As I’m transitioning into working full-time, I wanted to find alternative ways to wear my natural tresses. Rocking a big ‘fro in the workplace every day isn’t something that I feel entirely comfortable with.
It was cool on the college campus because it’s more of a relaxed environment. Plus, the newbies needed to see us “veteran” naturalistas sporting our natural curls in order for them to feel more comfortable wearing theirs.
In the office setting, though, I’d want my hair to be out of my face and not act as a distraction to any of my colleagues.
I’m proud to say that after 5 years of wearing natural styles, I’ve finally discovered the updo! I don’t know what took me so long to try it. It’s so quick and easy.
It literally only takes me five minutes to get a style that I like. I’ve done various styles, from pompadours, to flat twists to pin ups. It saves a lot of time and product, too!
I also feel a lot more clean and classy with these looks. Am I the only one who feels somewhat masculine when I wear my afro?
Of course, it’s not all of the time, but there are instances where I don’t feel as soft and girly because my hair isn’t lying down smooth and straight.
Maybe this depends on a person’s hair texture and the way they style their ‘fro. For example, bouncy spiral curls don’t yield the same response as a fluffy afro that’s picked out. It’s almost as though there’s a spectrum of what is considered a “radical” hairstyle. I would say that my density alone makes mine fall on the rougher end of the spectrum.
Anyway, I’ll be interested to see what reactions I get as I enter into a new work setting. I don’t plan on wearing an updo everyday, but I don’t plan on wearing my bold curls out everyday either.
I know something as simple as twisting or pinning the front can make an afro look more presentable. My hair’s radicalness will hopefully become less of an issue as it grows longer. But, then again, my hair grows out more than it grows down, so my hairstyles get bigger and bigger instead of longer and more tamed.
Perhaps none of these concerns are valid. Maybe I’m being too hard on my hair (no pun intended) and it will be accepted in whatever style I choose to wear.
Maybe everyone will love it and ask genuine questions about it. Or, better yet maybe it’ll be so normalized that I just blend in like any other person in the office. Hmm. Doubt it!
I’ll update this post in a few months after I’ve experienced these things first-hand.
What about you, ladies? Do any of my sentiments resonate with you? What are your go-to styles in the workplace?
girlfriendgoddess says
Nothing is more presentable than a loved on “fro” of curls, kinks or rapid waves! I remember the first day I went to work with my then puff and man did I turn heads. Heads turned in relief, excitement, confusing and a little disdain followed up with questions as to why was I going natural…I went natural because it’s NATURAL–who I was born to be, and last time I checked, we were created on purpose without mistakes. Your hair is beautiful on purpose. Rock on with your fro, your updo, pin-UPS, flat twists, twist outs, whatever your fancy for the day, all that matters is that you feel beautiful 🙂
http://www.divineveggiemama.com
Leslie E. Davenport says
I think it’s a question of what’s appropriate and what’s not inappropriate. I may be comfortable rocking a fro at work, but is it appropriate for work? Although I have a right to rock a fro at work, I have to keep in mind that it is still the quote on quote establishment, & keep in mind what comes along with that.
Imade Iyamu says
Hmm this is something I never considered. My office has colour regulations but not hairstyles. I’ve been in old braidouts that look like an Afro or just a bun. It depends on what type of office and what their normal regulations are.
Joi Woobie Grant says
The fact that it’s even a discussion still and Black folks have to wonder is pathetic. I wear my fro because it’s what my hair is. Wth!!!!
Love Nurture Grow says
I wear my hair natural in its natural state. The curls hang low when I first do it and load it with product. As the week progresses, I exercise, and my hair starts losing its definition day by day. By the end of the week, sometimes I’m rocking a straight ‘fro. It is what it is, and I WISH someone would say something to me. I’d be like this ????!!!
Rose Patterson says
Its an issue because other races are STILL looking down on it! And little girls all over..” How haven’t been thru it yet” need to know they’re beautiful no matter what! If we never teach our youth what it means to be “Black and proud” How will they learn!
Ria Highsmith says
The afro is part of OUR culture….that is why it will not be allowed in some work places….come sisters wake up and stop trying to look European. WE need to look like we are proud of WHO we are…. and I say this with love.
Jamila Kelly says
i feel like…. that’s nooooot entirely the case in mooooost work places ^^; . This isnt really a “stay woke ” thing as much as its just big hair tends to be distracting thing.
Laura Marie says
Since when is an Afro unpresentable? If your hair is clean and you don’t look like you just rolled out of bed then your hair is presentable so just stop it!
Sandra Ifeoma Orimilikwe says
I am extremely comfortable rocking my ‘fro at work
Rose Patterson says
Its sad they make us feel like that!
Laura Marie says
No one can make you feel anything if u don’t let em get in ur head
Rose Patterson says
I went to the doctors with my hair natural..and he told me I was having ” A Bad hair Day” ..I told him, “I’m not having a bad hair day….That’s just my hair! But what gives him, “A white man” the right to say such things to me!?
Rose Patterson says
#ilovemyhair!
Jamila Kelly says
Are we trying to say that big huge in your face hair isn’t in the slightest bit distracting? Really? I mean i wish i could walk into work with my cosplay wigs on, even the “natural color” ones, but i get it… distraction. Sucks, but it’s not untrue
Olympia Ortega says
An Afro is our hair in its “down” state. If we can’t wear our hair down, than neither can white women. Just because our hair don’t lay all down our back, doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate.
Lisa Ballard says
Yes I wear my natural Fro at work!! And pick it out bigger during lunch and breaks!✊
Enjuli Bullock says
I’ll rock what I when I want. I’m a teacher and when my kids ask me to, I wear it. Own it, it’s yours. Time to stop letting people categorize what is acceptable by placing us in their comfort zone for our hair.
Joi Woobie Grant says
I don’t like the way this author describes hers or an Afro. What’s rough? Why would one feel masculine? So is she saying if your Afro isn’t bouncy and curly then you look like a rough man? This s**t is stupid and her descriptions are sad and warped. imo
Janet Johnson says
My Fro keeps my head warm on the days the air conditioning is up too high at work.
Valerie Baxter says
Yes, I have worn a big fro, small fro, permed hair and braids. As long as the style is neat, why not? I have seen twists, locs and nubian knots at work as well as multi-colored hair.
Poochie Noble says
I love my Afro… I wish I could wear it at work… Have to cover it up Restaurant work!!! Work with food
V square says
Being natural in the workplace is probably my one and only concern about making the switch. I’m late to the game and just started transitioning as an adult already in the midst of my career. An afro would be a big change in a predominantly Caucasian encironment. But I am lucky bc there are a few naturalista trailblazers that give me the confidence to do me. For now, I’m still wearing braids but in a few months I’ll be rocking twist outs etc and getting use to me new hair. It will be an eye opening experience no doubt.