0 Haircare: What is discrimiation in the workplace?

Due to some interesting discussions on Twitter about natural hair and how it can be discriminated against in the workplace, I have decided to lay my opinion out on my blog.


Discrimination in the workplace. It's no secret that people of ALL colors and backgrounds can face some type of discrimination in the workplace. One thing many women fear when they go natural, is hearing their boss tell them their natural hair is not acceptable.

Is this discrimination? Yes and no. No?! No!? Is this girl crazy?! Let me explain the "no".

Almost every single workplace in America has a dresscode. They outline what you can and can't wear to work from hair to clothing to shoes. Yes, hair. Many companies do not allow certain dye jobs, hairstyles such as buzz cuts, mohawks, twists, locs or big afros. These guidelines are not discriminatory because none of these are ways hair grows out of someones scalp. (big afro aside in some cases)

Contrary to popular belief, most natural curlies have to actually style their hair into an afro, which makes it a hairstyle, which means a job can allow or not allow it. Culture? They don't have to respect your culture. Religion, yes. Culture, no.

Locs, although natural are not the way your hair grows out of your scalp. So, therefor they are also a hairstyle. Trust, there are women of all colors and backgrounds who rock locs. Don't even for once think it's a "black" style only.Do they cry about discrimination? No. They're probably sitting next to you with their hair in a bun.

Now, curls. If my hair is curly I have a right to wear my curly hair. I shouldn't be told I have to relax or straighten my hair to work anywhere. This to me, falls into the line of discrimination. If a workplace blantantly asked me to straighten, wig or relax my curls to work there, I would be upset.

I wouldn't be upset if they told me not get to zealous with the wash n gos and big hair. I could see how walking around with huge hair could be a distraction. (I love me wash n gos ya'll but, I have to keep it real)

Bottom line, not everyone is going to accept what you do with your hair and body. Companies are out to make money. If you are representing a business, they are going to have some say-so in how you dress, talk, and behave. Don't like it? Don't work there.

Can't cry foul for everything, be honest with yourself. If a hairstyle is more important than your job...well...that's you. For me, my workplace is not the place for me to "express" myself. If they want me to bun it or keep the wash n gos tamed, hey, I can work with that.


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