Black Hairstyles

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Is it unprofessional to wear afros, natural hairstyles, or braids as a medical professional? Many of my friends want to get rid of the relaxer and wear their natural but are afraid they won't be accepted in fear that straight hair is the most accepted hairstyle in America??

Is it unprofessional to wear afros, natural hairstyles, or braids as a medical professional? Many of my friends want to get rid of the relaxer and wear their natural but are afraid they won't be accepted in fear that straight hair is the most accepted hairstyle in America??

I dont think that America accepts only straight hair,curly hair nicely maintained and kept look just as professional as any..however I think the corporate america is trying to send a message to people;dont come to work looking like you have been struck by lightening..it takes a lot of time to make curly hair look good in the morning....:twocents:

Ps..btw I'm a white nurse with a straight hair which curles up at the end.

Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

As long as it's neat and clean, any natural hairstyles should be fine. I've worked with a number of coworkers who have dreadlocks and braids. Plus, dreadlocks look great in black hair - if my hair was the right texture, I'd get them in an instant :D

Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care, Cardiac Ca.

I work with nurses of all colors and creed...and I must say, of my African-American and curly haired co-workers...I LOVE THEIR HAIR! I have seen very professional braids, beautiful rows, fros, and my favorite, neatly kept and stunning dreadlocks.

What has seemed UNPROFESSIONAL are the the bright colored dyes, gaudy colors and/or bright red, blue, pink extensions. I say, so long as it doesn't get in the way, and is clean, go for it!

Being recently accepted into nursing school....Ive been wondering what to do with my natural hair...weekly visits to the salon is no longer allowed due the cost of tuition, books etc..... I'm leaning towards a pressing/hot comb & ponytails

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Psych, Regulatory.

neat and clean in appearance is the kicker..... the style is not the main concern... i've seen nice dreads and nasty dreads... nice straight hair and nasty straight hair on all peoples

Afros, natural hair styles, and braids are all acceptable and considered professional in the hospital where I work.

Oh my goodness Emile, you must've been reading my mind. I was just online looking for some sort of professional ,natural or press-n-curl style for nursing school.I 've been natural for three years and usually wear my hair pressed out or in a weave. But I'm very concerned that my very thick/coorifice hair will not hold a press during nursing school clinicals and I don't want to offend anyone by wearing it in its natural state. I live in a very conservative part of VA and only about 4 out of 40 NS are african american.

Are there any women who can speak on this situation from experience, and give suggestions.

Specializes in LTC.

Hi Im a nursing student now and I wear my hair in braids and twists. They look nice and work well for my budget and time. I wake up and go. I put my hair in a pony tail for clinicals and wear them down for home and regular classroom work.

Being recently accepted into nursing school....Ive been wondering what to do with my natural hair...weekly visits to the salon is no longer allowed due the cost of tuition, books etc..... I'm leaning towards a pressing/hot comb & ponytails

Hi southernbelle,

The are many easy to do natural styles that you can accomplish on your own. Some of my favorites include two strand twist, twist out, braid out, bantu knot out, etc. Keep in mind that frequent use of hot/pressing combs can be damaging to the natural hair as well. The are tons of of web sites, blogs, you tube tutorials/videos, and facebook groups, dedicated to maintanance and styling natural hair.Here are a few to get you started :

www.curlynikki.com

www.afroniquelyyou.com

Specializes in AA&I, research,peds, radiation oncology.
Being recently accepted into nursing school....Ive been wondering what to do with my natural hair...weekly visits to the salon is no longer allowed due the cost of tuition, books etc..... I'm leaning towards a pressing/hot comb & ponytails

Hi southernbelle225-May I suggest you visit hair care websites for naturals. I like www.blackgirllonghair.com and www.longhaircareforum.com and www.hairlicious.com for suggestions for your hair. I LOVE naturals-there's so much you can do with your hair besides pressing. Try them out;there are so many suggestions for budget-conscious girls like us!!!:D

oh my goodness emile, you must've been reading my mind. i was just online looking for some sort of professional ,natural or press-n-curl style for nursing school.i 've been natural for three years and usually wear my hair pressed out or in a weave. but i'm very concerned that my very thick/coorifice hair will not hold a press during nursing school clinicals and i don't want to offend anyone by wearing it in its natural state. i live in a very conservative part of va and only about 4 out of 40 ns are african american.

are there any women who can speak on this situation from experience, and give suggestions.

i don't see how you would be offending someone by wearing your hair the way it naturally grows out of your scalp. i use to have the same concern, but i have learn to love and accept myself and everything on my body as god naturally made me. i keep my hair clean and neat but i refuse to hide it or continuously put damaging chemical and heat in it just to avoid affending others. i dont get offended when i see people where their naturally straight hair, so why should they be when i wear mines naturally curly? keep you hair clean and neat, be proud, have pride, exude confidence, and walk with your head high when you wear your curls and others will accept you for who you truly are.

emile

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