Black Hairstyles

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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 am so happy to read all of the positive comments about natural hair!! :yeah:

My hair is locked and is about shoulder length. I was concerned about how I may be percieved when I interview. I am in the midst of a career change and haven't had to present myself for a new job since I before I began locking my hair 2 years ago. I was actually considering cutting them off and going back to a perm. :uhoh3:

I have been playing with different hair styles and now feel more comfortable and confident about wearing my locks and beginning a new career.

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Good thread! I have relaxed hair that I wear in a bob. I tried to go natural by growing out my relaxer. It didn't work out. I think I need to do a big chop and start from scratch, but I'm too chicken to cut it all off!

NurseJackieIndy- your hair is gorgeous! I would love to wear mine like that.

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Specializes in ER.

I've seen and worked with many people who have all different styles of hair. I think as long as your facility allows for expression (bright green hair, for instance), then that is the only policy that should limit what you can do with hair... common sense being key - if you can't wear a nose or eyebrow ring to work, then probably not dramatic hair either. Professional hair/conduct/clothing = being viewed as a professional (to a facility) - they want to maintain their professional image.

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Specializes in ER.
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.

I'm white with insanely curly hair - sometimes no amount of product will tame the beast. :rotfl:

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Specializes in ER.
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.

why would you offend anyone by wearing your hair in your "natural" state??? Be who you are!!! :twocents:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.
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.

You don't want to "offend" anyone by wearing your natural hair? Wow. VA may be conservative but you shouldn't have to stop being yourself in order to not offend anyone.

I've been natural for 7 years now. I wear my hair in whatever style pleases me: big afro, short afro, two strand twists(my fave) or press out (rarely). I hate it that so many AA women have to even ask the question of whether or not they can wear their hair natural. the answer is YES.

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Specializes in OR Hearts 10.

I am floored that anyone would have to think about offeneding anyone else about their hair. My hair is pretty wild when I don't do anything with it, but would just pull it into a pony tail if I worked on the floor. Don't have to worry in the OR.

White girl in TX

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Specializes in student; help!.
I LLLLOOOOVVVVEEEE Curly Nikki's website. Her natural hair is gawdeous!!!!:yeah:

That is some straight-up gorgeous hair.

FWIW from a white girl, I think natural is fantastic and it always makes me happy to see women who choose it. Own it!

There's a little girl who is in a bunch of Laurie Berkner videos on Nick jr who has the most incredible natural I've ever seen. My daughter and I are in awe of her and I love that her parents chose to keep it that way. Doesn't hurt that she's cute enough to eat, either...

Anyway. Also, if a school rejects you/facility won't hire you because of your hair, you don't want to be there anyway.

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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.

Jayjo, have no fear, Sistuh is here!!!

Natural hair is Beautiful hair.

I have worn Dreadlocks for over 9 years; they are on my bum. I will hold a Bachelor's degree in 3 months and work in a hospital in San Diego (very few African-American nurses here,too). Sure, I still get the occasional " Is that your REAL hair?" or " How do you wash your it?". This is mostly due to ignorance or just plain curiosity. Point is, if you cut your hair and accept it for the Glory, that is like a crown, so will others. If you know that your hair is professional, then it will be. Besides, your studies will take your mind off of your hair; trust me :D

Good Luck to you...

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Specializes in Aspiring to become something great!.
Good thread! I have relaxed hair that I wear in a bob. I tried to go natural by growing out my relaxer. It didn't work out. I think I need to do a big chop and start from scratch, but I'm too chicken to cut it all off!

NurseJackieIndy- your hair is gorgeous! I would love to wear mine like that.

Thanks! Chop it off!

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Specializes in Aspiring to become something great!.
These are both so different but equally beautiful!

Thanks! I love being natural! I get excited talking about it

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You don't want to "offend" anyone by wearing your natural hair? Wow. VA may be conservative but you shouldn't have to stop being yourself in order to not offend anyone.

I've been natural for 7 years now. I wear my hair in whatever style pleases me: big afro, short afro, two strand twists(my fave) or press out (rarely). I hate it that so many AA women have to even ask the question of whether or not they can wear their hair natural. the answer is YES.

I also got negative comments from people also,such as "when are you going to perm that" from people also. My haif is similiar to. Jackies but longer and more coorifice,. Had laughs from patients when they first saw me,so yes you may not offend anyone but remember oyu will still get negative comments.

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