Black Hair: In the workplace and school

[Ideal08]

Originally posted by CrucialCrimson
For those of you claiming that cornrows aren't "trendy" why weren't you seeing them 5-10 years ago and you probably won't be seeing them 5-10 years from now.

Where? Perhaps YOU weren't seeing them. I can honestly say, I've ALWAYS seen women (mostly with naturals) wearing cornrows. Those and flat twists. But like I said, most if not all of the women I saw with these styles were naptural. And very afrocentric (in their dress and accessories). And I'm not saying I've seen as many women as are wearing cornrowed styles now. So maybe it's trendy for SOME. That does not make it trendy for ALL. The styles now are just more fancy... up-do's and the like, and fake hair is added. I can tell you, as long as there are Black women wearing their hair natural, you will always see cornrows. So in 5-10 years, you may not see them AS MUCH, but you will STILL see them.

[ClassyLady]

I'm sorry, but I'm not with the whole argument that says cornrows are unprofessional. That's a bunch of horse pucky. I see braids, and cornrows, and twists as a part of my African-American heritage. So much of that heritage has already been taken away from me, and I'm going to hold on to the little bit that I have left. If cornrows and braids are unprofessional, then what's next?? Will people be getting fired for having bobs, or layers, or naturals?

I do not think that employers have to right to tell people how to wear their hair, no matter how conservative the office is. As long as your hair is well-kept and well-groomed, then their should be no issue with what style the hair is in. If my boss told me to change my hair because I had cornrows, I would give him or her my resignation. That is not the kind of company that I would want to work for.

Crucial Crimson, you said that your clients do not want to work with people who look like Latrell Sprewell. My question to you is, why would you want those kind of people as clients in the first place? If they cannot be accepting to something that is a part of your heritage and culture as someone of African descent, why would you even want to be bothered.

[Honeykiss1974]

What about men wearing "traditionally women" hairstyles? I, do not think that braids, cornrows, or naturals are unprofessional (as long as they are clean and tidy), ON A WOMAN, but I would have to raise an eyebrow if I saw cornrows or a "Big Worm Perm" pulled back into a ponytail on a brotha (or even a white guy), especially if he worked within a conservative field. In this aspect, I would have to agree with CrucialCrimson.......

[oneinamillion]

Well I have everyone to know I accompanied my mother-in-law to Johnny Cochran's office last Monday(memphis) to meet with an attorney(the attorney wasn't Johnny but she was hired by him to work in his firm) why.....and I do mean WHY did she have cornrows (cute, and tight) on her head and we didn't view her as being ghetto, unknowledgeable, or tacky. The sister was toooo professional and........... obviously one of the best attorneys in the country thinks so as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Putting labels on folks for african-heritage is such in poor taste!

[Afrochic]

Ok we talk about professionalism and hair yada yada but in a natural state, what would be considered professional? I know everyone saw the picture of the lady. At her length, what style in her natural state would be considered "professional enough" for her to come back to work? Doesn't the majority of women who choose to wear their hair in a natural state opt for twists and braids as opposed to wearing their hair picked out like a fro (depending on the length)? Are we saying our natural state is quite unnatural? Do I need a perm and some curls or a bun to keep my job? My hair has never helped my job performance, it's what's located under the hair that does it all. It's a shame that it boils down to what is acceptable for a certain society. Who made the rules at to what is considered proper in general? I agree with the dress code only to a certain extent (hosiery, no sandals, etc.) I'm glad I work for the Department of Treasury. They don't care what's on top of my head, they care about what's in it....

How "professional" is the senior vice president and editorial director of Essence, Susan Taylor? Is she considered "professional" or not professional enough?

[oneinamillion]

Originally posted by Afrochic

How "professional" is the senior vice president and editorial director of Essence, Susan Taylor? Is she considered "professional" or not professional enough?

afrochic you're an angel of wisdom & truth.

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by Afrochic
Ok we talk about professionalism and hair yada yada but in a natural state, what would be considered professional? I know everyone saw the picture of the lady. At her length, what style in her natural state would be considered "professional enough" for her to come back to work? Doesn't the majority of women who choose to wear their hair in a natural state opt for twists and braids as opposed to wearing their hair picked out like a fro (depending on the length)? Are we saying our natural state is quite unnatural? Do I need a perm and some curls or a bun to keep my job? My hair has never helped my job performance, it's what's located under the hair that does it all. It's a shame that it boils down to what is acceptable for a certain society. Who made the rules at to what is considered proper in general? I agree with the dress code only to a certain extent (hosiery, no sandals, etc.) I'm glad I work for the Department of Treasury. They don't care what's on top of my head, they care about what's in it....

How "professional" is the senior vice president and editorial director of Essence, Susan Taylor? Is she considered "professional" or not professional enough?

Ms. Taylor is an executive at a black-owned company. There is a difference.

[oneinamillion]

Still we both have got to admit: she looks good, she's way too full of wisdom, and she's PROFESSIONAL & CLASSY ALL THE WAY!

[Afrochic]

Originally posted by Steeltrap


Ms. Taylor is an executive at a black-owned company. There is a difference.

I understand, but my question was "is she considered professional or not professional enough?" This question is based on her choice of hairstyle. Ok let's forget about black owned Essence for just a minute if you would. Say for instance you knew of this lady and had never seen her. All you knew was she was a black business woman. She walks into your office and bam, she has braids. Would you think she was less than suitable based on the fact she had braids?

Another lady on this board who runs a black owned business didn't agree with cornrows either. This was another reason why I brought Ms. Taylor's name up. Yes Essence is a black owned company, but all companies have shareholders/stockholders and others who have a financial interest who aren't necessarily black. This means she's still dealing with a variety of people who vary in the idea of what is considered professional. Even though she's running a business in a sector of entertainment and information, a business whether black owned or not still has to portray a level of professionalism. With that being said, since hair is the primary concern for the grooming/not professional enough debate, what type of image does Ms. Taylor portray.....professional? Yay or nay?

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by Afrochic


I understand, but my question was "is she considered professional or not professional enough?" This question is based on her choice of hairstyle. Ok let's forget about black owned Essence for just a minute if you would. Say for instance you knew of this lady and had never seen her. All you knew was she was a black business woman. She walks into your office and bam, she has braids. Would you think she was less than suitable based on the fact she had braids?

Another lady on this board who runs a black owned business didn't agree with cornrows either. This was another reason why I brought Ms. Taylor's name up. Yes Essence is a black owned company, but all companies have shareholders/stockholders and others who have a financial interest who aren't necessarily black. This means she's still dealing with a variety of people who vary in the idea of what is considered professional. Even though she's running a business in a sector of entertainment and information, a business whether black owned or not still has to portray a level of professionalism. With that being said, since hair is the primary concern for the grooming/not professional enough debate, what type of image does Ms. Taylor portray.....professional? Yay or nay?

OK, I must be old, but thanks for clarifying. I -- and only I -- would look at a few other factors in addition to the hair. How is her handshake? Does she project confidence?

My only point with "black-owned" was that Ms. Taylor, in her professional life, doesn't have to necessarily concern herself with "other people's" standards. Sorry if I'm rambling -- it's humid in SoCal and I'm about to collapse.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by Steeltrap


Ms. Taylor is an executive at a black-owned company. There is a difference.

uhhhhh, Soror. Armstrong Williams would beg to differ. Armstrong Williams is a Republican Brother, you've probably seen from time to time on political shows as an analyst. Anyway, when this was being discussed, he said, in his office that these styles were not appropriate in his office. Soooooo there isn't too much difference. There is, but there isn't.

Plus, the Essence people did sell a portion of it's control to some white group, didn't it?

[Krisco]

You ladies are on point! Seriously blacks need to reconsider what is so-called professional hair. Most AA people who choose to wear their hair in its natural state will agree that why is there such a big rule implying that our afro's, braids etc are unkempt or dirty or simply unruly. Why is straight right?? Excuse black hair if it prefers to grow out rather than down. It it kinks and coils rather than lies limp. Just be honest White America, you don't want our black arses in your offices. Don't use hair type, now that's just ignorant. But I wonder where the get that idea from, nappy hair is bad hair...?? Not to me, its just as 'good' as straight hair to me!

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91



uhhhhh, Soror. Armstrong Williams would beg to differ. Armstrong Williams is a Republican Brother, you've probably seen from time to time on political shows as an analyst. Anyway, when this was being discussed, he said, in his office that these styles were not appropriate in his office. Soooooo there isn't too much difference. There is, but there isn't.

Plus, the Essence people did sell a portion of it's control to some white group, didn't it?

Yup, I've seen Armstrong Williams, and I agree with him some of the time -- mainly when it comes to the importance of intact families.

If this is the case, I think that hair may truly be in the eye of who is signing the checks.

I haven't heard about any outside investments in Essence Communications -- I'll have to check it out.

[lovelyivy84]

I see nothing wrong with braids, dreds or twists, but I have to agree that IMO cornrows are NOT professional- at least not casual cornrows that are not styled.

Professionally done cornrows can be cute and stylish and work in all but the most conservative of office environments. Casual cornrows are just that, casual, and not appropriate.

And no offense y'all, but regardless of what you or I think, ultimately the opinion that matters is that of the boss. Some bosses have a problem with styles seen as trendy, and cornrows are exactly that- you didn't see almost anyone wearing that style until Alicia Keyes came out with the Fallin video, and I doubt that you'll be seeing it in another five months. Be professional, and be appropriate- follow the guidelines set by the office. As long as there is parity, and you don't see white co-workers with blue hair, etc then I don't see the problem.

[mccoyred]

Essence has been owned by AOL Time Warner for 2 years!...but I get your point. 'We' are more accepting and understanding if 'we' run the shop.

Originally posted by Steeltrap


Ms. Taylor is an executive at a black-owned company. There is a difference.