Is Natural Hair Professional?
I recently had a meaningful discussion with a guest on my podcast about whether she felt she could be her true self at work as an African American. The answer was NO.
Was this a surprise to me? Not at all.
Even with efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace, I don’t know if I have ever felt that I could be my true self at work because of sensing that I will be judged because of the color of my skin or even the style of my hair.
Let’s be honest, with the history of the United States and the realities we face in this country, the sense of being negatively judged isn’t far-fetched at all. The State of California was the first state to ban hair discrimination in schools and workplaces. This happened in 2019 and was the result of children being sent home from school from being told their hair was out of control or unruly. This supports the notion that natural hair hasn’t always and still isn’t always accepted.
African Americans and their hair are “a thing” when it comes to being our true selves at work. In the mainstream, there are certain ways of looking that are accepted and others that simply aren’t.
This begs the question “Is wearing your natural hair as an African American professional?” Professionalism has traditionally been linked to European features and mannerisms, which means that those who don’t have such features have altered their appearances, in order to be deemed “professional.”
I had a conversation with my good friend and HR professional, Terri Thomas about this topic on my podcast, the Dream Living Podcast. Our answer to the question “Is natural hair professional?” is a big YES. Wearing your natural hair as an African American is professional. Tune in to listen to our personal stories, journeys and tips especially if you are an African American still on your natural hair journey or simply want to learn more about the African American experience.
General tips we are shared on this podcast are as follows:
1. Embrace Your Natural Hair
The journey to natural hair can be emotional for African Americans because there is so much we attach to our hair. The past several years has seen a wave of popularity where African Americans embrace wearing their natural (curly, kinky) hair in all its forms, but it unfortunately hasn’t always been that way.
When I was younger, pressing or relaxing your hair to make it straight was popular and an easier way to maintain natural hair – something that I did for years. It was also an easier way to fit into the mainstream and assimilate into the dominant culture.
As time evolved, I am personally more accepting of my natural hair and wearing it that way in the workplace. I must admit that how I wear my hair depends on the culture of the workplace I am a part of and the specific setting. I might wear my hair differently (in a bun) when presenting to the board compared to an ordinary work-day – but this is my journey, which continues to evolve.
2. Seek Support from a Professional Stylist
You can experiment with your hair yourself, but it can get frustrating. Solicit the support of a professional who has experience with natural hair to help you with your journey. They will help you to hang in there in the process.
3. Accept Your Journey
Accept where you are in your personal journey. It’s your journey and yours alone. Don’t compare your journey to others and BE YOU!
4. Enjoy the Journey
African American are blessed to be able to do many things with our hair. Now is time to embrace your hair and enjoy wherever you are in your natural hair journey. If you want to be your true self at work you first have to accept yourself for who you are.
Angela Spears is a Certified Career & Executive Coach through Coachville and the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is the owner of Dream Living with a mission to help you achieve phenomenal results in your Life, Career and Business. To explore how Angela can help you take charge of your career, schedule a free 30-minute initial consultation by clicking the button below.
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