Hair Essentials - "Corporate Hair"

I was having a conversation with someone at church on Friday evening and the discussion came up about hair. I have heard time and time again how natural hair has been an issue for why some women cannot get corporate jobs. Not because they cannot complete the tasks, but just because of their appearance i.e, natural hair. Let's keep it real, having kinky or curly hair is not considered acceptable when thinking of "corporate styling". Yes, my curly fro as I'm wearing it now, is not an acceptable hairstyle! It sucks, but it's the truth.

My friend stated that she was told by another black woman in a leadership role in her company that if she wants a promotion, she needs to keep her hair permed until she has secured the position and then she can get transition into natural kinky hair, without the creamy crack. It's unfortunate. I remember styling another friend's hair and she works in Corporate and she wanted braids that could be as conservative as possible. Truth is, braids are not considered conservative for the most part. Braids will need to be neat and nicely tucked away into a style. Updos work well in corporate setting. Having a twist out is almost unheard of when applying for a corporate job, but once you have it, and you produce good work or course, it's more likely that you can stay in that position.

Speaking personally, I pressed my hair for both jobs I applied to since I've moved to Washington, DC. I got both. I remember my friend reassuring me when I voiced anxiety about being accepted for the position that, "You're attractive, you'll get the job." Being from the Virgin Islands and thinking it's who you know that counts, I learned a different story that being attractive is what counts and unfortunately, natural hair/kinky hair, isn't considered attractive to some people you interview with. Typing this sucks because it reminds me of how unfair it is. Do you have similar stories? or know a friend who experienced not being accepted for a position and thinks it's due to having natural hair? It's really sad.

Until corporate America can accept our naturalness, a twist out pin-up or braided pin-up is a professional style. Search my blog for professional braided style and try one today. If you have any professional hairstyles or corporate hairstyles, email them to me at niaimbue@gmail.com. I will post a part 2 to this blog so I can share pics of how we can style our hair in a professional manner. Our Natural is Beautiful. That will be my new theme in 2013. MuAh & CiAo!