Display Name: SLY
Age: 25
Degrees: Bachelors in Sociology and Communications. Certification in Green Business
Industry: Finance and Trading, Theater
Title: Associate (for a trading firm), Stage Manager (for theater)
Questions
1. Based on your profession and corporate culture, what were your primary concerns about wearing natural hair in the workplace? How did you overcome them?
I used to work in the hospitality industry as a Front Office Training Manager and it was at that job where your physical appearance was dictated by the latest company memo. They were as detailed as wanting all the women to wear the same pearls, one ring per hand, and well kept hair. While there were many women who wore their natural hair, there were limits on the types of styles. They were okay with anything except for an afro. On the flip side there was a Caucasian girl with LOTS of curls and one day she came to work with her hair all over the place and they asked her to tame them and pin them back too. While they didn’t discriminate against natural hair, they did have a specific standard that they felt was appropriate.
With the company I work for now, they are more progressive. We don’t have a dress code. Business casual would be an overstatement. Therefore with the freedom of a more relaxed culture, I have even come to work in an afro at times. I don’t do it often but every now and then, I can be seen walking around the office with one. I don’t have many concerns with my hair. My main concern is on days when on my way to work, the weather wreaks havoc on it and I don’t have any bobby pins. As a stage manager, I can also wear my hair pretty much any kind of way that I want.
2. How did your co-workers, clients and boss respond when you revealed your new do?
I’ve worn my hair natural since college, therefore every professional job I have, I interviewed with my natural hair. The job that I have now, I interviewed with shoulder length locs and the day before my first day of work, I grew tired of the locs, pulled a Britney and cut all my hair off. When I came in that day, everyone just looked at me trying to figure out what had changed since the interview.
3. Has your performance been rewarded since you’ve been natural? If not, do you believe your hair has been a factor? Any regrets?
I’m not sure that I understand the question. Being that I’ve always been natural during my professional career, my performance, qualifications, results produced, and overall personality and character has always been used to judge my pay grade, bonuses and such. Do I believe my hair has held me back from promotions, benefits, and such…absolutely not. With straight or curly hair, I’d be just a successful in hospitality, finance or theater.
4. What advice would you offer a professional peer who’s on the fence about going natural?
My advice would be based on what your concerns were. Before my mother went natural, she was concerned that she would be limited by her style choices. Others aren’t sure that they will be able to maintain their hair. Others fear the opinions they will receive from people regarding their hair. My advice is to DO YOU. Do what you feel comfortable with. If you aren’t sure whether to go natural or not, DON’T. Wait until you are ready. I was on the fence for two years and then one day I was just ready. My concerns and fears had no place. I just knew I was tired of what I was doing before and that there must be something more natural, simpler, less expensive.
Blog: http://sociologyofsheena.blogspot.com and http://granolatendencies.blogspot.com
YouTube: http://youtube.com/sheenalyoung
Twitter: http://twitter.com/granolaist
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