As a woman of colour, your natural hair is an essential part of your identity. It is a symbol of your culture, heritage, and personality. However, the workplace can be a challenging environment when it comes to embracing your natural hair. You may encounter various pressures to conform to the traditional beauty standards, which may lead to stress and self-doubt. In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges faced by black women with natural hair in the workplace, the pressures to conform to straight hair, and tips for confidently rocking your natural look.
Challenges Faced by Black Women with Natural Hair
Black women with natural hair face many challenges in the workplace. Some of these challenges include:
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Discrimination: Black women with natural hair may experience discrimination in the workplace. They may be subjected to discriminatory comments, dress codes that prohibit natural hairstyles, or even denied job opportunities because of their hair.
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Microaggressions: Microaggressions are subtle, indirect, or unintentional acts of discrimination. These can include comments, stares, or questions about your hair that can make you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome in the workplace.
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Pressure to Conform: There may be pressure to conform to traditional beauty standards, which often means having straight hair. This can be especially challenging for black women with curly or kinky hair who may feel pressured to chemically straighten their hair or wear wigs to fit in.
Pressures to Have Straighter Hair
There is a long-standing cultural bias that straight hair is more professional, clean, and beautiful than curly or kinky hair. This bias is evident in many corporate dress codes, which prohibit natural hairstyles such as braids, afros, or twists. Black women may feel compelled to wear wigs or chemically straighten their hair to fit in, which can be damaging to their self-esteem and health.
Maintaining Your Natural Hair on a Daily Basis as a Black Woman
Maintaining natural hair can be a stressful and time-consuming task for black women. It can take hours to wash, detangle, and style natural hair, which can be a challenge when you have to balance work, family, and other responsibilities. However, with the right tools and techniques, maintaining your natural hair can become more manageable. Here are some tips for maintaining your natural hair:
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Use the right products: Choose hair products that are specifically designed for your hair type. Use a sulphate-free shampoo and a moisturising conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
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Protective Styling: Consider protective styling options such as braids, twists, or weaves. These styles can help protect your hair from damage and reduce the amount of time you spend styling your hair.
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Daily Maintenance: Moisturise your hair daily, use a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to protect your hair while you sleep, and avoid heat styling tools that can cause damage.
Tips for Rocking Your Natural Look in a Corporate Setting
Confidence is key when it comes to rocking your natural look in a corporate setting. Here are some tips to help you feel confident wearing your natural hair:
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Own Your Look: Be proud of your natural hair and embrace it. Remember, your hair is a part of your culture and identity, and it is beautiful.
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Professionalism: Dress professionally and style your hair in a way that is neat and tidy. This will help you feel confident and demonstrate to others that you take your job seriously.
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Speak Up: If you experience discrimination or microaggressions in the workplace, speak up. Talk to your supervisor, HR department, or a trusted colleague about your concerns.
We hope this post has inspired you abit more to love on your natural hair even harder! Lets keep this conversation going.. have you every experienced anthing unpleasant in the working place because of your hair ? share with us in the comments below
With love always,
Lope xo