Black woman wearing puff pigtails to work

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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!

I am struggling with wearing my natural hair at work also...and in life! There were recently laws passed preventing discrimination against natural Afr. Amr. hair styles.

I always try to balance out the youthful look my ponytail may give with knowledge and education to my patient's. It comforts them and gives them confidence in me as a nurse no matter what my hair looks like.

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On 7/22/2019 at 2:28 PM, 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!

On one hand, I thought, of course it is fine but then I see situations to where, people have been fired and threatened to change their hair style( AA people). It should be okay. Is there a hair policy where you work? Maybe just start working first and see how the place is, you will know. I don't usually see natural haired women wearing their hair in puffball pigtails or straight pigtails and not because they can't but because adults don't tend to wear their hair this way, not saying you shouldn't or it is wrong but I just don't see it regardless of the color of a persons skin color.

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11 hours ago, Neo Soldier said:

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.

Unless it is a high quality wig and put on properly, it will be damaging moreso helpful. Most of the wigs AA women wear are cheap and add to hair loss. Only because a good quality wig is super expensive, you need to see a hair consultant to really benefit from wearing one, instead of just going to a wig shop, and putting one on your head. Sometimes one can have an allergic reaction to a wig.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am so glad you feel empowered and I am so sorry you have to worry about it. I personally would be in vocal favor of you wearing your hair any way that is tidy, professional and meets your personal criteria for feeling how you want to feel. I'll take two adorable puffs over a greasy messy bun with a stretchy headband ANY day.

Any implication that wearing your natural hair is "unprofessional" is patently false. It makes me sad/angry that you even have to weigh that out. Its wrong. Rock your puffs.

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26 minutes ago, not.done.yet said:

I'll take two adorable puffs over a greasy messy bun with a stretchy headband ANY day.

Ah yes, the "I just finished a game of field hockey look". Not a fan.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
41 minutes ago, Wuzzie said:

Ah yes, the "I just finished a game of field hockey look". Not a fan.

Not only is it unprofessional, its gross. The messy bun isn't the issue. The unwashed hair is.

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I think that's a cute style and can't imagine it would be an issue, as it's up and clean. What I hate to see are these young women with their long hair hanging down. Yes, your hair is beautiful, but it's also touching my mother when you lean over her hospital bed, which means your hair has been touching all the other patients too. Gross!

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I'm a fan of natural hair and Afro puffs, and find them very charming on young women. I vote yes.

Personally, it would put me at ease seeing a nurse with natural hair that makes work easy and neat. JMHO.

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