[Lady of Pearl]

Yes, I think employers do take into consideration a potential candidates looks. I've heard somewhere that one only has a moment to make a lasting impression on people. As one of my Sorors said "unfortunately we live in a society that looks at the superficial" so having said all that appearance counts. I have had to alter my being in a sense to fit into eurocentric stereotypes about beauty and professionalism. Now that I am experienced and credentialed and proficient in what I do, I really don't care to change my appearance to suit anyone. I am speaking of the appearance of one's hair style relative to Black women in the workplace, after wearing my hair permed for years and being frustrated in the process of denying my own individuality- just so I could stay employed-I have decided to go back to wearing my hair natural. You wouldn't believe the looks I get from Black women in a supposedly progressive city where braids and bone straight perms are the norm. Luckily, I am in a profession where I have a little bit more leeway to wear it as I truly desire, and my employer is more concerned with my brains rather than my hair.