Does natural hair have a place in the workplace? » NonaOfficePhoto
FroChic
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FroChic 
frochic said
@Hani, Very well put. i couldn’t have said it any better. It’s true that it’s us black people who scrutinize each other about our hair, particularly natural. I also find that even naturals can be so judgemental towards each other as well. But like you, both companies I worked for, hired me while I was wearing locks. They were beautiful, clean & kept. It was my family instead who were worried that I wont land a job in the corporate world with “such hair”. Luckily for me, my black co-workers have warmed up to my; some of them are inspired to go natural. I guess they notice the respect & compliments I get from other racial groups at the office.
If only we could have confidence in ourselves & what God gave us, then this wouldn’t even be an issue.
Hani said
I believe there is some confusion on whether or not our hair is neat when worn in its natural texture or if it is worn in an unkept mannter. Just like clothes, some outfits are designed for work and others for play/outside of the work place. I am guessing the workplace is corporate. I work in a corporate environment (law firm) and I have worn my hair natural for the past 12 years and prior to that on and off, in a natural hair style and sometimes altered/straight style. I have worked in this corporate environment for the past 18, almost 19 years. I recently (1yr 12/24/09) begain to grow my natural textured hair out. It is now approximately 6.5 inches. I style my natural textured hair in various styles: mohawk, puff, twists and afro. I received more compliments from causiasions than from others with the same hair texture. I believe our perception is somewhat distorted and it is our on fears and perceptions dictating wearing a natural is not professional enough for the workplace (corporate). Certainly, if one wears there hair in an unkept fashion, regardless of the texture…natural, straight or curly, the individual will receive some unpleasant comments or looks by many. However, if your hair is clean and neatly styled there is nothing to be said. Prior to the resurgence to our natural texture, in the 70’s I worked in an insurance company. I was the only African American working there at the time. I interviewed and was hired while styling an afro. I was never asked to alter my hair texture or told my hair was offensive by anyone. I sincerly believe the problem is from within ourselves, and this another hurdle we as a people must overcome. We must learn to embrace our natural beauty. Yes we can explore and try new styles and textures but we should learn to embrace what is naturally our own. My concern is that if we continue to speak negatively about our natural hair it will never be loved or accepted, not by us or anyone else. Just a little food for thought…