African American Hair Problems in Nursing

Emergent, RN · Jan 21, 2015

I had to look up the term as well. I had no idea these were in any way controversial, I thought they were a mainstream style. Don't they hail back to ancient Egypt? I like them. I agree, pull your hair back, you'd want to do that anyhow while at work.

If you were talking dreadlocks, I think those are associated with the marijuana culture.

If you are in a conservative region where these are considered outlandish, then wait until after your interview. Same goes for a white woman who wants to experiment with a more creative hairstyle.

Wolf at the Door, BSN · Jan 21, 2015

I been natural since Jan 2004 while a sophomore in college. I may just be more comfortable with my overall appearance since it has been 11 years this week. As long as my hair looks fresh I could care less what style I am wearing. If you worry about hair, I truly think it is a lack of confidence issue within yourself.

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 21, 2015

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!

See that's the thing here. She doesn't have a job. It's an interview, she has no clue what the rules for dress code are.

She is not deliberately flaunting the rules. I have no clue where you got that idea from.

And to others who say it just is what it is in regards to people's perceptions? If people keep accommodating on the basis well that's how they view things, how are they ever going to learn and change their perception.

Perhaps by going to an interview and rocking it out, the light bulb can begin to go off, at least in the ones who judge subconsciously, perhaps they can be led to think :you know what she may have different/traditional hair but she is the best candidate we have and seems like she would make a great nurse.

But it's a buyers market. I get it. It just depends on each individual person. And I'm pretty sure that if a nurse *feels * that having braids /natural hair style would come across as less professional, her performance at the interview is probably going to be affected by it, as she would probably be feeling insecure about it.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 21, 2015

And to others who say it just is what it is in regards to people's perceptions? If people keep accommodating on the basis well that's how they view things, how are they ever going to learn and change their perception.

:laugh: In my many travels, personally and professionally, especially personally, you CAN NOT change someone; one has to be willing to evolve beyond what they are. I am very cognizant that someone can be "set in their ways" and not budge AT ALL.

Perhaps by going to an interview and rocking it out, the light bulb can begin to go off, at least in the ones who judge subconsciously, perhaps they can be led to think :you know what she may have different/traditional hair but she is the best candidate we have and seems like she would make a great nurse.

That may have occurred in my interviews, perhaps, I wouldn't know. Personally, my name is pretty unusual and ethnic enough that I have never had a problem securing a job-that's a whole 'nother thread, but I state this because I have showed up with my ethnic name, natural hair and have gotten jobs on the spot or offered jobs, so I am from the school of thought that it doesn't matter; but I'm still aware of the potential dominating thought process that is prevalent, and have to be aware of such land mines professionally.

But it's a buyers market. I get it. It just depends on each individual person. And I'm pretty sure that if a nurse *feels * that having braids /natural hair style would come across as less professional, her performance at the interview is probably going to be affected by it, as she would probably be feeling insecure about it.

Oh, I HOPE that one is not insecure when going to an interview with natural hair! I think being out together enough and one can sell their experiences and present themselves to be a fit, at least philosophically, professionally and personally with an organization, then they are going to get the job regardless.

Making such a choice can be difficult, in terms of because of the surplus, especially starting out; I think as one accumulates the experiences, right professional exposures, references, and connections, it matters less. :yes:

Andi777 · Jan 21, 2015

May I ask a question -- and forgive me if this comes off sounding ignorant, but I really do not know. How are "box braids" racism?

AspiringNurseMW · Jan 21, 2015

May I ask a question -- and forgive me if this comes off sounding ignorant, but I really do not know. How are "box braids" racism?

It's not that the box braids themselves. It's if a prospective employer would have an unfavorable view/bias of an applicant who has their hair in box braids because they deem the style unprofessional, particularly because that hairstyle is normally specific to certain ethnicities /groups

knip622 · Jan 22, 2015

The last thing you want to worry about is what to do with your hair, when you have class or work to get off to. I would suggest that you go ahead and get the box braids for the simple fact that they are so versatile, that you could still pull off any professional looking hairstyle with these braids, pull them back into a low bun and good luck on your interview!! they are sure to give you the job based on your skill and not your hair!

Rom323 · Jan 22, 2015

Box braids are beautiful and I don't think that it makes you look unprofessional. However, if the braid is old, then you might want to change your look. Having a simple look for an interview is always a good idea; less makeup etc. So just put your recently done braids in a neat ponytail.

richardgecko · Jan 22, 2015

Thread starter consider joining an online community meant for African American hair care because I highly doubt you're going to get thoughtful, insightful answers from a mixed community where most neither understand the racial implications of African American hair or its styling needs.

I see a lot of people here insisting that there is nothing wrong with box braids (which there isn't) but don't understand or have to experience the racial aspect of styling and wearing African American hair. The truth is that plenty of non blacks are flat out un accepting and offended by some of our styling practices and as African Americans we have to be especially conscious of how we style out hair and how it is perceived by our non black peers. It's an unfortunate part of navigating through American society as a minority. We don't have the freedom in styling that many non blacks do because it may very well hinder us from job opportunities because it's perceived as "political" aka "too black". I'm not talking about bright colored crazy styles but something as simple as box braids or locs can get you fired. There are a significant number of people who genuinely believe that people with locs don't wash their hair and are generally unclean. They'd rather cling to negative stereotypes instead of taking the time out to study the spiritual significance and history behind the style. It sounds crazy but this is a glimpse into the what life is like as a minority. Every part of our life is affected by race, even how we style our hair.

richardgecko · Jan 22, 2015

See that's the thing here. She doesn't have a job. It's an interview, she has no clue what the rules for dress code are.
She is not deliberately flaunting the rules. I have no clue where you got that idea from.
And to others who say it just is what it is in regards to people's perceptions? If people keep accommodating on the basis well that's how they view things, how are they ever going to learn and change their perception.
Perhaps by going to an interview and rocking it out, the light bulb can begin to go off, at least in the ones who judge subconsciously, perhaps they can be led to think :you know what she may have different/traditional hair but she is the best candidate we have and seems like she would make a great nurse.
But it's a buyers market. I get it. It just depends on each individual person. And I'm pretty sure that if a nurse *feels * that having braids /natural hair style would come across as less professional, her performance at the interview is probably going to be affected by it, as she would probably be feeling insecure about it.

The fact that she's equating not being allowed to wear a pony tail with feeling discouraged about wearing a culturally traditional style out of fear of not being hired speaks volumes.

This has nothing to do with rules and everything to do with cultural perception and assimilation as a minority. Something that most "pearly white" people don't have to confront on a daily basis.

MissChloe · Jan 22, 2015

It's mother-flippin ridiculous is what it is, and we should be ashamed of ourselves that overt racism like this still prevents people from getting jobs.

I absolutely agree. As long as it's not pink, standing in sharpened points off your head, or dirty/smelly/unkempt, it should make no difference at all.

Nicunurse14 · Jan 22, 2015

Be yourself be confident wear your braids with pride and don't let anyone tell you any different. I got my job in NICU and I wore braids during my interview. I went in with confidence and sold myself. My braids were neat and professional looking. I am professional and braids dont make you any less profession then having straight permed hair. Many doctors, managers etc etc wear braids all the time. A top cardiothoriac doc at my hospital wears braids all the time. BE YOU!!