Natural Hair Is Not Unprofessional: I Rocked A 'Fro To Work To Fight The Stigma
Picture day at work can be an exciting time: not only are you becoming an official part of the team and their brand, but it is also another excuse to buy new clothes. The most exciting part, for me at least, is to be able to update my LinkedIn profile. All that being said, unfortunately, picture day can also invoke a lot of unnecessary anxiety for me and not because I am camera shy--just check my Instagram. I get anxiety because, while I think my natural hair is awesome, many others still think that it is…different. To people outside of our community, natural is hair is is not professional.
Never mind that I have a stellar work ethic, or that I contribute to student success daily at the number one public university in the world. Those things seem to not matter once people see my natural hair, because all of a sudden both my hair and I are identified as "unprofessional".
The anxiety I experience does not only come up during picture day, it comes up as I am preparing for interviews as well. I generally love interviewing and feel quite confident that when I am in an interview, I am absolutely flourishing! Instead, my anxiety manifests itself as I am trying to figure out how to professionally style my hair. Forget the fact that women worry about what to wear; I am amongst the group of Black women and girls who have been told that unless your hair is straight, it is not professional thus it is undesirable.
Hence, a large portion of my interview prep consists of me staring in a mirror trying to style my hair in the least distracting way so that my interviewer does not have a chance to focus on the stereotypical images of Black people that may have been consumed through the media.
This is what renowned social psychologist Dr. Claude Steele refers to as “stereotype threat". Stereotype threat refers to “a situational predicament in which people are or feel themselves to be at risk of conforming to stereotypes about their social group" (Steele, 2010). This directly correlates to the feeling of constantly wondering if and what stories are being projected onto me simply because of my locs -- something I highly doubt my non-Black colleagues have to worry about.
Who determines professionalism?
What ideals are informing notions of professionalism that essentially tell Black women, like myself, that because we choose to embrace our authentic selves, we are suddenly not "professional"? Naturally, I did what every millennial does when we have a question, I googled “unprofessional hair". (I invite you all to do the same.) The mostly Black faces that populated my screen did not surprise me. Essentially, my search affirmed the discomfort and anxiety I felt all along. Black women in general, but especially Black women who have natural hair, do not fit into this idea of professionalism.
So does this mean our hair is good enough to warrant stares, or worse, petting, but not good enough for the office?
For many companies who are attempting to address ongoing concerns of inclusion, it is crucial to unpack the term professionalism and how people of color and gender nonconforming people fit into that paradigm. This DOES NOT mean you are lowering your standards, nor does it mean that you should not continue to ask and expect your employees to conduct themselves in appropriate behavior and adhere to things like dress codes. It DOES mean that within those expectations, you are leaving room for people like myself to feel like we can show up wearing our natural hair and not be judged or assumed less competent because of it.
Inclusion is no doubt a buzzword these days, but it is my hope that this piece offers critical and concrete experiences to consider, which can and should inform efforts towards making workplaces more inclusive. People do their best work when they are allowed to be their authentic selves; therefore, companies must be committed to creating work cultures that encourages this. So, the next time someone comes into your office with their natural threads, rather than stare blankly, provide a compliment or say nothing at all and continue to work. That is ok!
As for my professional headshot, I finally gathered the courage, silenced the imposter syndrome, and rocked my natural threads.
Even as colleagues whispered microagressions like “is that how she is taking your picture?" I remained confident as I made my way to the photographer. Not only for my professional headshot, but everyday! To the many people of color who navigate professional workspaces as the only one, there is the added pressure to conform. Certainly this was my experience as a Black Woman, and it was absolutely taxing on my body and spirit.
Pretending to be someone and something I was not for eight hours a day, seven days a week was exhausting. I finally made the conscious decision to say “no" and to be faithful to saying “yes" to being my authentic self and being unapologetic about it. Contrary to popular belief, you can be an incredible educator, doctor, lawyer, or engineer, and rock your natural hair at the same time!
What do you think about wearing natural hair in the workplace? Share with us below!
Bie Aweh is Equity & Inclusion Strategist for HbcutoStartup and Co Founder of Beloved Black. Learn more about Bie on Twitter or Linkedin
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images