Dreadlocks?

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Right now I am doing my pre-reqs to try to get into the RN program at Ivy Tech. I am also about to put my hair in dreadlocks very soon. Before I do, I would like to know if you think it will be hard for me to get a job? They will not be a complete mess and contrary to popular belief they can be washed and they are just as clean as other hair styles. I am just worried that it may affect my ability to get a job and also I am worried about what my instructors may think. My hair is long so they will be able to be put in a ponytail and pulled back out of my face. Please be as honest and critical as ever lol. I just want honest opinions. Thanks!!:nurse:

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Probably it depends on the region that you live in. What's okay in San Francisco could very well go over like a ton of bricks in Peoria.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

I believe that people who are African-American or of mixed race...dread locks are a natural way of fixing hair. I have a close friend who is from St. Thomas that has always kept her hair in dreads and she pulls them back in "ponytail" while nursing.

There is nothing unnatural or unprofessional about it, which is another reason why it's referred to as "ethnic" hair...because it's the way the hair naturally wants to go without someone having to spend a fortune on relaxers, etc.

However, for everyone else, it's not natural or professional thing to do. The oil content of "caucasian" hair is entirely too high and from my understanding, cannot really be washed without ruining the look, which can really raise a stink in more ways than one.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I agree with BabyLady. For people with nappy hair, dreadlocks look like just another hairstyle. For White folk it makes them look like a urine drug screen would most definitely be positive for THC... :smokin:

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.
I agree with BabyLady. For people with nappy hair, dreadlocks look like just another hairstyle. For White folk it makes them look like a urine drug screen would most definitely be positive for THC... :smokin:

*********!!!!!!!!!!!!! My coffee was about to come out my nose on that one!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.
*********!!!!!!!!!!!!! My coffee was about to come out my nose on that one!!!

:lol2::smokin::lol2:

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Hey Icaria,

I have a friend who has been in nursing for quite a while and she has locks. I asked her about her thoughts and she mentioned that as long as the are kept neat she doesn't see why it would be an issue. Hope that helps :)

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I am an American African young lady and I intend to loc my hair as soon as school starts in August b/c my lpn program is 9mths long & it will take my hair approx. 9mths to loc. As mentioned above, as long as any hairstyle is kept neat & clean, I dont see the problem. Furthermore, I would like to think that schools would be smart enough not to open themselves up to discrimination law suits by expressing problems w/ such ethnic hairstyles, especially if they are well maintained.

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I am an American African young lady and I intend to loc my hair as soon as school starts in August b/c my lpn program is 9mths long & it will take my hair approx. 9mths to loc. As mentioned above, as long as any hairstyle is kept neat & clean, I dont see the problem. Furthermore, I would like to think that schools would be smart enough not to open themselves up to discrimination law suits by expressing problems w/ such ethnic hairstyles, especially if they are well maintained.

Your hair must be above the collarline, off your face and be neat. Other than that, they can not say anything about an ethenic culture hairstyles. Good luck!!!

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Your hair must be above the collarline, off your face and be neat. Other than that, they can not say anything about an ethenic culture hairstyles. Good luck!!!

Thank you. I'm not a very patient person, so I'm hoping that my hair will grow fast and healthy. I am tired of relaxers, and hopefully I'm able to enjoy every stage of my locs as they grow. I have researched the topic heavily and am eager to finally take the plunge!

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I am currently and RN student. I have went to the same college since my first day of CNA classes. On July 4th 2011, I put my hair in dreads. I have never had a complaint about them and every clinical setting I have entered the individuals I work with and the clients I have taken care of have been intrigued by my hair. I am a white women and I feel that we as health care professionals set the standard of being nonjudgmental and raise the bar when it comes to putting an end to stereotyping. I love my dreads and to tell a nurse she cannot have dreads is to say to a Jamaican, African American, or anyone else who has dreads that we do not approve...and this kind of attitude in itself is nonprofessional and discriminatory. We need to step past the point of stereotyping and just be supportive of everyone and the differences they bring to our community.

This is my opinion....be who you are and know that your hair never determines what kind of a nurse you will be. No matter your hairstyle you will find work somewhere. For someone to deny you of a job because you have dreads is not an EOE/company to work for to begin with.

Best of Luck

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Specializes in Corrections & Developmental Disabilities.

I wore locs for seven years, maintained a clean, professional appearance(washed,groomed,wore off my face and collar) and my hair never kept me from educational or work opportunities. I lived and worked in culturally diverse and progressive places(Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Las Vegas). Individual choice and expression are respected and encouraged more in some places than others. Consider where and how you would like to live and work as you job search. Walk your path, learn as much as you can and provide the best care you can for your patients: )

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I think dreadlocks are self expressive. They are a form of freedom. My dreads are therapy for my soul. If anybody is unhappy with my dreads then they abviously dont accept who I am. Embrace who you are in surroundings that respects you for you. Good luck on your choice to lock and be a proffessional as well.

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