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Natural Hair in the Workplace: Exploring Corporate Guidelines & Discrimination

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In Natural Hair Care On 04/03/14

naturalhairintheworkplace

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Recently, Tierra shared her story of natural hair scrutiny in the workplace. It sparked a healthy dialogue concerning a very touchy subject for many of us. As women rocking our natural texture, it’s important for us to feel comfortable in our own skin (and hair). But as we work in the corporate world, we often have to find the balance between self-acceptance and socially acceptable hair in the workplace.

Her story resonated with me because I have personally experienced these issues in the workplace.  A co-worker , who rarely acknowledged my presence, felt the need to stop me in the hallway to say, “I like your hair like that.” After a short pause he said, “Your hair looks professional like that.” As you probably guessed, my hair was straightened that day. And the question I asked in my head was, “Professional, compared to what?” Which sparks yet another question… Where do we draw the line between corporate guidelines and discrimination? Here are some things to consider:

Gauge Your Work Environment

In 2014, you would hope that every workplace would be accepting of natural hair, but unfortunately that is not case. Much like corporate dress, it’s important to err on the side of caution when entering a new work environment. And this begins at the interview…

Unless you work in fashion or an artistic field, you should stick to a simple blue or black suit. Similarly, your hair should be simple as well. (You don’t want to distract from your skills.) No, you do NOT need to straighten your hair.

Instead,  you should stick to a simple bun or even an “understated” twist-out. And by “understated” twist out, I mean first or second day hair. Until you have gauged the limits of your work environment, “big hair’ should be limited to weekends. In my old position, if my hair swelled on humid days, my hair was the topic of discussion.

Now, in my more “liberal” work environment where my co-workers often wear jeans, no one even flinches if my hair is “big”. Take the time to gauge your new work environment.  If it doesn’t seem welcoming, don’t even accept the offer.

Take Care of Your Hair

This is a touchy point, but it’s important to note that natural hair is not equivalent to unkempt hair. Although some may believe that all natural hair is unkempt, we can all agree that certain attributes describe “kept”hair.

If there is lint or knots hanging from your strands and you’ve forgotten your last wash, then it may be time to re-evaluate your hair care regimen. [And I say that half-jokingly.]

Similarly, during the work week is not the best time to try new styles. And if a style goes wrong, you should be ready with a back up plan.

Know the Difference between Corporate Guidelines and Discrimination

Although a company can enumerate dress code requirements, they teeter totter on the lines of discrimination when they ask someone to alter his/her natural hair texture. There is a major difference between hair texture and hairstyle.

If you think you are being discriminated against, get acquainted with your company handbook and contact Human Resources.

In more recent cases example, the Army’s suggested restrictions are not new and necessary for the safety of the job.  These regulation toss individuality out the window and it has always been that ways.  You can read more about that here.  You must understand what you’re signing up for when accepting any job and signing their dress code and code of conduct statutes.

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Related

7 Comments By Latoya Watson

About Author

Latoya is an academic advisor by day, natural hair enthusiast/writer by night, and wife and mom 24/7. Her last relaxer was in April 2010 and she big chopped in October 2010. As a Natural Hair Rules contributor, she shares tools and techniques so that women can find what best suits them, their hair, and lifestyle.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tiara says

    January 7, 2017 at 11:15 pm

    This was a great read ! I am always trying to figure out the language to express this sentiment. Thank you ???

    Reply
  2. sonja says

    July 14, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    I have been transitioning for one year now and right before I got called for a promotion and interview, I had scheduled to have my hair put in kinky twist for the summer months. My own husband thought I should reconsider the style because of the perception , I have a hair type that can easily be straightened to look relaxed (at least for the duration of an interview, lol). I thought and worried about it for a few nights, then finally I came to grips with the situation. Any job that didn’t want my skills because of my hair style didn’t deserve me. The day after installing my kinky twist I interviewed with the chief (who happened to be a brother) and in the end I got the job! I start in a couple of weeks. I kick myself everyday for EVER relaxing my hair and I’m not going to compromise my happiness with any corporation. Now that’s my decision and it might not be the same for someone else but it’s my hair and my decision to make. Make your own mind up for you and you will be happy!

    Reply
  3. buggie says

    April 19, 2014 at 10:19 pm

    I am a public school teacher now (middle school…please keep me in your prayers, LOL!! :>), but I worked corporate for several years before I became an educator. My hair has been natural(4b-4c;kinky) for the majority of that time. I feel that the key to “professional” natural hair is:
    1- timely maintenance/upkeep (as stated above; wash and moisturize etc..)
    2- shaping of the style (trimmed ends; a “conservative” hair color)
    3- how it frames the face (ex. pulled back, not in the eyes etc..)

    If your hair (as well as your clothes, make-up and accessories) makes a “trendy” fashion statement, that probably wouldn’t be considered appropriate in a more conservative environment (ex. banking or legal).

    I think what is missing from this conversation is the little mentioned fact that it is often our own AfAm. colleagues who insist naturally textured hair is not “professional”…
    My hair was NOT commented on by my Ca. managers or Ca. colleagues… I was never asked to change my hair. I was never told I was breaking protocol or dress codes…(some straight-haired ladies were however mini- skirt and blue hair?? not a good workplace look…)

    Why I wonder… would people who have my same racial and cultural background have an issue with my (and their) naturally textured hair….interesting…

    Above all I think our appearance in the workplace (natural or not) is about the statement we make…I come to work dressed AS IF I AM COMING TO WORK… NOT A NIGHTCLUB… NOT A FASHION SHOW… there is truly a difference between being stylish or being trendy…
    That is my 2 cents… 🙂

    Reply
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