Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur HHJ?

[Diva_Esq]

I'm really interested in the concept of the "corporate look" and the battles sistas fight everyday b/c of arbitrary factors that have nothing to do with our work product/ intelligence/ etc.

I am an Attorney. My profession is considered among the most conservative of all. My biggest challenges are:

People acting like they don't know who I am if I wear my hair different. erplexed

The perception of anything other than straight or bunned being "unprofessional" or "too ethnic."

Since my profession (at least here in Nebraska) lacks diversity, people want to ask a million questions or touch my hair.

Having to mainly do my more creative styles & big hair on the weekends when I am away from work so people aren't staring at me all day.

People's ignorant perceptions of what an attorney should look like.

I know that this was even a huge issue at Hampton University, an HBCU (so clearly even our own people still have issues about naturality), that within their business college, they didn't allow natural styles, dreads, and braids b/c they were "not professional."


I'd love to hear about your challenges. TIA! HHG!

 

[mrsjohnson75]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in a corporate environment...IT specifically.

We have a person here who has waist length locks and no one has any issues with it. There are some females with braids. I mostly wear buns, braidouts, & bantu knot outs....never wear my hair straight.

I guess it depends on where you are located. I've seen it all and there has never been an issue. I've lived in FLA, NC, and GA.

 

[BlackMasterPiece]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in a corporate environment dealing with Real Estate when I'm not away to college. My firm has locations on Wall Street and the one I work in is on Park Avenue. I wear my hair in any and all styles and it really didn't hinder my progress in the firm, as a matter of fact the more textured the style the more compliments comments and questions about technique I get.

In the office all the white ladies would come up to me and start playing in my hair (I'm not the kind of person that minds this at all) and they would say "WOW you always have a new look! I wish my hair could do this! Can my hair do this?!?!" and I'd usually be lke ummmm eeyea I have a client lmao

Honestly, my belief is as long as you're professional and your work is of a high caliber, people in the firm will view you as the asset you are to the company.

That being said I'm working in New York City, one of the fashion capitals of the world, where things like being natural is highly regarded, so I realize that that is a huge factor as to why its such a non issue in my career.

Some suggestions for corporate friendly Natural Styles:

- Twist-outs
- Braid-outs (that aren't separated too much but lay relatively flat on the head) Maybe do a braid out on blown out hair
- Straw Curls from a Straw Set
- Comb Coils
- Buns if your hair can be slicked back
- Individuals with extensions
- Pixie twists
- Press and Flat Iron / Bantu Knot out on Pressed hair

 

[Barbie83]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I'm not natural, but I do wear a lot of textured styles (twists, twistouts, etc). I work for an advertising agency. I think because the agency is small and it is a creative field, things are more casual (the art directors/web designers walk in wearing jeans). Everytime I change my style the girls (everyone I work with is white) are amazed . "Oh I love your hair like that! OMG it's so versatile!"

I agree with BMP, as long as your performance is on point, I think your hairstyles will be less of an issue. But then again, it does depend on the field and the company in particular.

 

[Diva_Esq]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I'm not natural, but I do wear a lot of textured styles (twists, twistouts, etc). I work for an advertising agency. I think because the agency is small and it is a creative field, things are more casual (the art directors/web designers walk in wearing jeans). Everytime I change my style the girls (everyone I work with is white) are amazed . "Oh I love your hair like that! OMG it's so versatile!"

I agree with BMP, as long as your performance is on point, I think your hairstyles will be less of an issue. But then again, it does depend on the field and the company in particular.

I don't have any performance issues, I just wondered if anyone else is in a stricter profession. You ladies are very lucky.

 

[JayAnn0513]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in Finance, automotive specifically. It male dominated, specifically while male dominated the higher up you go. The bright side of that is they dont even look at my hair. Right now I get more flack about my transition from black women on the same level as me- why dont I go to a salon, why don't I straighten and wear it down, etc. No manager/ Sr. manager/ Executive has ever said anything about my hair. I'm almost always in a bun of some sort.

 

[MummysGirl]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in the IT office/branch of the company I work for... I can wear jeans everyday if I want to I have no restrictions on what I can do to my hair.

I'm slowly venturing into the fitness industry, I shouldn't have any problems there either.

 

[almond eyes]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

In most of my jobs I have always been natural (braids, pressed, afros, twists, twa). I never had a problem nor did I ever feel that I had to wear certain natural hairstyles. And I am also a lawyer. I think as long as your hair is clean and looks kempt, people usually do not have an issue. Even at my job many years ago at a non-profit my boss was Jewish and had an afro so it was not a big deal and at that time I didn't even have the knowledge that I had today about all of the oils, butters and moisturisers. And most of the black women (both AA and African) I worked with at that job wore naturals (twa, braids, twists, big afros) and this was in mid 90s and this was not a black non-profit.

Best,
Almond Eyes

 

[R4L]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I'm a lawyer too, but my firm is NOT conservative. As long as your hair looks INTENTIONAL and you stay in colors found in nature you'll be good. I've been about 6 different shades of brown/red/blonde since I passed the bar. I've worn individual braids, a press, and my natural curls - in various stages of frizziness, depending on the weather.

I have walked into court with braids and been treated as a professional, because that's how I present myself. I found that whenever I change my hair I get compliments, but I think that's just because people like change. As long as you get your work done, don't worry about it.

 

[txcurly10]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I am an accountant for a large company in their corporate office. Even though it is a corporate environment and in finance, we have a very open, laid-back atmosphere. We have at three accountants with with dreds (one man and two women), and several women including myself who are natural and/or transitioning.

For me, I alternate between wearing my hair flat ironed (a couple of times a month), bantu knot-outs, twist outs, and my phony pony. Other naturals and transitioners wear similar styles, and I know one lady has TWA and she styles it up with lots of headbands.

I am very lucky to work in such a diverse environment. I don't think my hair has hindered me in any way. I just got promoted recently!

 

[ChristmasCarol]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

This is how I wear my transitioning hair for work most days - my bossman and my underlings think it's quite appropriate. Housewife, of course. I don't think any other workplace would let come in with this hair-do.

 

[Platinum]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I'm transitioning, almost 7 months post. I'm an over the road truck driver. I have no restrictions on my hair or dress code and I maintain a neat appearance. Since my job is so demanding, I prefer to wear braids. I handle alot of time-sensitive loads so braids are an awesome protective style option for me.

 

[Skiggle]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I'm a nursing student.
And before I put my kinky twists in
I wore bantu knots to my hospital for rotations.
Let's just say everyone was staring at me, lol.
I just smiled backed and looked professional.
I have only seen women with buns, straight hair, braids,
ponytails etc at the hospital I'm stationed at.
We are required to wear our hair in these styles
were the hair is out of our face.
My clinical instructor never said anything...As long as your being
professional it should not matter IMO.

 

[Firstborn2]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in aerospace, although I work in an office, the environment is still shirt/jeans and sneakers so my natural hair works well with this field.

 

[LiberianGirl]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in a fairly large hospital and am constantly making presentations and interacting with high level staff. I've never had any negative comments about my hair. My white female supervisor is always complimenting my natural hair, as well as other co-workers. I get more positive feedback about my hair when it's natural and not straightened.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

Been there, done that and I have no answer for you. I did not transition to natural until I left my conservative, "white-shoe" law firm in NYC. There were a few Black female lawyers but none were natural. There were no Black partners and the only people in braids were in the records department or maybe an admin here or there. I never felt comfortable enough to transition at that job. My new company is so laid back that I have worn a different hair style (wigs) 4 - 5 times in one month with no questions although I went from short to long to short again.

At the old law firm, people would act like they did not know who I was when I was outside the building, much less when I had my relaxed hair up versus down. I think that had more to do with Black people that they know being placed, in their mind at least, only at the office like when you run into someone from work in the city at the local grocery store and you cannot figure out why you recognize them.

I started to wear my own hair out in September and it was very liberating. I put on my suit, took down my twists, fluffed & went to my meeting. I even filmed it although at the time it did not occur to me that it was my first time exposing my hair for work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT46Ue0hyro

I'm really interested in the concept of the "corporate look" and the battles sistas fight everyday b/c of arbitrary factors that have nothing to do with our work product/ intelligence/ etc.

I am an Attorney. My profession is considered among the most conservative of all. My biggest challenges are:

People acting like they don't know who I am if I wear my hair different. erplexed

The perception of anything other than straight or bunned being "unprofessional" or "too ethnic."

Since my profession (at least here in Nebraska) lacks diversity, people want to ask a million questions or touch my hair.

Having to mainly do my more creative styles & big hair on the weekends when I am away from work so people aren't staring at me all day.

People's ignorant perceptions of what an attorney should look like.

I know that this was even a huge issue at Hampton University, an HBCU (so clearly even our own people still have issues about naturality), that within their business college, they didn't allow natural styles, dreads, and braids b/c they were "not professional."


I'd love to hear about your challenges. TIA! HHG!

 

[hairhere]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

This question has been on my mind as I know I will transition at some point but I just don't see how that would work at the conservative 'white shoe' law firm that I'll be working at....I don't think natural hair will be an issue but hair that is half of both will be interesting ...I may end up waiting until the next stage of my career like naturaltobe

 

[lilsparkle825]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I'm a temp, but I work as an admin assistant...I went from a permanent job in the education sector during my last year of college to a nonprofit now that I am 6 months out of undergrad, and did a little telemarketing in between.

In my alumni relations job, I did lots of puffs and twistouts, as well as some senegalese twists. My supervisor was a black female and she complimented me on the twistouts (but not much else), while our white coworkers always wanted to know what exactly I did to get my hair like that whenever I did something new. I hated the telemarketing because it was like a hair show...everyone always came in looking like they left the shop. I wore WNGs because I didn't care (plus, I wanted to upstage this girl who had a horrible curly weave done with 1b and fire engine red -- I know I'm petty). Now, I wear twistouts and buns. I feel like I have more freedom now that I am around kids instead of rich white male alumni, but ironically I feel the need to look "corporate" when we are presenting grants to sponsors and things of that nature. Since I sit at a desk out of sight whenever I am in the office, I can pretty much protective style however I want on those days, so I bun it...not to mention I feel like buns are very dirty secretary-ish

 

[Stormy]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

Well I work around and with professionals from all walks of life and most are mid to c-level executives. This includes the people in our building, various departments, fortune 500 companies and my clients. My hair type is 4b, and I've worn my hair in all kinds of styles. Chunky twistouts, chunky fros, baby twists, curly twists, a frohawk twice this week and flat twists going back. It hasn't stopped a thing! If anything I've been getting nothing but compliments.

Think I'll take my twists down in the morning and wear another chunky twistout or frohawk depending on my mood.

 

[BostonMaria]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

People acting like they don't know who I am if I wear my hair different.

I thought I was the only person this happened to. People either do a double-take or really don't know who I am if I change my hairstyle. Mind you, I never go crazy or do anything drastic LOL Its mind boggling

 

[purplepeace79]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in social services/ non-profit

Have never had a problem with my hair being any kind of issue
Actually just had an interview today (the second one) and I wore my box braids pulled back into a pony puff. They called me immediately for a 3rd interview and this is an upper level management position.

I love being "too ethnic" and the freedom fighter in me says hey, if they wont hire me because of my hair, they don't deserve me as an employee.

 

[Bun Mistress]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

Post deleted.

 

[Duchesse]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I've worked in different industries and have been natural, sometimes with a twa, and currently work in Education. I've never had any challenges regarding my hair. But when working I wear my hair in conservative styles and not a big wash and go when my hair is natural.

 

[Taina]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I was in American Airlines the first time i was natural. Nor problem AT ALL, you even see AA guys with long locks or rastas They are very open mind in etnic stuff.

Now i'm working as Customer Service Rep, not even a problem ether.

 

[purplepeace79]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

This question has been on my mind as I know I will transition at some point but I just don't see how that would work at the conservative 'white shoe' law firm that I'll be working at....I don't think natural hair will be an issue but hair that is half of both will be interesting ...I may end up waiting until the next stage of my career like naturaltobe

One of my best friends works at a super uptight conservative law firm
She is a legal secretary, makes pretty great money, and wears a BAA damned near every day lol

 

[hairhere]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

One of my best friends works at a super uptight conservative law firm
She is a legal secretary, makes pretty great money, and wears a BAA damned near every day lol


I've observed that when you're staff you can do as you please...but the attorneys dress way different....and natural hair isn't what I'm worried about its transition with my own hair (as if I do transition it will probably be for more than 1 year)

 

[glamazon386]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I worked in the legal field from the time I graduated from college up until about 6 months ago and I've never had any issues with my natural hair. The white folks loved it. Can't necessarily say that for the black people.

Now I'm in school and working part time in the nightlife/restaurant industry and both of my jobs don't care. However I have had jobs in this industry that were uber conservative and did not allow certain things - (hair had to be pulled back, restrictions on makeup, nail polish, etc.).

 

[Foufie]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I am the engineering field. We are a gov't contractor and we can basically wear jeans everyday if we choose. My hair has never been an issue even when I dyed it hot pink. People think my hair is cool, except the few people I was talking about in "Caucasian Help" thread. lol.

 

[Foufie]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

I work in a fairly large hospital and am constantly making presentations and interacting with high level staff. I've never had any negative comments about my hair. My white female supervisor is always complimenting my natural hair, as well as other co-workers. I get more positive feedback about my hair when it's natural and not straightened.

Yea what she said (bolded)

 

[silenttullip]

Re: Natural/Transitioners:What's ur PROFESSION? What challenges does it present 4 ur

Wow, I never thought it was such a big deal I know with an interview but not when you've done college and have the profession like you I mean a lawyer, I thought that meant you had proven yourself knowledgeable concerning your craft so its not fair for them to judge you based on hair but obviously they do more than I knew. It now sadly makes me think of becoming permed again. In my present field I'm in font of a camera most times, modeling type stuff and I wish people thought natural hair was beautiful lol I even wish my guy thought it was but because many don't there's a botanicals perm setting in my bathroom for "future references" in case I have to run to it in the future. Usually I throw a wig on and I'm about to get braids but based on what you wrote many don't even consider braids professional so it leaves me as a young woman in a difficult decision. It's easy to say f the haters when you're more established but now I see a fight that I shouldn't have to fight. Thanks for the eye opener.