As for Senegalese twists, I would get these installed about three or four times a year and each experience has been different.
One day I would wear my hair straight, then the next day I would have my twists curly. I loved to sculpt and create different styles for my twists. As for the color, I always went went a light brown color and maybe dark blonde highlights. Nothing too out there.
When it comes to wearing micro braids (which I don’t install anymore) or Senegalese twists, I would welcome any questions or comments from my co workers. Some are purely curiosity and others are looking to transition or wanting to install braids themselves. I always give encouragement, support, full honesty without hesitation to anyone.
What not to wear to work
Now you knew it was coming! Just like the clothes you wear and the jewelry you rock, your natural hair needs to be neat and appropriate for work. Although people, professional businesses, and job industries are starting to accept natural hair more, still be aware and mindful about your work environment. Depending on the industry that you are in, it is best to not be so extravagant in your styling.
Here are a few tips for your natural hair and your career:
►Start off with something simple like a twist out, TWA, tuck and roll, or two-strand twists. Then once you have established yourself and your position in your career, then go for the tapered cut, fro hawks, and more fun styles.
►If you work in an office or cubicle environment, DO NOT get the bright reds and royal blues mixed with blonde highlights. That’s a NO-NO! Enough said.
►So today is the day to start your locs. Great! Do maintain a neat and appropriate appearance. It is very possible and very likely that your hair will be in an “ugly” phase when growing your locks and this soon will pass. So dress them up with headbands*, bows, and cute scarves.
►Keep your hair out of your face and your eyes. Unless you decide to wear bangs, there is no reason to hide that beautiful face.
Whatever natural style you decided to go with, remember you are at your work place to do your job first. Do have fun with your natural, but do not let your hair be a distraction for yourself and for others.
Chala M. Brooks says
It’s getting there but still has a ways to go.
Mieshel Jett says
More acceptable up north…. South it’s moving slowly
TMW says
Not true about the South. I started wearing protective box braids to my very white collar job in Texas back in the early 90’s even though I didn’t go natural until recently. Braids was how I stretched my relaxers long before the natural movement rolled in. Once I broke the ice back in the 90s others quickly followed suit. Now I’m natural, white collar government worker in Louisiana and wear a huge Angela Davis afro everyday. I keep it neat, pat it with a scarf in the morning so its nice and even. Like the author of this article I get tons of questions but no flack. Its been accepted and now more and more women in my office have stopped the twist outs and such and are wearing their afros too. Be an ice breaker and you will be surprised how many follow. But as the author of the article said, be professional with it, nice and neat. No outrageous Nubian knots pointing in every direction or crazy colors, LOL…. that’s better saved for days off and vacation.