Black hair is a topic that has many nuances. I will be focusing on it, in the workplace.
Black women are able to be experimental with their hair and change it regularly. It can be worn in many different styles when it’s in its natural state. Afros, cornrows, dreadlocks and braids to name a few. It is a very sad state of affairs that there still seems to be an undertone of these styles being deemed unprofessional.
I have found myself steering away from being creative with my hair because of the unwarranted attention it brings. I remember feeling like there was a spotlight on me in the office when I put my hair in braids. A colleague even walked past me and said to another, “who is that”? I took my braids out soon after.
My hair at work is usually scraped back into a bun because honestly, who really has the time at 7am? But occasionally I do enjoy letting my curls down and feeling fabulous. There have been times on these days where I have been speaking to a colleague and they’ll stop the conversation to ask, “can I touch your hair”? I oblige politely. There have been times where I have been speaking to a colleague and another interrupts to ask, “can I touch your hair”? Again, I oblige politely.
In reality, I want to roll my eyes and say “NO”. I don’t, because I don’t want to come across as rude in a professional environment. I believe it’s time to change that narrative. What in reality, is rude is invading someone’s space to touch them without actual permission. It is not rude to set boundaries. It is not rude to say “NO”.
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