair the more attention it brings. That never stops me from grabbing my pick, but if you prefer less attention you might consider less volume. If you’re like me – go big or go home! My one caveat would be to ensure that your hair is swept out of your face during an interview to avoid distractions. You want the interviewer to focus on what you’re saying not your gorgeous locks.\
Length: Do you boo! We’re never free from foolish comments but changing your length is a “safer” way to switch it up.
Texture: Straight, wavy, curly, coily – it’s all beautiful and professional. Never feel the need to alter your texture for work and run for the hills if you’re ever asked to!
Color: I like to play with color, but only in neutral tones (black, brown, blonde). This is a personal preference that happens to work well at work. If purple or green are more your jam, I would urge you to be realistic. What is your work environment/ culture? Are you representing your company externally and how might your hair color impact perceptions? Again, just be mindful!
Can you relate? What is your experience with black hair in the workplace? Comment below!
XOXO Shay