op-ed: it’s 2016, we shouldn’t have to hide our natural hair at work!

We were told since birth to put your hair in a bun it looks too wild. It LOOKS TOO DIFFERENT. Straighten your hair, it would look more beautiful. We were always told that our natural locks, fros, and curls were a little too wild or nappy. Telling us to fit into society’s view of beauty and professionalism. Now we are in a year where natural hair is being embraced as beautiful and not different but extraordinary. I get stopped by other naturalists and we share our love for each others hair. It’s our own secret society of hair love. We see advertisements now featuring different hair textures and seeing how different women are. We started to see progress in the world accepting different idea of beauty until I started a corporate job.
However, when I wore my hair out for the first time I received a variety of looks. It is different when you have your hair back because no one can see your raw and natural look. It is when you wear it out that kind of causes a stir. I was told that my hair was a bit too wild and for it to be put into a bun. This was more “professional”. I started to listen because this was my job and I felt like okay let me just be quiet and get it over with. Then I noticed how damaged my hair was becoming when I started to pull it back. I worked hard on my hair and used organic products to revitalize curls. Now it was going to waste.

By Autumn Myers, AFROPUNK Contributor *

I realized after researching many other stories like mine that natural hair still is not being accepted in work atmospheres or other professional settings. It is seen as too wild or unmaintained. This is something companies try to avoid resembling. For if their employees look “wild” then this means the company is not worth investing in. I noticed the difference when I had my hair in a bun of how people would say hello to me or good day. I notice when It was out how I felt a little avoided and less of the hello welcomes. Why is it that this sub culture of corporate atmospheres still finds it unprofessional and unkempt? In a need of accepting people for who they are and what makes them unique, this culture seems to still want to push out the same identity for each personnel. It is a shame that in 2016 we still have stories to share that involve us hiding our true selves. It is a shame we still have to manipulate ourselves to fit a “standard” work environment. It is also a shame that in America, land of the free, we still have so many regulations on who we can be.

* Autumn Myers, Fashion Blogger & Journalist, City Girl Desert Doll
citygirldesertdoll.com