I LOVE rocking my natural hair…I love the texture, my curls kinks and the overall healthiness of my hair since going natural. However, this week it was suggested I straighten my natural hair to be “less offensive” in the workplace! I've been advised more than once by friends and family that my natural hair may be “too much” for my Caucasian counterparts.
There aren't really any words that could sum up how I feel
about my hair being shunned…one person even told me my “power to the people”
hairstyle had to go. While it’s one thing to be misunderstood it’s another to
have implications that my hair is stopping me from success (and we all know
success is open to interpretation) and that is beyond hurtful. Keep in mind that I have a degree in English,
taught High School English, worked in the Higher Ed sector of Education and
written policy for organizations. Not tooting my own horn but I’m accomplished
when it comes to having “smarts” I’m no dummy. For my hair to be causing such a
big fuss is beyond me. As of late when I go on interviews I've been putting my
hair into a bun suppressing my curls to make others happy. Ultimately I’m feeling like I’m being asked to
stop being me so I can experience greater “success.”
How Did This Happen?
I've landed in a new city where there just aren't many girls
that look like me. Natural hair isn't prevalent
here like it was in DC. I can count on one hand how many people I've seen
rocking natural hair and it took everything in me not to run up and hug them!
Apparently rocking my Afro indicates that I’m militant and “pro
black.” Laughable right?! Militant? No, Pro-black? Well seeing how I am black
why the heck wouldn't I have some pride? I’m “pro” for many things but it
always amazes me that something as simple as my hair style choice indicates I’m
ready to start some radical movement. And why can’t I love the hair that was given
to me naturally, why is that not alright?!
What upsets me the most is that the side eyes I get the most often are from women that used to rock an Afro in the 70’s with pride. Don’t get me wrong, I had a relaxer for almost 20 years of my life (1st relaxer at 10) and I fully intend to straighten my hair one day AND I’ll be getting a weave installed this fall so this isn't me shunning anyone for their hair choices.
I just hate feeling shunned because of my hair…I put so much effort into my personal appearance and I worked hard to make it through college and develop my professional skills. It would be one thing if I had bad hygiene or didn't comb my hair but none of those scenarios are true.
I’m starting to feel like my fro can only make an appearance
on the weekends, outside of the office. Feeling like an outsider for the first
time in a very long time and it’s quite a painful feeling. I can assure you
that I won’t be chemically straightening my hair BUT I may consider pressing it
or getting a weave to look more “normal.”
How have you embraced and transitioned your natural hair into the workplace? Have you ever felt shunned for having natural hair?
Keep it curly girls,
9 comments:
It's sad that it's still that way. I got far too many comments about my hair and especially because I wen short and natural eighteen years ago. I was even questioned in regards to my sexual orientation because of it. Your intelligence and professionalism should not be judged by your hairstyle. To me, your naturalness says something about your authenticity and honesty. You are beautiful and accomplished with your style and whatever you choose do, I am sure, will be determined only by you.
I think your hair looks fabulous and I'm sorry that you get people giving you the side eye :(
Yeah I think it looks really cute also! The east coast is so retarded lots of black women rock natural hair out in the west!
I've encounter people with opinions, but it's never been something that's been an obstacle as far as I'm aware. It may the areas I work in, but I've never been asked to change it. It's disappointing to hear that you've encounter that kind of judgement.. I can't even comprehend how hair could be offensive.
Your hair is awesome and your style is yours to rock as you so choose, whether it be natural, weaved, long, short etc.
Thanks Tamara! I'm feeling a little better about it...need to learn to have a "don't care" attitude about it.
Thanks Kelly...natural hair is big here just not in this city. Guess I need to be the catalyst for change :)
I appreciate the kind words Phyrra!
Aww, thanks! I'll get over it
Imma keep it short cause reading your post mad me mad as hell.They think your being radical and miltant. I guess they forgot about Timothy McVeigh, the serial killers of columbine. They all looked NORMAL and non miltant and look what they were capable of doing. It seem as long as you look like everyone else and look safe then its ok. Why should you change because of their fear? Who are they to determine what is professional. IDIOTS
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