how are curls unprofessional? - Page 3

Multitextured · 09-10-2012, 05:41 PM

Example of a very powerful, very professional woman with beautiful curls: Dr. Lisa Cuddy on House

jsuzkelley · 09-10-2012, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencup13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myrna

I would skip cute flower pins, unless it is a pediatrician's office. I know you say it is a receptionist position, but you still need to look professional.

Its not incredibly cute or girly.

my hair is brown so its not in your face. Opinions?

I can't see the first pic, but I like the second one. I don't think there's anything wrong with being feminine (in fact, we are females, so I say be as "girly" as you like as long as its age appropriate).I like it.

greencup13 · 10-08-2012, 07:34 PM

Well ladies I am happy to say that I did land the job. I wore my hair very curly and down both to both the interviews I had there. I noticed on my résumé they wrote "very nice appearance". Yay for curly hair

Myrna · 10-08-2012, 07:50 PM

Yea! Congratulations! which job was this?

greencup13 · 10-08-2012, 08:27 PM

Thanks! 😊 It's for a doctors office. Front desk and medical assistant. Obviously my curls are good enough for first impressions of the dr office.

Myrna · 10-08-2012, 08:37 PM

Indeed, and good for you! be sure to celebrate. We need to celebrate all life's successes.

Ms.Cabernet · 10-09-2012, 07:46 PM

It all depends of what outfit are you wearing. I have some very classic dresses that I wear when I have meetings and would not go well with the "casual" look of a head full of curls. Believe me, I've tried them with curly hair and there's something that does not match, don't know if it's my hair (very much shorter and somewhat poofy and uneven when is curly, regardless of what products I use) but some of my outfits look really good with long, straight (or curling ironed) hair.

On the other hand, I'm sure some of you are going to kill me for this, but I can't stand the look of curly hair in a bun. It does not help at all in making me look elegant. Actually, the only time I wear my hair like that is when I'm at the gym or doing house chores!

bookgirl · 10-10-2012, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auntie Bubbs

Curls can be perceived as unprofessional, however, a company cannot discriminate based on whether someone's hair is curly or straight. That means in hiring, and in making comments on someone's personal appearance after someone has gotten a job.
Likewise, a woman with curly hair cannot be made to wear her hair straightened just because the look is perceived to be more professional than curly hair, and she cannot be made to wear her hair up, or tied back. A person - male or female - can be asked to maintain a clean, professional, groomed appearance, and that is all. For men that refers to facial hair and the length of their hair (usually if they have long hair, it must be neatly cut, and sometimes tied back), for women that usually refers to tidiness of their hair. Frizz is a natural hair property, however, so a company can't say to a woman: your hair is frizzy, we don't allow that, do something about it. Just like they can't say, dye your grey roots, we don't allow you to have grey roots, it's not professional.
In general, hair has to be washed, not greasy, and not uncombed. Technically it doesn't even have to be styled; a woman can just tie it back, or she can trim it herself so that it looks neat (easier for a woman with straight hair to do, I think).

Now, the nicer your hair looks, and the nicer you dress, the better your overall professional image is, and the better kinds of jobs you might be able to get, or the better your chances of promotion, etc. But that relates to overall image, and IMO overall image is just a part of the whole, of which ability is a larger part. I personally don't subscribe to the faction that immediately leaps to the assumption that there's curl discrimination in the workplace, but that's because I've never experienced it. I've never had a boss or a coworker ever make a negative comment on my curls in over 20 years. Not saying it doesn't happen, of course. Just that I haven't had it happen to me.

Well, if my understanding of CG is correct, a whole lot of us walk around with "greasy" (as in moisturized with tons of oils), uncombed (except in the shower with conditioner), and basically unstyled hair (down and natural,often not using frizz taming products because most of them contain silicones). I once went to a temp/employment agency where the coordinator loved my resume and general overall appearance, but told me to make sure to comb my hair before I walked into an interview and spray down any frizz with hairspray.

bobby · 10-10-2012, 08:28 AM

Everyone has their theories but I think at least part of it is generations and fads, everything from perms to big hair to beehives, etc. Lately straightening your hair seems to be the rage. It shows as far as mass media whether it is TV anchors or sitcom stars. I don't see too many curly-haired TV anchors. As for the work environment it can depend but any company that forces you to straighten your hair though (by rule or implied) is one I have very little respect for.

"Curls aren't just for girls."

Myrna · 10-10-2012, 08:53 AM

I've been following this thread and just had to respond again. Throughout history, curls have been thought to be the epitome of feminine beauty (and in many cases, masculine beauty also). The Venus de Milo has cascading red curls, as she steps on the shell. Goya's Naked Maja has black curls. The Gibson Girl look of the 1890's had curls piled on top of her head. Even the flappers of the 20's had their curls. Historically, I think straight hair became "au courant" in the 1960's, with the interest in Native American cultures, Indian culture, and icons such as Mary Travers from Peter, Paul and Mary; joan Baez and Joni Mitchell. I do think, and I say this again, that curly hair is associated with ethnicity, and can be a subtle form of prejudice. But this too shall pass. And right, I dont see any curly anchors, and dont expect to any time soon.

Ms.Cabernet · 10-10-2012, 08:32 PM

Agree with bookgirl. It could be that being CG means wearing your hair in the most natural state, using only natural products, which keeps our hair very healthy but sometimes does not help it to look completely "styled" for a workplace environment.

bookgirl · 10-11-2012, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Multitextured

Example of a very powerful, very professional woman with beautiful curls: Dr. Lisa Cuddy on House

I am hoping to rock her waves/curls when my hair grows to that length!

LoloDSM · 11-22-2012, 08:27 PM

I'm a lawyer and have worn my hair curly for four years. I've even tried cases to a jury while wearing my hair curly.

I think attitude has a lot to do with it -- if you feel good about your hair it shows.

Jessiebanana · 11-23-2012, 09:03 AM

Some people believe that as a black woman wearing my hair in it's natural state is unprofessional and that's it's making some sort of statement...you know, just being the way it is growing out of our heads.

My hair is 3C so I'm a bit "luckier", but I think 4 type girls have it the worst...as if it's not hard enough interviewing for jobs being a woman of color, you have to be some sort of barbie with no actual discernible woc features.