Being natural is a journey that I truly enjoy for many reasons, but if I were to choose one main reason it has to be hands down the connections and bonds I have made with others who are natural!
I live in NYC and there isn’t a day under the sun that I don’t see another natural, whether it be on the subway or at Starbucks. So it wasn’t a surprise when I interviewed for my first internship and my now-boss who is African American, was also natural. Fast forward to present, I am not just her intern, but our relationship has certainly evolved to a friendship.
Unlike me, who is always wearing a protective style, she wears her natural hair out everyday. She always asks me different questions about my latest style, like what is it called, how long did it take, and she is never stingy on the compliments.
She definitely is one of the huge reasons why I am not ashamed of changing up my hairstyle in a professional setting, and that’s because she gets me. Recently I’ve noticed that her hair has just been looking very dull, and noticeably dry; of course that is never an easy subject to tackle even with friends.
So, one Friday morning when I came into work I gave her a gift basket of some Carol’s Daughter products that focused on hydration and moisturizing dry hair.
She came in on Monday and was not only smiling from ear to ear, but couldn’t stop touching her hair! She was so excited about the products, and couldn’t stop thanking me. She said she has been suffering from dry hair, but wasn’t really sure what products to use, or even where to start.
Whether it’s your boss, your coworker, or even a classmate that you are cordial with, whatever the relationship, I don’t think it’s rude or out of line to give constructive criticism about their hair- if you two are on the topic, or have discussed hair before!
If it’s still awkward, everybody likes to receive something thoughtful every now and again! I do not know if the gift idea will work in every scenario, but it certainly worked for me!
Carla says
That was a very kind gesture! I’m glad she received it well; sometimes, it’s really tough to predict what somebody’s reaction will be in these types of situations; but when the communication is strong, you know kind gestures will be received well.