Is This a Professional Hairstyle?

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

Looks proper for a professional job to me.

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

Must our lives revolve around WP? Dang!

The hairstyle looks beautiful! Better than the stringy mess "those" people wear on their scalp.

I've you seen refer to Caucasian hair as stringy repeatedly but I'm not sure where you've gotten that image from. Does a lack of curl= stringy? erplexed Do you consider straightened African hair to be stringy as well?

 

[naijamerican]

I think that the style in the OP is not only appropriate, but very elegant looking. As long as you look good with it and it's not visually offensive, why not?

 

[SND411]

I've you seen refer to Caucasian hair as stringy repeatedly but I'm not sure where you've gotten that image from. Does a lack of curl= stringy? erplexed Do you consider straightened African hair to be stringy as well?

SerenavanderWoodsen

When my hair is straigtened, it's lucious, not stringy like boogers hanging from one's nose. That's what a lot of "their" hair looks like. With poorly dyed blond color "looks like green snot" hair.

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

@SerenavanderWoodsen

When my hair is straigtened, it's lucious, not stringy like boogers hanging from one's nose. That's what a lot of "their" hair looks like. With poorly dyed blond color "looks like green snot" hair.

is all.

 

[Freesia]

My mom used to wear her hair like to her job(s). I always thought it looked professional.

 

[Anne26]

@SerenavanderWoodsen

When my hair is straigtened, it's lucious, not stringy like boogers hanging from one's nose. That's what a lot of "their" hair looks like. With poorly dyed blond color "looks like green snot" hair.

A LOT of WP have absolutely beautiful hair. Wavy, thick, shiny, not stringy at all. Just look at the Long Hair Community. *sigh*

At least where I live, most have nice looking hair.

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

A LOT of WP have absolutely beautiful hair. Wavy, thick, shiny, not stringy at all. Just look at the Long Hair Community. *sigh*

At least where I live, most have nice looking hair.

Exactly, very rarely do I see stringy hair on white people. Maybe if it's wet or greasy but otherwise it's beautiful just as curly and kinky hair is beautiful, it's just all different.

 

[SND411]

A LOT of WP have absolutely beautiful hair. Wavy, thick, shiny, not stringy at all. Just look at the Long Hair Community. *sigh*

At least where I live, most have nice looking hair.

LOL. That LongHairCommunity is NOT a good representation.

And LOL @ you taking up for them. If only you knew what they say abour our hair behind closed doors.

 

[SerenavanderWoodsen]

LOL. That LongHairCommunity is NOT a good representation.

And LOL @ you taking up for them. If only you knew what they say abour our hair behind closed doors.

I knew that was what was behind what you said. I think we're all aware about what some people in races say about kinky hair. What do you think Asians say about it though? And is their hair stringy like snot as well?

How is LHC not a good representation?? It's a bunch of hair obsessed white women growing their hair out, they don't have "special" non stringy hair unlike the rest of the caucasian race do they?? If that's the case maybe lhcf is a board of "special" black women who can grow their hair long unlike the rest.

 

[discodumpling]

The style looks great and as a corporate accounts manager I wouldn't think twice about it being appropriate! I've said it before and ill say it again...I ain't got to please nobody but my SELF and my GOD...everybody else can kick rocks.

Sent from my SPH-D700 using SPH-D700

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

I think it's an elegant style and I don't see why anyone would have a problem with it.

 

[DarkVictory]

Question for those who think it might not be appropriate in some workplaces: is it because it's too ethnic, i.e. a style you wouldn't see on a non-Black person? Or is it because braids might be considered a more informal style (in the same way that, say, flat shoes are less formal than heels)? Some other reason?

Not a challenge to anyone's opinion - just interested in understanding all viewpoints.

 

[mychai]

I think back women worry too much about this. Well-kept/well-styled hair is professional hair in my opinion, and I think the hairstyle is beautiful and elegant. I have worn braids, twists, natural, weave, etc. in very professional work environments with no complaint. If anyone mentioned my appearance it was to say that I was "presentable" (from a client-development perspective) or "elegant."

I don't want anyone to fall on a sword, but I think if we really want natural and afrocentric hairstyles to be a non-issue, we need to stop second guessing ourselves so much.

 

[Anne26]

I'm in LHC too and it's the same as here. Some know their stuff and some are there to learn everything. Some come with healthy hair, others not so much, some stick around and achieve it. I didn't say every head of hair in the world is healthy.

I used that board as an example, but people in my real life have BSL-waist average, and don't even go overanalizing everything like a lot of LHC members (the "real" people use a lot more heat and chemicals than them). So yes, in general, most have good looking hair. Maybe that's just where I live, then?

I'm sorry for not answering here OP (I noticed you made the same question in this other board, I answered there). If anyone is curious I said it looks professional.

 

[mzcris]

yes they look very professional, neat and pretty for the work place and even after work.

 

[Lady S]

I think the hairstyle looks very professional, Stch The problem is, none of us know the culture of your work environment. Conservative in one work place may not be as strict as another work area. My crappy suggestion is to try it and see what happens. How do people react to you. After the first few days, do they continue to have conversations with your hair or you? Do they treat you differently? It's a reversible style, so at least if it has a negative reaction, you can take it down.

I think its professional. One thing I have noticed working in corporate america is its other blacks that feel we have to wear our hair like WP. WP aren't as concerned about our hair as we think they are.

I had a director who was black and she was always inquiring how the other black women were going to wear their hair when we had to travel. She'd be like, ok so when are you gonna get a perm (relaxer) and if you were natural she'd ask you to hot comb it. She said that if your hair is a distraction people can't see the value you bring to the business. I don't see this particular style as a distraction. Now if those cornrows were different colors well then yeah thats not a good look.

I would have butted heads with this woman. Seriously. I am not damaging my hair because she thinks it's a distraction. I may slap on a wig, but only if I knew for sure that was the case. To me, that's like saying don't wear earrings or just dress like a robot. I'm not saying bright orange hair with neon glitter eyeshadow, but I think the beige, boring style makes you unforgettable in a way.

 

[DirtyJerzeyGirly]

A LOT of WP have absolutely beautiful hair. Wavy, thick, shiny, not stringy at all. Just look at the Long Hair Community. *sigh*

At least where I live, most have nice looking hair.

Teresa Giudice of RHNJ has great hair.

I knew that was what was behind what you said. I think we're all aware about what some people in races say about kinky hair. What do you think Asians say about it though? And is their hair stringy like snot as well?

How is LHC not a good representation?? It's a bunch of hair obsessed white women growing their hair out, they don't have "special" non stringy hair unlike the rest of the caucasian race do they?? If that's the case maybe lhcf is a board of "special" black women who can grow their hair long unlike the rest.

You're right. It is.

 

[SmileyNY]

I think back women worry too much about this. Well-kept/well-styled hair is professional hair in my opinion, and I think the hairstyle is beautiful and elegant. I have worn braids, twists, natural, weave, etc. in very professional work environments with no complaint. If anyone mentioned my appearance it was to say that I was "presentable" (from a client-development perspective) or "elegant."

I don't want anyone to fall on a sword, but I think if we really want natural and afrocentric hairstyles to be a non-issue, we need to stop second guessing ourselves so much.

For me, it's the braids. I know it's a part of our culture, but I just feel that braided hair is for kids (just my personal opinion, don't kill me lol). I can do 1 ponytail that's French braided, but hair styles with multiple braids don't appeal to me.

If a white woman showed up at work with pig tails, she'd get a quick side eye from me. It's not about race from my end.

That said... to answer the OP... I think you should wear that hairstyle if you want to despite what others may think. Screw ppl like me. We'll get over it It's all about how you carry yourself, your work ethic, & how you treat ppl. That's all that matters.


Sent from my iPhone. It does EVERYTHING ...except make calls

 

[Crystalicequeen123]

Hahaha....I must be a "rebel" then, because I'm a natural sister here and I wear my hair ANY which way I want to @ work, and NOBODY says a word lol. In fact, I DARE them to say something insulting!

Personally, I feel that as long as I have my hair looking fashionable and my makeup is done and my clothing is appropriate, I think there are a lot of "ethnic" hair styles that can be just fine for the work place.


ETA: Ummmmm....oh yeah....what state do you live in? Because I'm on the East Coast and work in a city, so that may also have something to do with it. I'm thinking maybe states in the midwest or in the south would have more of an "issue" with more "ethnic" hair styles @ work I'm guessing...

 

[Anne26]

SmileyNY

That style seems very "woman" to me. Imagine that bun on a child, seems out of place to me, overdone.

 

[SmileyNY]

SmileyNY

That style seems very "woman" to me. Imagine that bun on a child, seems out of place to me, overdone.

My mother used to braid my hair in a similar style when I was young & started protesting against beads lol. She started braiding it up into a bun to avoid using them. My opinion is about braids in general. Every time I see a woman in braids, it looks juvenile to me. IMO, braids are for kids.

That doesn't mean that braids can't be in styles that may not fit children. They make PJs with feet in them for adults... The sizes & prints may not be appropritate for kids... Doesn't make them any less juvenile lol.

However, that's JUST my opinion. I'm not the type to force my beliefs on others or feel like everyone has agree with me. Just stating how I feel personally.


Sent from my iPhone. It does EVERYTHING ...except make calls

 

[yardgirl]

Of course it is. But I live in Jamaica and natural hair/hairstyles are the norm here.

 

[Stepiphanie]

I too work for a very conservative company, business casual is frowned upon, many
Ladies still wear pantyhose even in the heat of summer etc. But guess what I don't give a damn what they think about my hair. No I wouldn't do any extreme hairstyles like Cleo cornrows, fro hawks, or Kool Aid red hair, but I really don't buy into the bs that "ethnic" hairstyles are unprofessional.

I get tons of compliments on my hair from everybody, and wear my hair as I pease. Shoot, sometimes I may rock my fro just too get some closed minded folks panties in a bunch.

 

[diadall]

I know this is an old thread but I got braids for the summer. I mentioned on page 1 of this thread that braids would not be professional where I work.

Anyway, I got braids last month. I am swimming in the mornings or after work and I wanted some else besides a bun (I had been in a bun two months prior to the braids.)

Well, I was told by another black lobbyist that its okay for now because we are not in session but "you know you can't wear those once committee weeks start, right?"

I said of course I know. I am nearly 40 and I have been in this process for more than 12 years.

She also went on to rag on a how a legislative aide is wearing what I think is a twist-out/but its really curly. She said, "all those curls look too kiddie like. She is a grown woman and not Shirley Hemphill." She meant Temple and not Shirley from What's Happening.!!

So you are wondering, if I "checked" her.

No. I saw no reason to. These are her opinions and she wasn't not looking for a lesson on "we should embrace being able to wear our hair the way we want."

I just thought I would share this update.

In the meantime my braids look good and I hope to have some noticeable growth when I take them out in June/July.

 

[LoveisYou]

Some black ppl may mind too

 

[mamaore]

diadall, wow is all I have to say.

I guess sometimes you have to behave like a Roman when in Rome. (saying from back home). I love cornrows and braids. I hate weaves. But I'm a Nigerian and we rock cornrows all day, every day, at work and at play.

Wearing my hair in an "ethnic" way is my heritage. Thank God, I live and work in Toronto. I seriously doubt I could live with such constraints on my hair style. I only had cornrows once in the last 1 year, but I want to be able to style my hair without thinking about what my boss will say about it.. sheesh!

 

[diadall]

@diadall, wow is all I have to say.

I guess sometimes you have to behave like a Roman when in Rome. (saying from back home). I love cornrows and braids. I hate weaves. But I'm a Nigerian and we rock cornrows all day, every day, at work and at play.

Wearing my hair in an "ethnic" way is my heritage. Thank God, I live and work in Toronto. I seriously doubt I could live with such constraints on my hair style. I only had cornrows once in the last 1 year, but I want to be able to style my hair without thinking about what my boss will say about it.. sheesh!

The funny thing is that NONE of my coworkers have made a negative comment. A lot of my job is outside of the office so I will get a ---like your hair, nice shoes, nice suit, that color looks good on you.

I frankly don't think my CEO cares and I have had a long relationship with the officials I work with that they don't think anything of it.

I guess my colleague wants to make sure I don't lose anything.

I dunno.

 

[kandake]

diadall thanks your update.

I guess I'll never understand why it would matter. Especially if you're professional, polished and poised. Which I imagine you to be. And I'm sure your braids aren't anything over the top.

 

[diadall]

@diadall thanks your update.

I guess I'll never understand why it would matter. Especially if you're professional, polished and poised. Which I imagine you to be. And I'm sure your braids aren't anything over the top.

Its not like I dyed them burgundy or I have finger waves in the front!

They are simple braids and I wear them in a bun all the time. I can't really wear them down. They get all in my face.