African American Hair Problems in Nursing

Wave Watcher · Jan 20, 2015

I say no matter what style you do.....just do YOU and rock it!

asantewaa13 · Jan 20, 2015

I went for all my interviews with box braids :) and I actually received alot of compliments from the panel members. I just styled them did them up in a a nice updo and there are a lot of tutorials on youtube that will show you some very becoming professional ways to style your box braids. Just don't to crazy with the braiding hair colors . Keep the colors nice and natural. All the best :)

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

I have very curly unruly hair which, whenever I'm going on interviews looks very polished. I purposely spend extra time on my hair for interviews so it will behave. First impressions matter.

Braids can be lovely, but as many others have suggested, wait until after you're hired.

Shuggypie, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

As much as you want this first job, you gotta be you. For my first nursing job interview, I wore my hijab (Muslim headscarf) got the job! I've also worn my hair braided (no hijab on) and gotten nursing jobs. I've never had relaxed hair as a nurse.

If you know your stuff, and your confident, it comes across in the interview, you'll get hired. If you're not hired don't contribute it to race, or hairstyle, but to the fact there was a better candidate. The nurse that got the job could be of the same ethnicity. I've found that most hospitals and larger organizations promote diversity, and hairstyle as long as it is neat and clean is not an issue.

Now trying to get into a private doctor's office without bone strait hair may be a problem.

SaleishaRN · Jan 20, 2015

Question for the OP: are you transitioning from relaxed to natural hair? I ask because I went through the process 3-4 years ago by having a trusted hairstylist (skilled in curly natural, straight natural, and relaxed hair care) flat-iron my natural roots to blend seamlessly with my relaxed hair. I did that on a semi-regular basis until I was ready to cut off the relaxed ends and become fully natural. The key is to find someone who won't use excessive heat, which will permanently alter your curls.

Other "no heat" options are transitioning with braids, or doing curly styles (twist outs, braid outs, flexirods) that will blend the relaxed hair with your natural roots. Definitely less risk of damage.

As for interviewing for your dream job: As it turns out, I recently interviewed for my dream job and was hired. Throughout nursing school, I wore my hair in natural hairstyles - without an issues from faculty members, preceptors, or staff nurses. But for the interview, I chose to have my trusted hairstylist flat-iron my hair.... only because my hair is so huge that there was no way I could effectively pull it off my face into a neat and professional-looking natural hairstyle (I'm not very skilled in that area). That's just me though.

If you're really committed to ditching the relaxer and getting braids, I'd recommend a Google search of braided updos. They're very nice looking and quite professional; I see them all the time in the healthcare setting.

GGirll22 · Jan 20, 2015

Girlfriend!! My sista! Please stay true to yourself. Walk with confidence and focus on what you need to know to get the job. You will still have to go through with the probation period. BE you and rock your natural hair. I get soooo many comments when I wear my own hair to work like WHY aren't you wearing your own hair?????? High five and get that job based on your knowledge of Nursing!

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

I too had to look up box braids. My opinion, which isn't worth squat, is that style is lovely! Some of the updo pictures are spectacular looking. I would say do what looks good on you and is comfortable.

desertstar6 · Jan 20, 2015

My hair is relaxed. I'm not transitioning. I just want box braids. I'm ok with my relaxed hair but I'm e always want box braids.

I don't have to brush it, washing will be quick and my hair is always ready to go.

I'm not going back to my natural hair for a long time.

SeattleJess · Jan 20, 2015

Box braids are elegant and beautiful.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

Perhaps it depends on your geographical region. I'm I'm am area of CA where there aren't many AA nurses. Because of my prior careers in business settings, I've always felt assimilation into the dominant culture is important when applying for a job.

I used to always wear my hear in a low bun, low pony tail, or short bob for interviews.

My current employer is not conservative, so I have experimented with more fun colors and cuts- current red ombre pixie!

But I have started the process of growing my hair into a more conservative style and plan to remove my color when I start RN school later this year.

I wouldn't want someone to mistake my hair for an indication that I am "sassy" or unable to fit in with my colleagues.

I have looked at nurses hairstyles at the hospital I want to work in, and yes, most hospitals in my area feature few AA nurses and I did observe more traditional hairstyles on them- no braids, mostly long ponytails.

After you get the job and pass orientation, etc, perhaps then would be an alright time to change your hairstyle.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2015

I'm confused what's unprofessional about that look? I think they look incredibly polished.

imenid37 · Jan 20, 2015

I wish you luck whatever you do. I think it is a shame that an employer would be factoring in your hairdo. Personally, if a person is clean, neat, shows up on time, speaks intelligently, etc. that would be enough to impress me. I sit in on some interviews, but am not a final decision maker.