Natural Hair Perceived as Discrimination in the Workplace

“Define what constitutes extreme hair. Many people end up discriminating against natural hair because they don’t understand the necessary styling options when dealing with natural hair. For instance, many companies may label cornrows, dreadlocks and twists as extreme when they actually have a purpose for natural hair — retaining length and protecting ends. What may see as extreme to the company is actually quite normal, and it may even feel a bit discriminatory if the person is asked to wear a more “conventional” hairstyle.” women.thenest (https://woman.thenest.com/discrimination-against-natural-hair-workplace-16705.html)

Wearing natural hair in corporate America still has ongoing issues, whether in silence or openly. I think with black ladies going natural once decided has the initial fear of truly doing it. You begin to sense that you may feel out of place and awkward. The appearance of your hair texture seems a little scary as you recognize that the average black woman who is not natural or discipline to switch, may not support something considered to be so different.

Its so unique and revolutionary to understand that I am not like you. In the world we live in has a lot of influences on how black girls should wear their hair. Maybe the entertainment industry and the beauty industry that might have contribute to help natural hair rise. But even within these industries there are biases with the natural hair. More specifically we are speaking about every day girls in corporate America, from ordinary to professional women. It is a shame that we have to sense the anxiety of the concern that displaying the hair that we were naturally born with is a propaganda. This suggests how eurocentric beauty has been and how powerful the impact has been on black individuals and black women. When you decide to do the “Big Chop” you are not solely transitioning your hair, but you are, however, transitioning your mind.

This is a process of growth and the idea you attain which I believe is the destination of true love and acceptance for your natural hair. You then begin to transcend the concept of the general of beauty and diversification of beauty. It becomes uplifting for black women, because of the stance of natural hair in society. Black natural hair is like a genetic mark that is linked with shame. It is masked the that “nappier” the hair, the more unattractive the hair and needed to be “fixed” straighten or covered. In modern natural community it is referred to “kinky-tightly coiled hair.” It is shameful that we are dealing with the minds of the past generations to present who have internalized this thought. Today, the majority of naturals have become more accepting to the textured hair and improved on how to better take care of it.

Simply understand that you’re dealing with a conditioned set of people it’s no longer you, it’s them, it is their problem. Being unique comes with attention. It’s not a surprise that people will stare, they will be rude, they will be curious, they will ask questions they don’t understand, sometimes making you feel uncomfortable. Take the opportunity to educate about natural hair. There is no difference that it grows as those with straight hair. The difference is, is its texture. Most importantly learn your hair, not the hair of another you admire. Remind yourself that natural hair is appropriate, and it can be very terrific in corporate and in the workplace. We say that we don’t care what people think, but we as women, naturally love compliments, adequately so, we recognize what used to being complementary, you will also get looks of disapproval or disgust, leading to total confusion. You do not need validation from these people. I suggest be aware and acknowledge that it’s no longer convenient to accept such ignorance. It is not fair to have to adjust to their lack of expertise and it is unacceptable, however you recognize that being natural sheds light to those who are dealing with the same issues. Making a stand and appropriately defending what’s naturally grows from your scalp is a revolution in its self.

It is not your job to appease people who prefer your hair in weaves, braids or wigs. Do that by choice. Here is some food for thought especially for those who have not gone natural, on the fence about it, hesitant, and nervous. For those who are questioning how it may affect your job or just lifestyles. My suggestion is that there is going to be somebody who does not like your hair type, being curly to kinky. There are going to be people (family, friends, boss, or co-workers) that are not pleased with your natural hair. So, what! it is not their hair it’s your hair! Do not let it bother you to the core. The fact is that who we are naturally as black women is very liberating because it is the very opposite of what they tell us we have to be.

Natural hair in the work place

Natural textured hair is different, it has it own definition of beauty. To look presentable at the workplace, abiding by company’s own policies and procedures, should be in compliance as long as there is no intent to harm, dictate injustice, or discriminate. Review the company’s policies regarding grooming standards to avoid unnecessary discrimination. When workplace discriminates against natural textured hair it does not justify being correct. It shows incorrectness that needs justification and excludes the true essence of a black woman hair. Black ladies as a whole should voice their rights when it comes to their natural hair in corporate America. Just as blacks fought through discrimination regarding skin color, the same goes for our natural textured hair.