Over the past decade natural hair has grown in popularity among the under-30 black female crowd. Many of us have decided to step away from relaxers and bone-straight hair in favor of quenched and defined curls. Although, it’s “just hair”, it can’t be ignored that we’re taking part of a pivotal moment in history. But how do these changes affect our professional lives? We are still occasionally stopped in our tracks and faced with other people’s ignorance and cruelty, which is why it’s an unspoken rule in many black homes not to show up to job interviews or work with big hair, braids and even locs in some cases.
In May 2012 I worked as a dental assistant for two Russian dentists. I arrived to work a bit early on this particular day and instead of the compact bun that I usually wore, I donned an afro ponytail because I hadn’t gotten the chance to put my hair up and my first patient wasn’t set to arrive for another 30 minutes. Almost immediately after I removed my second arm from my jacket I was met with laughter, followed by “You look like one of those…what do you call them? The dolls with the hair…a troll doll baby!”. Not 10 minutes after that occurred, I was pulled aside by the less willing to joke and more stern dentist who told me “you have to wear your hair organized”. This took place in front of other employees and was quite embarrassing. That would not be the first time I had contemplated making it my last day. Instead, humiliated, I twisted my puff and put my hair in the bun as I had intended to before I was tag teamed by the Black hair police.( Continued here http://blackgirllonghair.com/2013/05/my-boss-criticized-my-natural-hair-in-public/#LpbctUAZq35soMGC.99 )
SO what do you all think? Chime in! Has something like this every happened to you?
SEE ALSO: How I Helped My Client Regrow Her Edges In 6 - 7 Months!
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32 Comments
New Blogpost: “True Life: My Boss Criticized my Natural Hair in Public”
Excerpt: Over the past decade natural… http://t.co/LRHv1nijDZ
While I would have told the second Dr. how unprofesional that was I dont think a fro ponytail is the most appropriate hairstyle for a dentist office. The troll comment wouldnt have bothered me because I’ve seen different race look that way.
While I would have told the second Dr. how unprofesional that was I dont think a fro ponytail is the most appropriate hairstyle for a dentist office. The troll comment wouldnt have bothered me because I’ve seen different race look that way.
While I would have told the second Dr. how unprofesional that was I dont think a fro ponytail is the most appropriate hairstyle for a dentist office. The troll comment wouldnt have bothered me because I’ve seen different race look that way.
While I would have told the second Dr. how unprofesional that was I dont think a fro ponytail is the most appropriate hairstyle for a dentist office. The troll comment wouldnt have bothered me because I’ve seen different race look that way.
While I would have told the second Dr. how unprofesional that was I dont think a fro ponytail is the most appropriate hairstyle for a dentist office. The troll comment wouldnt have bothered me because I’ve seen different race look that way.
While I would have told the second Dr. how unprofesional that was I dont think a fro ponytail is the most appropriate hairstyle for a dentist office. The troll comment wouldnt have bothered me because I’ve seen different race look that way.
That was rude and unprofessional.
That was rude and unprofessional.
That was rude and unprofessional.
That was rude and unprofessional.
That was rude and unprofessional.
That was rude and unprofessional.
Personally I have had my boss who is African and has a low cut but covers with weaves..tell me that my hair is not professional…mind u this is when I where a twist out…she tells me it looks unkept…just because I don’t wear weaves all the time I guess I am unprofessional…go figure
Personally I have had my boss who is African and has a low cut but covers with weaves..tell me that my hair is not professional…mind u this is when I where a twist out…she tells me it looks unkept…just because I don’t wear weaves all the time I guess I am unprofessional…go figure
Personally I have had my boss who is African and has a low cut but covers with weaves..tell me that my hair is not professional…mind u this is when I where a twist out…she tells me it looks unkept…just because I don’t wear weaves all the time I guess I am unprofessional…go figure
Personally I have had my boss who is African and has a low cut but covers with weaves..tell me that my hair is not professional…mind u this is when I where a twist out…she tells me it looks unkept…just because I don’t wear weaves all the time I guess I am unprofessional…go figure
Personally I have had my boss who is African and has a low cut but covers with weaves..tell me that my hair is not professional…mind u this is when I where a twist out…she tells me it looks unkept…just because I don’t wear weaves all the time I guess I am unprofessional…go figure
True Life: My Boss Criticized my Natural Hair in Public http://t.co/c4Vd4Ktguh
In about 2 or 3 years white folks are going to want to wear their hair like us…
In about 2 or 3 years white folks are going to want to wear their hair like us…
In about 2 or 3 years white folks are going to want to wear their hair like us…
In about 2 or 3 years white folks are going to want to wear their hair like us…
In about 2 or 3 years white folks are going to want to wear their hair like us…
Wow..this scares me as a new natural looking for a pt job…should I straighten mine while searching then gradually wear diff styles or just be natural.. Guess it depends on the area and job. But for this lady, I don’t know what to say..maybe the natural look threatens them as she could be seen as a strong, educated black woman and they would rather have someone that will look up to them not as an equal.
Wow..this scares me as a new natural looking for a pt job…should I straighten mine while searching then gradually wear diff styles or just be natural.. Guess it depends on the area and job. But for this lady, I don’t know what to say..maybe the natural look threatens them as she could be seen as a strong, educated black woman and they would rather have someone that will look up to them not as an equal.
Doesn’t anyone think that it’s just wrong and plain ignorant for a employer to comment,or discriminate against black ppl for wearing their hair in the natural manner in which God made it????? How the hell do you rightfully tell someone their natural state is inappropriate or unacceptable?
They could have been referring to the nose ring more than the puff. Either way you have the right to look how you desire.
Hey take it with a grain of salt; either sue them and find another job or stay and educate them on how to treat people with respect. Better to rise up and be empowered than to play the victim.
What a joy to find such clear thnigink. Thanks for posting!
This does look promising. I’ll keep coming back for more.
Pour Vlad! Yeah!! ça me fait penser à une toune de Kiss qui se nomme Crazy Night ou le chanteur, cesse de chanter en milieu de chanson pour citer : Nobody is gonna change me, because THATS WHO I AM!!