Stepping into any new work environment can be nerve-wracking. There’s a lot of pressure surrounding our skills and talents, and sometimes it can feel like there’s just as much pressure on our appearances!
Unfortunately, there’s a long history in the United States of Black women facing discrimination in the workplace due to their natural hair styles. What’s worse: these acts have been upheld by our Supreme Court.
We all know the magic we possess in our hair! Now while we wait (and demand”> for our government to catch up, let’s bask in the advice of 6 naturalistas currently killing it in their workplace!
1. Naomi, 4b/c
Go-to products: Cantu Conditioning Creamy Hair Lotion,
Ors Olive Oil Buttery Smooth Conditioner
Curls at work?
“I’ve worked at the YMCA and at an outdoor camp so I am constantly running around with the kids and playing games. So it’s easier for me to wear braids!.”
Advice to young naturalistas heading to work?
“Honestly, just express yourself. If your hair is your signature, then rock it! If you feel as if you want to wear braids because it is easier, go and do it. But if you love to rock your natural hair, do that as well!”
2. Chanel, 4b/c
Go-to products: Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner,
Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls
Curls at work?
“Sometimes I still feel compelled in certain professional environments to wear wigs, but I’ve gotten into the habit of rocking my natural short cut! And I think that’s due in large part to the amount of strong Black women I’ve came across that feel comfortable doing the same.”
Advice to young naturalistas?
“You just have to learn to be comfortable in your own skin and embrace your natural hair! It took me a very long time to embrace my natural hair. Everyone’s hair journey is different, I think it’s just getting to a point where you’re making healthy hair decisions that make you feel happy and comfortable! Some work environments are less welcoming than others, so sometimes we have to play it by ear.
3. Heather, 3a/b
Go-to product: Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter
Curls at work?
“Slick down buns and twist out curls!”
Advice to young naturalistas heading to work?
“Be yourself and rock your hair however you want. You have so much to offer employers and your beautiful curls are part of the package! Curls are PROFESSIONAL! You never know who you are inspiring. At a school I taught at, a young biracial girl ran over to me excitedly because I had ‘big curls’ just like she did! It was an incredible feeling and I am excited to inspire future queens.”
4. Dominique, 4b
Go-to products: Auntie Jackie’s Knot on My Watch
Eden Natural Curl Defining Cream
Curls at work?
“Always a slick back bun, if not a wash-n-go or a wig!”
Advice to young naturalistas heading to work?
“It’s weird because on one hand, I want to say not care about what people at your job think about your hair. Your hair is YOUR hair and you should be able to wear it how you want. However, as we’ve seen lately, people are getting fired for how they’re wearing their hair. I recommend to test the water. For my internship, I keep my hair in a bun to play it on the safe side. When I felt like I got a general gist of the environment, I felt safe to try different hairstyles and looks again.”
5. Niya, 3b
Go-to products: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie,
Maui Moisture Heal and Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner
Curls at work?
“My go-to is a slick bun with a side or middle part. And space buns are always in my rotation!”
Advice to young naturalistas heading to work?
“Don’t feel uncomfortable wearing your natural hair out! You may think people will judge you or ask a lot of questions about your hair, but sometimes it’s all in your head. Don’t be afraid to try new things!”
6. Maya, 3c/4a
Go-to products: Cantu Curl Stretcher Cream,
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Treatment Mask
Her curls at work?
“I either wear my hair natural or lean towards natural-looking wigs. Sometimes I go with braids or keep it slicked back in a bun. I’ve realized it’s just easier for me to keep it up rather than down.”
Advice to young naturalistas heading to work?
“Have confidence and know who you are! I had a manager touch my braids and say, ‘This isn’t all your hair right?’ Even though uncomfortable comments have been said to me, I don’t take it home with me. Somethings you can’t take home with you, which is easier said than done. Just know, you can be natural and professional! Wear your curls with confidence and don’t let anyone deter you!”
Curls and coils are professional in a billion ways. Whoever said otherwise lied! Share your thoughts on natural hair in the workplace with us in the comments below!
