Breaking Down Barriers, Natural Hair And My Career

When was the last time you wore your natural hair to work? I mean twist outs, sister locs, or even the signature Afro strutting what you got to your cubicle, desk, or office. Maybe years ago you could have answered, “Rarely.”  And you know what? No one could be upset with you. Why? Because being natural was not the most appropriate style for the work place.

Natural hair (Afro, braids, locs, etc.) was not accepted point-blank-period. Decades ago, it was very rare that a woman would wear her natural hair out at work. She would wear sew-ins, wigs*, and lace fronts. Even just a few years ago, wearing a natural hair style to a job interview could create a possibility to experience prejudice and bias to the applicant.

The qualities and assets to the company a naturalista would have would go unnoticed. Now as of today, wearing your natural hair is more than just a mainstream style of hair, but “she” is becoming an accepted entity among job industries and professional businesses.

There are teachers and other educators in primary and secondary schools who are rocking their TWA’s with a fierce and proud boldness.  Employees in government are wearing their dread locs and sister locs, while still being tasteful with their upkeep and neatness.

Even Senegalese twists, micro braids, and box braids are becoming the normal standard for naturalistas to wear in the work place. Women now are accessorizing their hair in the fun tapered cuts, twist outs, braid outs, and more! Is the barrier of hiding our natural breaking down at last?

Personally, I have come in contact with the “naturalista in the work place” head on from the job interview, to being hired, and now in government for almost two years! Although, being natural is part of my personality, my work ethic is based on my potential and the great effort that I put in my work. That’s what it should be based on, right?

In the beginning

It was October 2012 when I first declared that I was natural and I was not going to hide my hair under weave* or sew-ins any longer. When searching for the industry I wanted to grow in career-wise, I was determined that it would need to go along with my natural hair journey, so I received a phone call for an interview in be in Government.

I went with my fierce twist out, ready to hear that Government would be the perfect industry for me. It was one week after my interview and I was informed that I got the job!

The interviewers could have liked or hated my hair, but my qualities I highlighted from my resume and what I could offer the company really spoke out in explanation marks! So here I go with my bold natural hair, ready to start my career in Government!

Natural hair in the cubicle

It was December 2012 when I first started in my Government career and you know what that means, protective styling! That’s right, I was wearing flat twists and two-strand twists. I did not wear my hair out during the winter time at all. Best believe I received lots of questions from all co-workers: men, women, black, white, red, and yellow.

Some questions were:

“Do you wash your hair in those twisty things?” “Are you an artist on the side?” “How do you get to do your hair like that?” “Will my hair do that?”

I did not get offended and I did not mind answering these questions.To clarify, I was not the only woman of color there, but I was the only naturalista there!

Senegalese twists and micro braids at work

For the past two to three years, I have experimented with other styling options mostly senegalese twists and micro braids. Now since I work in Government, I have kept my hair styles fashionable and stylish, but also tasteful and classy.

During the summer of my first year there, I had micro braids installed with my natural hair color. My co workers asked more questions and comments, “Wow, your hair is so straight!” “Are you still natural with weave*?” “Does ‘it’ hurt?” “Your hair grew!” I welcomed all comments and questions.

As for Senegalese twists, I would get these installed about three or four times a year and each experience has been different.

One day I would wear my hair straight, then the next day I would have my twists curly. I loved to sculpt and create different styles for my twists. As for the color, I always went went a light brown color and maybe dark blonde highlights. Nothing too out there.

When it comes to wearing micro braids (which I don’t install anymore) or Senegalese twists, I would welcome any questions or comments from my co workers. Some are purely curiosity and others are looking to transition or wanting to install braids themselves. I always give encouragement, support, full honesty without hesitation to anyone.

What not to wear to work

Now you knew it was coming! Just like the clothes you wear and the jewelry you rock, your natural hair needs to be neat and appropriate for work. Although people, professional businesses, and job industries are starting to accept natural hair more, still be aware and mindful about your work environment. Depending on the industry that you are in, it is best to not be so extravagant in your styling.

Here are a few tips for your natural hair and your career:

►Start off with something simple like a twist out, TWA, tuck and roll, or two-strand twists. Then once you have established yourself and your position in your career, then go for the tapered cut, fro hawks, and more fun styles.

►If you work in an office or cubicle environment,  DO NOT get the bright reds and royal blues mixed with blonde highlights. That’s a NO-NO! Enough said.

►So today is the day to start your locs. Great! Do maintain a neat and appropriate appearance. It is very possible and very likely that your hair will be in an “ugly” phase when growing your locks and this soon will pass. So dress them up with headbands*, bows, and cute scarves.

►Keep your hair out of your face and your eyes. Unless you decide to wear bangs, there is no reason to hide that beautiful face.

Whatever natural style you decided to go with, remember you are at your work place to do your job first. Do have fun with your natural, but do not let your hair be a distraction for yourself and for others.