Short story: I have curly hair. But I straighten it for work to appear “professional.” Or I wear a bun to look “serious.”
These ideas were shaped by social norms + experiences where I’ve been the only woman in the room or dealt w sexual harassment/bias.
But when my 15yo niece visited last week, I marveled at her stunning curls. “It just dries this way,” she said.
And it dawned on me - Wait, mine does too! Or would if I paid less attention to cultural expectations. So I think I’ll do that now.
Another "me too" moment between us though my solution was to wear my hair cut very short @Sheril
Once I got off the career treadmill (totally incompatible with my caring responsibilities, so I'll leave you to imagine the damage to my income and pension, but that's a whole other story...) I allowed it to grow. It's so superficial, but I've had some pleasure from the appreciation of others of my curly locks (also now embarrassed at toe-curling disclosure!)
@Sheril totally relate with this.
However, I've always refused to straighten my hair because I didn't want to waste my time to conform.
I've the same attitude to dyeing my whitening hair and must say it's equally penalising, if not more
Despite some progress over the past few years, race-based hair discrimination still remains a widespread issue for Black women in the workplace. A recent study showed that Black women’s hair was two-and-a-half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional, and one-fifth of the Black women surveyed between the ages of 25 and 34 had been sent home from work because of their hair. Although 20 states have adopted the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles including braids, twists, and locs, hair discrimination is not prohibited at a federal level in the U.S. To address and mitigate hair bias and discrimination, company leaders should focus on the following three areas: awareness, employee feedback, and objectivity.
Good for you! Same! I ditched my straightening iron years ago, and my hair (and schedule) thanked me for it. Still, every hairdresser I go to automatically goes for the straightening iron or asks if I would like a chemical straightener.
Nope! Curls are beautiful!
There is a huge "curly girl" community out there. Google it and you will find tons of suggestions. I too straightened my wavy hair for decades, until menopause hit and I just couldn't take it anymore ... Now I just use a ton of conditioner and squish it in. It's like magic. My hair is so much easier. Also, nowadays: More acceptable. Like dark tights instead of nylon "nude" panty hose, right? Things evolve! Hooray. ... Enjoy your natural hair!
My maternal grandmother lived with us when I was a child. She wore her hair in a bun. Yes, the bun means "it is serious time now".
I absolutely love curly hair.
Sadly, you are right about default human behavior and appearances. You are doing the smart thing to that end.
Let if go curly on the weekend tho.
@Sheril YES!
And also there is this: If it grows on company time then cut it on company time.
curly hair are ... happy
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