Black woman wearing puff pigtails to work

[HoopNurseMomo, ADN, RN]

I was wondering if it’s unprofessional to wear puffball pigtails to work. I am an African American woman with short hair and i want to wear my hair in a protective style between having braids at work. I also look very young as a new nurse. I want to look professional and be respected by coworkers and patients, but I also want to take care of my hair so it can grow and breathe. Has anyone ever worn pigtails to work? Thanks!

[Asystole RN]

I personally do not think it would look unprofessional but it might highlight your youth. Nothing wrong with that but since you mentioned age I am guessing you are also attempting to project more seasoning? If so I would consider something to offset the youthful hairstyle to balance the image. Consider a Fleetwood Mac or Deep Purple button.

[HoopNurseMomo, ADN, RN]

9 minutes ago, Asystole RN said:

I personally do not think it would look unprofessional but it might highlight your youth. Nothing wrong with that but since you mentioned age I am guessing you are also attempting to project more seasoning? If so I would consider something to offset the youthful hairstyle to balance the image. Consider a Fleetwood Mac or Deep Purple button.

Thank you! I appreciate your quick response and advice. Doing something to offset my hair style could help with my youthful look.

[TAKOO01, BSN]

Its not unprofessional. But if you are concerned about the style being too youthful, there are many style options you can look up online, so two puffs is far from your only choice.

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

Have you considered a wig? This way you can have a protective hairstyle underneath and have the option of letting your hair breathe after your shift.

[NurseBlaq]

Not pigtails, maybe one big puff like Thelma used to wear on Good Times

[Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN]

I work with a woman who wears her hair this way or in one puff. I personally love this look and think her hair looks amazing. She is well respected and liked by both pts and staff and I have never heard anyone say anything about her hair other than it looks really cute that way!

[HoopNurseMomo, ADN, RN]

On 7/22/2019 at 11:28 AM, HoopNurseMomo said:

I was wondering if it’s unprofessional to wear puffball pigtails to work. I am an African American woman with short hair and i want to wear my hair in a protective style between having braids at work. I also look very young as a new nurse. I want to look professional and be respected by coworkers and patients, but I also want to take care of my hair so it can grow and breathe. Has anyone ever worn pigtails to work? Thanks!

So update on the topic I did end up wearing Afro pigtails with a scar type headband to work and no one said anything negative. No one treated me differently. And the patients all acted the same. I think if I wore them when first starting out on the floor, it would be different. But I have more confidence in my job. My coworkers love me and know I’m smart and independent. And if you carry that confidence in to your patient interactions they don’t view you as dumb or young.

[NurseBlaq]

6 minutes ago, HoopNurseMomo said:

So update on the topic I did end up wearing Afro pigtails with a scar type headband to work and no one said anything negative. No one treated me differently. And the patients all acted the same. I think if I wore them when first starting out on the floor, it would be different. But I have more confidence in my job. My coworkers love me and know I’m smart and independent. And if you carry that confidence in to your patient interactions they don’t view you as dumb or young.

Welp, rock your puffs and grow your natural, Sis! Natural is a beautiful thing.

[HoopNurseMomo, ADN, RN]

1 minute ago, NurseBlaq said:

Welp, rock your puffs and grow your natural, Sis! Natural is a beautiful thing.

Thanks, girl! It’s a whole new feeling of power and independence almost.

[NurseBlaq]

? Had to post this because I'm completely guilty! Those twist outs have you looking crazy at night.

[chulada77, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I think it depends on the policy and aura of your hospital . I worked at a county hospital and pigtails would have been totally acceptable; some of the other hospitals might think differently but I say Rock It and do it classy!!