African American Hair Problems in Nursing

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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 LTC, med/surg, hospice.

I hope you get the position. I've not noticed any issues surrounding hair for me or other black coworkers. I wouldn't worry about it one bit.

Whenever I go for interviews I'm always torn on glasses or contacts.

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Play it safe and wear your hair and get your braids after being hired! Good luck to you!

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If you think your future employer might judge you based on the ethics of your hairstyle, then maybe you shouldn't work for that company. I see a few people saying wait until AFTER you're hired to get them, but what if they don't like them then? What are they going to do, and if you're approached about it how are you going to handle it? Your hair has nothing to do with the skills you can bring to their company. if they can't accept you as you are from the BEGINNING, then you need to find an employer who will. Good Luck!

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.
I agree with the respondents who have advised the OP to relax the hair for the interview, then get the hair braided after a position is secured.

It's unfortunate that many people in the professional world still hold bias against styles such as braids, twists, dreads, naturals and afros in 2015, but it is true.

Wasn't going to post on this cause its a female topic but I noticed this is very true discrimination going on here and insecurities are presented to African American females at an early age to relax their hair and get straight hair put in.

I've also noticed I've never seen a African American female News reporter with natural afro hair, braids or otherwise so it's not just a problem with nursing but the AA community in general. The only person I know of who even comes close is Woopi Goldberg on "The View" and she looks professional. Its rather unfortunate but as a male I really love the look of natural African hair and I'm constantly arguing this with my wife. I hope the natural looks gets into mainstream so AA women can be proud of who they are

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Specializes in ICU, Geriatrics, Float Pool.

I don't understand why it is an expectation that African American professionals must modify their hair texture in order to create a hair style that fits caucasian standards of beauty in order to appear professional. For the record, I have always considered braids to be just as professional as relaxed hair. In this day and age, how can anyone pretend it's okay to force everyone else to conform to an outdated standard that is steeped in racism and ignorance?

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I'm natural and wear my natural hair to all of my interviews. I wore a gig puff to one, and a twist out on another recently. Got offered the job for both positions.

As long as you're confident and it shows, rock what you wanna rock.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

I precepted an African American RN with dreads down to her waist. The hairstyle was irrelevant, she was ex military smart tough and one excellent nurse.

It was a non issue.

I think that people who have a lot of hair or braids or dreds, male or female, just need to pull it back, or wear a doo rag scarf so it doesn't look messy or get in the way when they're working.

I also think the braids are classy and some are just like a work of art.

Do whatever makes you feel good, be confident and show them when you interview that you can do the job and be an asset to the team.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I don't understand why it is an expectation that African American professionals must modify their hair texture in order to create a hair style that fits caucasian standards of beauty in order to appear professional. For the record, I have always considered braids to be just as professional as relaxed hair. In this day and age, how can anyone pretend it's okay to force everyone else to conform to an outdated standard that is steeped in racism and ignorance?

I totally agree, but I will say this, until confident, diverse individuals break that ceiling as well as leaders at the corporate level and in many sectors, including nursing measure everyone based on those strengths and can lead by example, this will continue; you can't sit at the table with "the good ol' boys club" and EVEN rationalize how outdated their thinking is; if you are expecting a long thought process to be completely undone for those in charge, remember, it takes 28 days to make a habit...how long do you think that this line of "thinking" will take to reverse this stance?

I'll wait...

I'm based in reality. :blink:

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/ Neuroscience.

I wouldn't say relax your hair then get Box braids -- that can cause breakage ! Our hair is very fragile. I would just get it blown out and maybe do Bantu knots or a braid out ! That way it will be low maintenance, easy on your hair and still look professional. Once you land the job then I would get the box braids ;) good luck

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I have natural hair and never straighten it for interviews and still I get the job offer. I wear a fro. Hair needs to be neat, groomed with natural looking colors, away from and not a distraction from the face, with minimal creativity during an interview or in a conservative professional setting.. Box braids are fine. Just sport a bun or pull the front hair away from your face in a bun, french roll etc just as you would with relaxed hair.

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I say get your box braids. Like one person stated, what's going to stop them from judging your style once you get them? I don't personally see anything wrong with box braids. I just had an interview today and I have a TWA (tiny fro). I don't focus entirely on my hair, but instead I make sure my overall look is professional. You should not be ashamed of the hair that grows out of your head, and it's unfair for others to judge you based upon your natural self. I hope we all in 2015 can embrace our true selves and not be ashamed to be who we were created to be.

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Employers in hospitals and elsewhere set the hair rules and dress codes...that's their prerogative!

It is what it is...don't muddy the waters by deliberately flaunting the rules..if you want the job!

It has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with racism.

Corn rows are not allowed in some industries whether you are black, white or green!

(I was reprimanded 'to get rid of the non-professional pony tail' and I am pearly white.)

I turned it back into a bun with an apology. I knew better but I was running late.

You want the job...then project the image the employer requires!

I will never understand those who expect employers to change dress/hair code to suit themselves.

If you want to decide the image you want to project, run your own business!

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