African American Hair Problems in Nursing

Nurses Professionalism

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I'm not sure how many people can help me with this problem but here it is. I can't keep up with my relaxed hair and want to get box braids for low maintenance . There are other people at my job that have box braids; however, I got an interview with my dream job. I'm worried that is I get box braids that I'll look unprofessional. So would it be ok if I went to the interview with the braids or keep my hair relaxed till I landed the job?

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I just googled "Box Braids" because I had no idea what they were (see them all the time, just had no idea that's what they were called). I think they're lovely, and I would not in any way consider them unprofessional, especially if put in a bun or low pony for an interview.

I also think they look very attractive, but then again, I am white, so I don't know what I am talking about on this matter. If I were a manager and had someone interviewing for a job, I wouldn't count box braids against the applicant.

As long as hair is clean and tidy for work, that all that matters. IMWO.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
^THIS is why I concur that this discussion is appropriate here on this message board.

You don't know who's lurking behind the computer that understands and is willing to educate or be educated-that is the beauty of this site. :yes:

I appreciate this, because I was beginning to feel that perhaps we should have segregated topics, since we white people couldn't possibly understand or be supportive. Or if we were supportive, we really didn't "get it", so our opinions didn't count.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
***update**

I got the job!!! So excited. The job won't start till about 3 months which gives me enough time to rock my braids before the job happens ;D

Congratulations, I am very happy for you! Now go get those beautiful braids!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
This topic is something I never thought about much before and this discussion has been thought provoking .

I am a white woman of Irish descent. I was trying to imagine how I would feel if I had to do some kind of chemical process to my hair just to be offered a job and it really angered me.

It angers me that anyone would expect people of other racial and ethnic groups to conform to some kind of generic conservative hair style to obtain work as a nurse. In 2015!

Agreed.

I am bald from chemotherapy. If I were able to work, should I be required to wear an itchy wig that doesn't suit me, when I have so many cute hats that compliment my face and look much better than my wig?

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Specializes in Family Practice.

Uh No!!! Why should anyone modify their hair to appease anyone? If your hair is neat free of nits and bugs why??? I am a registered with dread locs and never fathom covering what grows out of my scalp naturally. This is such buffoonery! I am a professional licensed nurse and if or when my hair becomes an issue then it is assuming the establishment I am applying to work for is not a good fit for me. Don't ask of something you are not willing to make everyone do!!! Really?!?

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I'm not sure how many people can help me with this problem but here it is. I can't keep up with my relaxed hair and want to get box braids for low maintenance . There are other people at my job that have box braids; however, I got an interview with my dream job. I'm worried that is I get box braids that I'll look unprofessional. So would it be ok if I went to the interview with the braids or keep my hair relaxed till I landed the job?

Any advice for those with dreads?

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I'm not black but if I were you I would just buy a very expensive wig or weave. I've heard that brazilian hair is good quality ; people actually transport them in armored cars because its in enough demand that women were raiding trucks for it and stabbing the drivers.. so you probably cant go wrong with brazilian.

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Specializes in Med Surg/ Pedi, OR.

If you don't understand the topic, then don't make comments that are offensive. This is not the place to be a racist azz.

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Who do you mean ? I hope you don't mean I was offensive. What I was saying was from the news.

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Who do you mean ? I hope you don't mean I was offensive. What I was saying was from the news.

You said buy a wig or weave.

That might have come across as insensitive,because why should someone have to cover what they are born with?

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I didn't read all topic but can appeal this Act:

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act makes a distinction between racially based hairstyles and ones that could be worn by anyone, such as Mohawks or green hair.

The EEOC compliance manual, which carries out Title VII, prohibits employers from restricting hairstyles that involve racial differences in hair textures.”

in addition, hairstyles that can be pulled up or tied back don't appear to present problems with infection control.There are 2 nurses in my clinic with twist braids like 55 Dazzling Senegalese Twist Styles — Best for Natural Hair I never heard a problem about it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

This is a zombie thread...brought back to life...so I hesitate to comment.

Though, as an AA woman, I've been thinking of hair issues recently.

I commented previously, yet want to add my most recent experiences and opinions. Because....well...AN is here to help other nurses.

I remain of of the mind set that it's best to assimilate into the dominant culture In order to obtain a job.

I, myself, have recently started working in a prestigious, well paying RN position. I have chosen to spend the money to maintain my hair in a style that can approximate the style of my peers.

At times, I feel that this is me being "fake"; however, I want to fit in. After all, people are often not hired due to the obiquitous reason of "not fitting in".

While i feel this is not an ideal situation for one to feel forced to succumb to, I also recently spoke to a person who is a new medical provider. She is AA, homosexual, and looks the part: dresses in male clothes, short hair in dreds. She is beautiful and I love her. She complained to me this week about how she's been called racial slurs and treated poorly due to her outer looks. She told me that she's noticed she's treated better when she tries to look more feminine/soft.

She was highly distressed that people wild treat her poorly, considering she has the same credentials as others in her organization.

No, I don't think anyone should be judged on solely looks. However, this is often reality.

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