Has your hair impacted your career?

[Glib Gurl]

So, as I mention in my siggy, I am experimenting with being "natural." (I put that in quotes because I'm only about 8 weeks post . . . basically my "being natural" is really just wearing curly wash-n-go styles.) Anyways, the other day I wore my hair this way at a day-long conference. I got tons of compliments from other ladies there - many of whom are black and older - but I noticed my boss (an elderly black man) just staring and staring at me . . . I couldn't figure out why until I realized . . . IT'S MY HAIR!

I'm not sure what to make of his wordless reaction . . . but he is definitely of the "our kind of people" school of thought. And I've seen him "retaliate" against younger blacks in our office who didn't "do the right thing" - case in point, a sister in our office who, despite her Master's degree, got pregnant by a dude who is a jailbird. Her career trajectory at the organization tanked quickly after that . . . .

I'm not going to let this stop me, but I'm just curious what others' experiences have been . . . . .

 

[AuNaturalMaMa]

I did get a few sneers and jeers when I first went natural. A lot of the older seniors(not seniors like elderly although some of them are pretty old ) at my job are relaxed/wear wigs I could see the little side-eyes at conferences but I just politely smiled and ignored them. I dare them to say something......I did get something said to me about some shoes I wore, but them just mention something negative about my hair.....lets just say there will be an exchange of unkind words!

 

[CarefreeinChicago]

I am temping at a huge law firm and to be honest I don't care if they don't like my hair I am wearing it in two strand twist tomorrow for the first time.

 

[Vashti]

It has impacted my job prospects at some companies. I could tell by how the interviewers looked at my hair whether I had a chance or not. But since I'm stubborn by nature, it didn't stop me at all. I eventually found a well paying job where my natural hair was a non-issue. It usually depends upon the social culture of the place where you work or are attempting to find work.

Funny enough, the places where people looked down on my hair (and me as a black person in general) were pissant jobs that paid diddly-squat.

 

[bride91501]

Well, luckily I am my own boss but when I conduct my trainings (part of my business involves developing and adminstering housing and civil rights trainings), I get a lot of compliments and questions from attendees. I've done 6 onsite trainings since I went natural, and 4 of those times I've worn my own hair (as opposed to my PS wigs).

The last 2 contracts I got were referrals, so either my hair hasn't played a role at all, or it's given me an added boost lol. Either way I'll take it

 

[DarkVictory]

Funny enough, the places where people looked down on my hair (and me as a black person in general) were pissant jobs that paid diddly-squat.

This has been my experience, too.

I don't think my hair has impacted my career, either as an employee or as a consultant. Contrary to common advice, I always go in to the interview with my natural hair so if they have a problem with it it's out in the open up front. Every workplace has its culture. If my napps and I don't fit in I'd rather find out before starting work there.

 

[BostonMaria]

Not at all. I never have the same hairstyle so I'd say no.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[texasqt]

Hasn't impacted my career but the one man who warned me against wearing it out of fear that it would was an older black male.

 

[Carrie A]

It hasn't hindered me but I work in a natural hair friendly environment. Most of the Black women in top positions are natural- either loose or locked.

 

[Cherokee-n-Black]

I did get a few sneers and jeers when I first went natural. A lot of the older seniors(not seniors like elderly although some of them are pretty old ) at my job are relaxed/wear wigs I could see the little side-eyes at conferences but I just politely smiled and ignored them. I dare them to say something......I did get something said to me about some shoes I wore, but them just mention something negative about my hair.....lets just say there will be an exchange of unkind words!

It's funny. I live in Harlem, and the "look" among the OKP's is natural hair all day long. I think it has to do with the whole "high fashion" influence. I have to say, though, it's a refreshing change, even though you do sometimes get the "blacker than thou" vibe. I feel like I am late getting in on the "trend" now, but I have to say, it's made it a lot more comfortable--and less courageous, sadly--for me to decide to go natural now. But if your boss is "old school" that natural hair is probably givng him a fit! LOL. Stay strong, lady!

 

[brucebettye]

I have been at my company for 11 years and I have wore weaves, wigs, braids, and I am currently almost natural (transitioning). I have gotten many looks over the years, but no one is brave enough to say anything negative about my hair(my bosses). I would go to HR on them since I work for a very large company and they hate lawsuits.

 

[Southern Belle]

Hmmm. I've had the exact opposite experience. When people see my natural hair they see "chic" and forward-thinking. My boss tells me she loves how I always think outside the box (although that could be just a personality thing). But honestly, my hair hasn't hindered me in the least.